Should I get all-season or summer tires?

If daytime temperatures where you reside stay above 7 °C throughout the spring and fall and you want your vehicle to perform well in both dry and wet conditions, summer tires will outperform all-season tires. They’re made of warm-weather rubber compounds designed for shorter braking distances, precise handling and control on wet and dry roads.

That said, if temperatures fluctuate frequently and you frequently drive through the mountains or if you prefer a set of tires that work year-round, premium all-season tires or all-weather tires with a three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) symbol may be a better choice. Below, we’ll take a closer look at how each type of tire performs on Canadian roadways, explain the 7°C rule and help you determine which tires work best for your driving needs and habits.

Tire types in one minute

There are four categories of tires you need to be familiar with:

1. Summer tires

Summer tires are made with warm-weather rubber compounds designed for wet road braking, dry handling and stability when taking corners. They perform best when temperatures remain above 7 °C. But as temperatures drop, the rubber compounds can stiffen, which will reduce grip and overall braking performance, making summer tires unsuitable for cold, winter driving conditions (hence the name).

2. All-season tires (touring or performance)

All-season tires offer a bit more middle ground to drivers. They’ll work reasonably well in warmer and mildly cool conditions, have a longer tread life and perform quietly. Most come with mud and snow symbols, helping you maintain control on unfavourable roadways, but they’re not winter-certified, meaning they are not designed to perform well in consistently snowy or icy conditions.

3. All-weather tires (3PMSF)

All-weather tires are labelled with a three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) symbol, which is recognized by Transport Canada as meeting severe snow traction guidelines. They offer better grip in cold temperatures than all-season tires and can be used year-round. They do, however, lose some precision and handling in dry conditions, especially during the summer time.

4. Winter tires

Winter tires or snow tires are designed specifically for cold weather, snow and ice. Their rubber compounds remain flexible in winter conditions, particularly when temperatures are below freezing, but their tread patterns can wear quickly and they don’t perform well in the summer months, making them the perfect tire only in the winter.

The 7°C rule and why tire compounds matter

Your tires’ overall performance levels rely on what rubber compounds they’re made of. According to Transport Canada, when the temperatures fall below 7 °C, summer tires and most all-season tires will begin to lose their elasticity, which in turn, reduces traction and increases your braking distance.

Winter tires, on the other hand, are engineered to remain flexible in winter weather, which is why they can outperform other tires at or below 7 °C. The Tire and Rubber Association of Canada (TRAC) supports this and notes that your tire pressure can drop by approximately 1 psi for every 5 °C decrease in temperature, which can further impact your tire traction.

Timing rule

Aim to change your tires when:

• Daily temperatures are consistently below 7 °C.

• Check your tire pressure during the colder months.

• Switch back to non-winter tires when temperatures remain above 7 °C.

Summer tires vs. all-season tires vs. all-weather tires: what changes on the road?

Here’s a breakdown on how the different types of tires perform on dry or wet roads:

One thing to keep in mind when it comes to all tires is that their performance depends on tread patterns and tread depth. All worn tires will struggle on slippery roads.

Decision guide: Which tire setup fits your driving style?

The set of tires you choose depends on where you live, where you drive and your vehicle type. Here’s how you can choose which works best for your unique habits:

Warm temps, urban or highway driving with predictable summer temperatures

If you want precise handling and strong braking and you live in a part of Canada where summer temperatures rarely fluctuate, opting for summer tires in the warmer months and winter tires for winter conditions will help you remain safe and comfortable.

Mixed seasons, minimal snow

If you live in a coastal area where warmer conditions and average daily temperatures remain above 7 °C with no snow, premium all-season tires are a good choice.

Regular snowfall and ice

All-weather tires with 3PMSF symbols are a practical solution for most drivers. These tires are legal across Canada, providing optimal handling in icy, wet and dry conditions. But remember, once temperatures drop below 7 °C, all-weather tires will not outperform winter tires, especially in severe snow.

Regional considerations

Because Canada’s terrain is so vast and temperatures fluctuate significantly from coast to coast, here’s a breakdown of what tires to use based on where you are:

• Mountain routes: All-weather tires or winter tires.

• Atlantic Canada storms: Winter tires or all-weather tires.

• Cold snaps/heat waves in the Prairies: Two tire sets are recommended.

Rain, hydroplaning and tread depth

Hydroplaning occurs when tires aren’t able to pump away water fast enough to maintain traction on the road. The risk of hydroplaning increases when you’re travelling at highway speeds and over standing water, especially during periods of heavy rainfall. The key factors affecting vehicle performance on wet roads include:

• Tread patterns

• Tread depth

According to both Transport Canada and CAA, tire traction drops significantly when your tire tread depth falls below 4 mm, also known as balding. Therefore, if you’re consistently driving in wet conditions, it’s important to check your tire depth often and replace them before they fall below 4 mm.

Costs, wear and storage

Having two sets of tires will cost you more upfront, but it will help you spread wear and tear across both sets over a longer period, which can help the tires last longer and remain optimal.

• High-performance summer tires wear faster, especially when you’re driving a sports car and driving aggressively.

• All-season tires tend to have the longest tread life, while all-weather tires have a mid-range lifespan.

When storing your tires, aim to keep them in a cool, dry, dark place and off the ground.

Canada-specific rules, timing and insurance

Winter tire rules vary by province:

• Quebec: Winter tires are mandatory for all drivers in Quebec between December 1st and March 15th. Drivers who don’t comply with this rule can be fined between $200 and $300.

• British Columbia: Winter tires or chains are required on certain highways and roads from October 1st to April 30. The winter tires must have an M and S or a 3PMSF label.

• Ontario: Winter tires are not mandatory, but most insurance companies offer discounts to drivers who equip their vehicles with them.

Tire care and maintenance checklist

Here’s a tire care and maintenance checklist to keep in mind:

• Check your tire PSI monthly and before planned trips.

• Rotate your tires every 8,000 to 10,000 km.

• Measure tread depth monthly and replace tires when they reach approximately 4 mm.

• Inspect tire sidewalls for cuts/bulges.

Are summer tires safe in the rain?

Yes, they perform optimally in wet conditions.

Will summer tires lower my insurance costs?

No, summer tires don’t qualify for car insurance discounts, but winter tires often do. Ask a BrokerLink broker for more information.

Contact BrokerLink today

With fun summer activities and road trips on the horizon, we recommend you contact your local BrokerLink broker to review your auto insurance coverage. You want to make sure you’re ready to hit the open roads with the right coverage.

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