Unlike all-season and performance tires, snow tires are designed to excel in the colder temperature, slush, snow and ice that many of us experience for three or more months a year. Their treads are designed to rid themselves of snow as they roll, and the rubber use to make them is softer than all-season or performance tires. This softer rubber grips ice and snow better, but wears out quickly as the temperature rises.

It is recommended that four winter tires of the same type be purchased for your vehicle. It does not matter if it is a two wheel or four wheel drive vehicle. Winter tires are better than summer tires if the temperature is 7 degrees Celsius or less regardless of there is snow on the road or not.

All-season tires are engineered with tread designs and compounds to do many things under varying conditions. They offer long, even wear, a quieter ride and improved performance under most conditions. Unfortunately, winter traction is not their strength.

Even worse, High Performance tires are designed to provide more grip as the rubber heats up. When the temperatures drop, their tread compound turns hard, like plastic, making them useless and dangerous for winter use.

While its true ABS brakes, traction control, front wheel drive, and all-wheel drive have their advantages in snow, the best way to improve your vehicle’s winter performance is to add more grip. Snow tires make winter driving safer.

Whether your winter driving takes you into the snow belt or is restricted to urban centres in the south, snow tires are your best choice to get more traction, control and safety.