In fact, you should choose a winter tire according to your driving needs during the cold season. There are two types of winter tires available in Canada: ice tires and snow tires. Here’s how to determine what type of winter tire best corresponds to your needs.
Answer the following questions:
- Do I drive mostly in the city, on country roads or on the highway?
- Do I put a lot of mileage into my winter tires?
- Do I plan on keeping my vehicle for several years to come?
If you don’t put a lot of mileage in and drive mostly in the city and on a few secondary roads, a good snow tire will do the trick. However, ice tires can do a great job in the city as well, but they’re less efficient in a heavy snowfall. Examples of snow tires are: Firestone Winterforce, Laramie Snowblazer, Multi-Miles Arctic Claw, GT Radial IcePro, Goodyear Ultra- Grip, Dean Winter Cat, Hercules Avanlanche Extreme.
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| DEAN WINTERCAT XT (snow tire) / MICHELIN X-ICE XI2 (ice tire) |
On the other hand, if you put a lot of mileage in and drive mostly on the highway, you need an ice tire. Examples of ice tires are: Nokian Hakkapeliitta 5 or R, Michelin X-Ice Xi2 or Primacy or Pilot Alpin, Yokohama Iceguard IG20
For those who often drive on secondary roads, which generally aren’t ploughed as diligently, I suggest opting for a snow and ice tire. And for some it might even be a good idea to consider studded tires, such as Nokian Hakkapelliitta 5 with or without studs or Hakka R, Gislaved Nordfrost 5 with or without studs, Yokohama Iceguard IG20 or G072, Bridgestone Blizzak WS-70 or DM-V1, Tokyo Observe or Open Country G02 Plus, or the following winter tires, but with studs: Firestone Winterforce, Laramie Snowblazer, Multi-Miles Arctic Claw, GT Radial IcePro, Goodyear Ultra- Grip, Dean Winter Cat, Hercules Avanlanche Extreme.
Studded tires
Studded tires are an interesting option for motorists who use country roads that are often covered in a thick layer of ice and a sheet of snow as well as roads that aren’t salted. However, studded tires require a longer braking distance on wet pavement (about 15% longer), and, depending on the type of stud, they can be noisy too. Note that the Nokian brand uses a patented stud that’s much quieter and offers optimal traction on ice.
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| Nokian - Hakkapeliitta 5 (Photo: Nokian) |
Is it a snow tire or an ice tire?
To determine if a tire offers better performance on snow or ice, have a look at the winter tire evaluation chart we put together for you.
It may be cheaper to pay more
To conclude, if you’re planning on keeping your car for several years to come, investing in a high quality winter tire can be an affordable solution.
High quality winter tires are extremely durable, so you’ll be able to travel greater distances and use them longer.