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Winter Tires or Snow Tires: What's the Difference?

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What are winter tires? Are they the same as snow tires?
Find out why winter tires are essential for driving in Canada’s cold climate and when you should switch to them for safe winter travel.

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What Makes Winter Tires Unique?

 

Winter tires are engineered to perform in temperatures below 7°C (44.6°F), making them ideal for Canada’s often snowy, icy, and wet roads. Look for the 3PMSF (Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake) and Ice Grip symbols on the sidewall or label to ensure your tires meet winter standards.

Are Winter Tires and Snow Tires Different?

In Canada, "winter tires" is the more commonly used term, reflecting their effectiveness in a variety of winter driving conditions—not just snow but also ice and slush. The terminology has shifted as technology has improved to highlight their broader capabilities.

Why Equip Your Vehicle with Winter Tires?

In Canada’s harsh winter climate, summer and all-season tires harden in cold temperatures, reducing traction and making driving less safe. When temperatures drop below 7°C, winter tires are essential.

Winter tires are crafted with flexible rubber compounds and deep tread designs that provide exceptional grip on icy, snowy, or wet roads. Their advanced construction improves your vehicle’s handling, reduces braking distances, and ensures you stay in control no matter the conditions.

winter tyre

When Cold Weather Alters the Roads

Winter driving conditions in Canada can be highly unpredictable—roads may be dry, slushy, snowy, or covered in black ice. Regardless of the conditions, the cold is inevitable, which is why it’s essential to equip your vehicle with winter tires, specially designed for Canada’s harsh winter climate.

Winter starts for your tires when temperatures dip below 7°C (44.6°F). At this point, the rubber in summer or all-season tires hardens, reducing their grip and effectiveness. To stay safe on the road, switch to winter tires before temperatures drop too low and enjoy better handling, traction, and braking performance.

Drive Safely in Canadian Winters

Snow, ice, and black ice are part of the Canadian winter experience, making driving more challenging. But with winter tires, you can feel safer and more confident.

Winter tires are engineered to provide superior grip, control, and stability on icy and snowy roads, helping you tackle Canada’s unpredictable winters with ease. Equip your vehicle with the right tires and enjoy safe driving no matter the weather.

winter road

Why Michelin Winter Tires Provide Optimal Performance

The tread

The treads of Michelin winter tires are distinct, featuring numerous fine, deep cuts called "sipes."

These sipes act like claws, offering exceptional performance on dry, wet, snowy, and icy terrain.

Compared to summer and all-season tires, Michelin winter tires deliver superior grip in temperatures below 7°C (44.6°F), thanks to:

  • More sipes: Increase biting edges for better traction on ice and snow.
  • Aggressive tread designs: Quickly evacuate snow, slush, and water to reduce the risk of slipping.
  • Deeper tread depth and wider grooves: Provide greater void space for improved traction in deep snow.
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Specific materials

Michelin winter tires also feature a specially formulated rubber compound designed to remain soft and flexible in Canada’s freezing temperatures. This ensures reliable grip on wet, snowy, or icy surfaces, keeping you safe in winter weather.

As temperatures drop below 7°C (44.6°F), the rubber in summer and all-season tires hardens, reducing their grip on the road. Michelin winter tires retain their flexibility, delivering superior performance in all Canadian winter conditions.

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