Why you should avoid winter-approved all-season tires
Although they may seem convenient since they stay on your vehicle year-round, winter-approved all-season tires are not a replacement for traditional winter tires, also called snow tires. They wear out quickly and offer reduced traction on ice and snow. Even if they are legal, they are not the safest option for winter driving in Quebec.
What is a winter-approved all-season tire?
Winter-approved all-season tires are designed with “all-purpose” treads meant for twelve-month use. That’s why they display the mountain snowflake symbol. This icon confirms that they can legally be used in Quebec from December 1 to March 15 each year.
Are they as effective as real winter tires?
No. Their rubber tread compound is harder than that of a standard winter tire, and their tread pattern is less aggressive. The result: while they provide enough traction in deep snow to qualify for the snowflake symbol, their braking distance is significantly longer, especially on challenging road conditions such as ice.
You’ll also notice a drop in grip on wet roads, increasing the risk of hydroplaning in fall and spring.
“Winter-approved all-season tire certification is based on performance in deep snow, not on ice. Even models validated by the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada offer reduced traction, especially in extreme cold. Simply put: these tires provide mediocre grip. When it comes to road safety in Quebec, nothing beats a full set of winter tires to keep your vehicle stable on slippery roads.”
Sylvain LégaréResearch Analyst, Mobility, CAA-Quebec
How do they perform and wear in summer?
In summer, winter-approved all-season tires lose efficiency compared to traditional all-season tires or summer tires. Less precise braking, reduced handling, and accelerated wear due to heat… Tire performance also tends to decline over the seasons because they are used continuously.
How long do they last compared to two sets of tires (summer and winter)?
Winter-approved all-season tires tend to wear out quickly and need more frequent replacement, which can cancel out the initial cost savings. In contrast, two separate sets of tires—summer and winter—split the mileage, improving tire longevity and extending tread life.
How do winter-approved all-season tires affect fuel consumption and noise?
These tires generally create more rolling resistance than summer tires, which slightly increases fuel consumption. Their tread pattern also generates more road noise on dry asphalt, especially at highway driving speeds.
Can you really use them year-round without changing tires?
In theory, yes—this is the main advantage of winter-approved all-season tires:
- Time savings: no need to change tires twice a year.
- Money savings: one tire set instead of two.
But these savings come with a trade-off. If you compare two identical vehicles with the same mileage and daily route, the car equipped with a single set of year-round tires will experience much faster wear than alternating between two sets. One reason: people forget about tire rotation since they no longer have to remove and reinstall them every six months.
Who should consider winter-approved all-season tires?
These tires can be suitable for drivers who travel very little, such as short urban driving trips. They may be an acceptable compromise if you do not drive during snowstorms or periods of extreme cold on snowy or icy road surfaces.
Is the price of winter-approved all-season tires worth the performance trade-off?
It depends on your driving habits and the climate where you drive. The type of tire you choose directly affects your winter driving safety and tire durability. If you mainly drive in the city under moderate winter conditions, winter-approved all-season tires can be an economical option.
However, investing in two separate sets remains safer and more cost-effective in the long term, especially in regions with frequent snow and icy conditions. Their performance and durability compensate for the additional cost.
Does CAA-Quebec recommend winter-approved all-season tires?
No. CAA-Quebec’s Mobility Advisory Services do not recommend winter-approved all-season tires in Canada, especially in cold weather. Even a low-end winter tire will always outperform any winter-approved all-season tire.
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