https://www.thestar.com/opinion/editorials/2019/01/29/that-big-storm-shows-its-time-to-install-snow-tires.html
That big storm shows snow tires are a must
In the midst of the storm that dumped about 25 cm of snow on the GTA on Monday, it was easy to spot the drivers who hadn’t invested in snow tires.
They were the ones holding back other cars and buses as they fishtailed it along highways and up city street hills. Or spinning their wheels before sliding backwards into the poor souls behind them. Or unable to navigate a turn without sliding sideways, endangering other drivers and pedestrians alike.
It’s nothing new. It happens every year.
Still, some drivers convince themselves it isn’t worth spending $600 to $1,000 on snow tires.
They’re wrong — for so many reasons.
First, the deductible on insurance policies is usually around $500, minimum. Drivers who cause a collision will be paying that, plus higher premiums on their insurance rates.
Second, starting in 2016 insurers in Ontario were required to offer a discount of up to 5 per cent to drivers who have snow tires. That’s about $80 a year on average policies. And that can almost pay for snow tires over the life of an automobile.
Third, instead of buying two sets of all-seasons over the lifetime of a car, drivers only need one set of snows and one set of all-seasons.