What Is the Difference Between All-Season and Winter Tires?

You’ve heard of summer, all-season, winter, and maybe even all-weather tires. But do you know what the difference is between each type? A common misconception is that all-season tires can handle all four seasons. But in Canada, this generally isn’t the case for most of the country. 

Learn the difference between these four types of tires and how to tell which one you’ll need for safe winter driving. 

What’s the Difference Between Winter and All-Season Tires? 

The two key differences between winter and all-season tires are the rubber and tread pattern. 

Rubber 

The biggest difference between winter and summer and all-season tires is the type of rubber they’re made of. 

Below 7°C, all-season and summer tires become too rigid, which means they lose elasticity and grip on the road 

Winter tires are made of much softer rubber, so they stay flexible at lower temperatures. Even if there isn’t any snow on the road, a cold, dry road still needs a winter tire for better grip and shorter stopping distances. 

Because of the softer rubber, winter tires wear faster and are less effective at gripping the road in warmer weather. That’s why it’s important to swap back to your all-season or summer tires once temperatures are consistently above 7°C. 

Tread 

Winter tires have deeper, wider grooves and many more sipes, which are the tiny, thin slits cut into the tread blocks that expand to grip wet, snowy, or icy roads. 

In comparison, all-season and summer tires have a shallower tread with fewer sipes. These tires are specifically designed to move water but aren’t as effective at gripping cold and snowy roads. 

Where Do All-Weather (4-Season) Tires Fit? 

All-weather tires, also called 4-season tires, sit between all-season and winter tires. Despite the similar names, all-weather and all-season tires aren’t the same thing. 

All-season tires are really built for spring, summer and fall. Most carry only the M+S marking (mud and snow), which only refers to tire design, not tested performance. Their rubber compounds start to harden once temperatures drop below 7°C. 

All-weather tires are made from a rubber compound that’s softer than an all-season tire’s, so they retain their flexibility in the cold. Their tread is also designed to handle snow. What sets them apart is the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol on the sidewall, which means they’ve passed the same snow traction test as winter tires. 

Their compounds are still firmer than a dedicated winter tire’s, though, so they can stay on your vehicle year-round without wearing out too quickly in the summer heat. 

That balance comes with a trade-off. All-weather tires grip much better than all-season tires in cold and snowy conditions, but they don’t match dedicated winter tires on ice or in deep, heavy snow. 

All-weather tires suit drivers in milder regions, such as coastal B.C., where heavy snowfalls are rare. If you live where winters are long and snowy, dedicated winter tires are still your best option. 

How to Tell Them Apart: Sidewall Symbols 

The sidewall is the side of your tire, where the brand name and tire size are moulded into the rubber. If you’re unsure whether you have winter or all-season tires, check the sidewall for these different types of symbols: 

• M+S: This symbol indicates a tire tread design with no snow performance test behind it. These tires may not adequately grip the road in severe weather conditions. 

• Three-peak mountain snowflake: A snowflake inside a three-peaked mountain means your tires are rated for winter driving, as they meet specific snow traction performance requirements and are designed for severe snow. 

Are All-Season Tires Good Enough for a Canadian Winter? 

All-season tires are generally not sufficient for winter conditions across most of Canada. Once temperatures stay below 7°C, all-season tires lose their efficacy and can increase your risk of a winter accident. 

Depending on where you live, your provincial government may require the use of certain kinds of tires throughout the year: 

• Quebec: Four winter tires, with the mountain-snowflake symbol, or studded tires, are required from December 1 to March 15. M+S all-season tires do not comply with this law. 

• British Columbia: M+S or mountain-snowflake-symbol-rated tires with at least 3.5 mm of tread are required on designated highways in the winter. 

• Ontario: While there are no winter tire laws in Ontario, studded tires are restricted by date and mainly to Northern Ontario residents. 

Can You Mix Winter and All-Season Tires? 

The short answer is no. Mixing tread patterns, internal construction, or sizes can make your vehicle less stable. If you do use tires with different tread depths, the tires with the deepest tread should go on the back of your vehicle to help maintain directional control. 

How Much Tread Do Winter Tires Need? 

Transport Canada advises against using winter tires with less than 4 mm (5/32”) of tread on snow-covered roads. Quebec recommends at least 4.8 mm (6/32”) when the tires go on for the winter season, with a legal minimum of 1.6 mm. B.C. has a requirement of at least 3.5 mm on winter tires used on designated highways. 

To make sure you’re ready for the snowy season ahead, ask your NAPA AUTOPRO technician to measure your tire tread depth and check for cracks or uneven wear during your seasonal tire change. 

In summary, all-season tires should only be used in warmer temperatures above 7°C, while all-weathers are best for milder climates, and winter tires are the best option once temperatures are consistently below 7°C. Once it’s time to swap into your winter tires, beat the fall rush and book your seasonal tire change appointment as soon as possible with your local NAPA AUTOPRO service centre.