We are reaching that time again when the temperature dips below 7°C. If you’re in the know, you can identify that number being the special temperature threshold to determine when you put on your winter tires. 

Most Canadians understand when to put on winter tires, but there are still those Canadians who aren’t sure when to take that plunge. Global warming has made that decision more difficult to determine what weather is on the horizon. We no longer can wait until November 15th to change our summer or all-season tires like clockwork. We actually need to follow the weather reports and follow through when we see the temperature stay below 7°C.

The good people at Canadian Tire have gone one-step further to help those drivers figure out what time is best to switch over to winter tires. They’ve teamed up with a leading rubber Research & Development organization called ARTIS to develop as they call it – “a temperature-sensitive, colour-change all-season concept tire.” It’s a mouthful name for now, but I’m sure when this concept becomes reality they will name it something more catchy.

On hand to explain the tire concept was Dr. Joe Hallett, Commercial Manager at ARTIS, who’s also in charge of this tire project. He went through the motions on explaining how all-season tires harden and lose its tread below 7°C; while winter tires possess flexible tread allowing you to drive, brake and handle closer to normal road conditions attacking that snow, sludge and ice. 

The concept that ARTIS is creating on behalf of Canadian Tire will have a white rubber sidewall strip on an all-season tire that can determine the temperature outside and if it’s below 7°C that white colour turns to blue. 

“Our team at ARTIS took a particular interest in this project as it presented an idea we believe no one had considered before Canadian Tire,” stated Dr. Joe Hallett, Commercial Manager, ARTIS. “Canadian Tire is one of few leaders in delivering the message of winter driving safety. As a father of young children, I share their desire to communicate how important it is to use winter tires. Through an extensive Research & Development process, we have created a concept that could help to change our thinking.”

It’s kind of an idiot-proof concept to help consumers out. Is it needed? Not really. Is it cool? Sure. Would different colour tires cause a distraction on the road? Possibly, but who knows how it will look when ready.

It’s early days and still in the concept stage, but it’s nice to see that Canadian Tire is trying their best to look out for the safety of their consumers. There’s no timetable as of yet and it seems this concept won’t be in production for some time. When more information comes out – we will let you know.