Winter Tires: Not mandatory, but…

Winter tires aren’t required by law in most Canadian provinces, although they are an obligation in Quebec from December 15 to March 15. However, choosing the right tire isn’t as simple as grabbing just any set with a winter tire symbol. Cheap winter tires aren’t effective. Not only are they made of rubber that doesn’t stand up to extreme cold temperatures, the tread doesn’t provide much grip in snow either. Basically, it’s important to buy the best quality winter tires possible.

The choice isn’t always easy. If you buy an expensive product that doesn’t suit your usage needs, you’re no further ahead than when you started. Once upon a time, we called them “snow tires” instead of “winter tires.” Why the name change? Well, the conditions in which they are used and the changing climate has led manufacturers to develop more specialized products. Some models perform better on ice while offering sufficient results when the road is covered in snow. Others are designed for use on truly snowy roads and in very cold temperatures.

• Also: The Car Guide’s 2016-2017 Winter Tire Test
• Also: Michelin X-ICE Xi3: Tires Made for Performance

Note that, generally speaking, tires designed for ice wear faster than those designed for snow, which tend to feature large tread blocks. You should consider all of these characteristics, but also ask a retail specialist to help you choose the product that best suits your needs.