Winter Tires
Do I need winter tires or will my all-season tires do?
All-season tires are a compromise: they work fine in a wide variety of conditions. But they aren't master of any condition. Specific winter tires deliver much better snow and ice performance than all-season tires because of their tread designs. If you will be driving in snowy or icy conditions, winter tires will provide as much as 50% better traction. This could be the difference between safe acceleration and braking or a collision.
Do I need two winter tires or four?
Tire manufacturers and vehicle manufacturers recommend you install four winter tires on your vehicle. In the past, winter tires differed from other tires, only in tread design. Today winter tires have different compounds and designs, so having two types of tires on the same vehicle can cause a "split personality". One set of tires on the vehicle may react differently than the other pair. This can impair acceleration, braking, handling and control. To maintain consistent vehicle handling, install four matching winter tires.
What if my car has traction control or ABS brakes?
These are great developments in driving but neither provides more traction. ABS and traction control only help prevent drivers from overbraking or overpowering the available traction of their tires. The only way to increase traction and get more grip and control is to install better tires.
What if my vehicle has front wheel drive or all-wheel drive?
Front wheel drive or all-wheel drive will be even more effective in snow and ice if you have snow tires. In particular, front wheel drive helps you accelerate but doesn't help you stop. That's why you'll benefit from the increased traction of four winter tires.
What does the snowflake-on-the-mountain symbol mean?
This new symbol distinguishes winter tires from all-season tires. It helps consumers identify tires that meet the Rubber Association of Canada Snow Traction Performance requirements by providing a higher level of traction in harsh winter conditions. This symbol is located on the sidewall of the tires.
Does it mean I don't need chains?
While tires with the snowflake-on-the-mountain symbol meet severe winter traction standards, there still may be poor road conditions in severe snow zones where chains will be helpful or required, no matter what type of vehicle or tires are used.