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The Ultimate Hyundai Winter EV Tires Guide: Navigating Cold Whitby, Ontario Roads with Confidence

Blog Sep 28th, 2023


Winter has always presented unique challenges for drivers, but with the rise of electric vehicles (EVs), the stakes are even higher, especially for those navigating the chilly streets of Whitby, Ontario. Electric cars, known for their eco-friendliness and efficiency, also require special consideration when it comes to tires in cold, snowy, or icy conditions. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the essential aspects of choosing the right winter tires for your EV, ensuring you can navigate the winter roads in Whitby with confidence while maintaining the performance and safety of your electric vehicle.

Why Winter Tires Matter for Electric Vehicles


Electric vehicles have distinct advantages over their internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts, including instant torque delivery, quiet operation, and zero tailpipe emissions. However, these advantages do not exempt them from the laws of physics, especially when it comes to traction and handling in adverse winter conditions.
Winter tires, also known as snow tires, are designed to provide superior grip and control in cold weather, including snowy, slushy, and icy conditions. These tires feature unique tread patterns, rubber compounds, and siping that help maintain traction on slippery surfaces. For EV owners, winter tires are crucial for several reasons:

  • Traction and Safety: Winter tires significantly improve traction on snow and ice, reducing the risk of accidents and enhancing overall safety.
  • Range Preservation: EVs are sensitive to changes in efficiency, and winter conditions can reduce range due to factors like increased rolling resistance from cold tires. Winter tires can help mitigate this issue.
  • Battery Preservation: Winter tires can help prevent excessive wear on the vehicle’s battery by reducing the need for aggressive acceleration and regenerative braking.

Do Electric Vehicles have special tires?


Similar to ICE vehicles, there are a lot of different factors to take into consideration when choosing your Winter Tires. Here are some of the key factors to think about when you begin your search.

  1. Tire Types

There are three main types of winter tires to choose from:

  • Studless Ice and Snow Tires (Winter Tires): These tires are designed for extreme winter conditions and excel on icy surfaces. They use specialized rubber compounds that stay flexible in cold temperatures and provide excellent grip. Moreover, their deep tread patterns and aggressive siping enhance traction.
  • Studded Tires: Studded tires feature metal studs embedded in the tread for extra grip on icy roads. While they offer excellent traction, they can be noisy and may damage road surfaces. Check your local regulations, as some areas restrict or ban the use of studded tires.
  • Performance Winter Tires: Performance winter tires strike a balance between winter traction and dry road performance. They are ideal if you live in an area with milder winters and occasional snowfall.

For most EV owners, studless ice and snow tires provide an excellent balance of winter performance and daily drivability.

  1. Tire Size and Compatibility
    Selecting the correct tire size and compatibility is crucial for maintaining your EV’s handling and performance. Consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure you choose tires that meet the specifications for your EV model.
  2. Load and Speed Ratings
    Pay attention to the load and speed ratings on the tire sidewall. These ratings indicate the maximum load-carrying capacity and speed capability of the tire. Ensure that the winter tires you choose match or exceed your EV’s requirements.
  3. Winter Tire Technology
    Modern winter tires come equipped with advanced technologies to enhance performance. Look for features like:
  • Multi-cell or multicell compound: This technology provides better ice and snow traction by removing water from the tire’s contact patch.
  • Siping: Thin slits or grooves in the tread blocks that improve grip on slippery surfaces.
  • Variable tread designs: Tires with different patterns on the inner and outer treads offer better performance in various conditions.
  • Run-flat technology: Some winter tires allow you to drive for a short distance even after a puncture.
  1. Price vs. Quality
    While it can be tempting to opt for budget winter tires, investing in quality tires is essential for your safety and the long-term health of your EV. Quality tires tend to provide better traction, last longer, and offer a more comfortable ride.
  2. Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS)
    Many EVs come equipped with a TPMS that monitors tire pressure. Ensure that your winter tires are compatible with your vehicle’s TPMS to maintain accurate pressure readings during the colder months.
  3. Seasonal Swapping
    Consider whether you will keep winter tires on your EV year-round or if you plan to swap them with all-season or summer tires in the warmer season. Many EV owners opt for seasonal swapping to maximize the lifespan of their winter tires.

Do Electric car tires wear out faster?


Many EVs are heavier than regular cars of a similar size, which puts more load on the tires while you’re driving. When combined with the almost instant torque provided by electric motors, that can lead to your tires wearing out faster than they should. Here are things that EV drivers can do to keep their Winter tires in great shape all season long:

  1. Proper Inflation: Ensure your tires are inflated to the recommended pressure levels as per the manufacturer’s guidelines. EVs are sensitive to tire pressure, and maintaining the right inflation can improve both tire life and overall efficiency.
  2. Rotate Tires Regularly: Rotate your tires at regular intervals, typically every 6,000 to 8,000 miles. This helps distribute wear more evenly among all four tires, extending their lifespan.
  3. Alignment Check: Have your wheel alignment checked periodically. Misaligned wheels can lead to uneven tire wear, reducing tire life and compromising vehicle handling.
  4. Drive Smart in Winter Conditions: In winter, drive cautiously and adapt your driving style to the weather conditions. Avoid sudden stops and sharp turns to minimize stress on your tires. Refrain from aggressive driving habits like rapid acceleration and hard braking, which can put extra stress on your tires. Electric vehicles are known for their quick acceleration, so be mindful of how you apply the throttle.
  5. Tire Storage During Off-Season: If you switch between summer and winter tires, store the unused set properly. Keep them in airtight bags or containers to prevent moisture and degradation. If you’ve got nowhere to store them, we can keep them safely stored here at Ontario Hyundai until you’re ready to use them again.
  6. Load Capacity: Be mindful of your EV’s load capacity and avoid overloading it. Excessive weight can accelerate tire wear and negatively impact your vehicle’s performance.

By following these tips and maintaining your tires regularly, you can help ensure that your EV’s winter tires stay in excellent condition throughout the season, enhancing both safety and efficiency.

Is AWD good in Snow?


Whether you have AWD, 4WD or 2WD, it’s important to dispel the common misconception that these drivetrains eliminate the need for winter tires. In winter conditions, it’s not just about your vehicle’s power; it’s all about traction. While 4WD and AWD vehicles may accelerate more quickly in the snow, when it comes to stopping and cornering, they face similar challenges as 2WD vehicles. The key to effective winter driving in larger vehicles with torque systems is pairing them with snow tires for optimal performance. The same principle applies to AWD vehicles, which excel in acceleration but require snow tires for improved stopping and maneuvering capabilities. In essence, regardless of your drivetrain, equipping your vehicle with snow tires is the safest and most reliable choice for winter conditions.

What kind of tires do electric cars use?


If you’re wondering “who makes tires for EV cars?” you may be surprised that most tire manufacturers you recognize here in North America produce Winter tires that are suited for EVs. Here are a few examples of Winter tires that are perfect for Hyundai fully electric vehicles:

The 2023 IONIQ 5

  • YOKOHAMA
    IceGuard G075 (Price for set of 4: $980.00*)
    Part #: 110175115 | Tire Size: 235/60R18
    Load / Speed / Ply: 107 / T / SL
  • PIRELLI
    ICE ZERO ASIMMETRICO (Price for set of 4: $1,069.44*)
    Part #: 4069900 | Tire Size: 235/60R18
    Load / Speed / Ply: 107 / H / XL
  • TOYO TIRES
    Observe G3-Ice Studded (Price for set of 4: $1,036.00)
    Part #: 138670 | Tire Size: 235/60R18
    Load / Speed / Ply: 107 / T / XL

The 2023 IONIQ 6

  • DUNLOP
    Winter Maxx 2 (Price for set of 4: $687.16*)
    Part #: 266016621 | Tire Size: 205/55R16
    Load / Speed / Ply: 94 / T / XL
  • GOODYEAR
    IceGuard IG53  (Price for set of 4: $711.20*)
    Part #: 110115327 | Tire Size: 205/55R16
    Load / Speed / Ply: 91 / H / SL
  • HANKOOK
    Winter i*Pike RS2 (Price for set of 4: $710.08)
    Part #: 1026801 | Tire Size: 205/55R16
    Load / Speed / Ply: 94 / T / XL

*Prices subject to change.

If you’re in search of the ideal winter tire package to enhance the performance of your EV, hybrid, or conventional gasoline Hyundai vehicle, you’re in the right place. This comprehensive guide is designed to assist you in selecting the perfect set of tires that suit your needs and align with your budget. Click here to explore our dedicated tire page for more information. (link)


As an electric vehicle owner in Whitby, choosing the right winter tires is essential for maintaining safety, performance, and efficiency during the cold months. By considering factors such as tire type, size, compatibility, and technology, you can confidently navigate the winter roads throughout Ontario with your EV. Remember that investing in quality winter tires is an investment in your safety and the longevity of your electric vehicle. With the right winter tires, you can enjoy the benefits of eco-friendly transportation year-round, no matter how cold the weather gets. Schedule your tire swap today!

 

 

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Sources:
https://www.michelin.ca/en/auto/learn/electric-cars-in-winter/winter-tire-guide-for-hybrid-and-electric-cars
https://www.hyundaimotorgroup.com/story/CONT0000000000050465
https://thetirelab.com/autobild/winter/2021/205-55-r16/
http://mygarageairdrie.ca/the-best-winter-tires-for-hybrid-cars-evs/
https://alltyretests.com/category/winter/
https://www.designnews.com/automotive-engineering/compounds-and-control-how-winter-tire-technology-works
https://www.hyundaivt.com/parts/winter-tire-guide.htm
https://www.bridgestonetire.com/learn/maintenance/awd-4wd-drivetrains-in-snow-tires/
https://www.ioniqforum.com/threads/ev-winter-tire-wheel-choices.38235/
https://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-drive/adventure/red-line/the-science-behind-winter-tires-and-how-they-work/article32531630/

 

Ontario Hyundai CarsBlogThe Ultimate Hyundai Winter EV Tires Guide: Navigating Cold Whitby, Ontario Roads with Confidence