Tests conducted by Canada’s Traffic Injury Research Foundation showed that winter tires provide superior traction, braking, and cornering in all cold-weather driving conditions compared to an all-season tire. We’re talking better traction whether the road surface is snow-covered, icy, wet, or even dry.

Do you really need winter tires?

Snow tires provide a lot more grip than regular tires, Lovegrove said, and when things are unpredictable on the road due to snow, high volumes of drivers and changing weather conditions, you’re better off safe than sorry. Snow tires are not only good for the snow, D’Arbelles said, but for really cold weather as well.

Do snow tires actually make a difference?

Yes. Stopping and handling can be improved with winter or snow tires. Higher quality snow tires are generally more expensive, but can provide better performance. When you spend a lot of time on the road in the winter, buying quality snow tires can make a world of difference.