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Best all weather tires Canada

Best all weather tires Canada
Best all weather tires Canada

Best all weather tires Canada: In the vast and diverse landscape of Canada, where weather conditions can vary dramatically from coast to coast, having the right tires for your vehicle is crucial. With the country’s long, harsh winters and warm summers, Canadians need tires that can handle a range of conditions, from icy roads and heavy snowfalls to wet highways and sun-baked pavements. To cater to this unique mix of climate challenges, the best all weather tires in Canada must strike a delicate balance between performance, durability, and safety.

All weather tires and all season tires, though often confused with each other, serve different purposes. While all season tires are designed to provide adequate performance across most conditions, they may not be well-suited for the extreme winter conditions that many parts of Canada experience. All weather tires, on the other hand, offer the year-round versatility of all season tires but with added winter capabilities, making them a better choice for drivers who face severe winter conditions.

3 peak mountain vs M+S
3 peak mountain vs M+S

The M+S (Mud and Snow) symbol and the 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol indicate different levels of winter performance. The M+S marking denotes that a tire has a certain tread pattern designed for improved traction in muddy or light snow conditions. However, it does not guarantee optimal performance in severe winter conditions. The 3PMSF symbol, on the other hand, signifies that a tire has undergone rigorous testing and meets specific criteria for snow traction, ensuring better performance in harsh winter conditions.

There are certain regional anomalies in Canada when it comes to tire requirements. For example, in the province of Quebec, the law mandates that all drivers must use winter tires with the 3PMSF symbol between December 1 and March 15. Meanwhile, British Columbia’s mountainous terrain and unpredictable weather make it essential for drivers to equip their vehicles with proper winter or all weather tires during the colder months.

In this guide, we will explore the top all weather tires available in Canada, taking into account the country’s unique climate and varying regional conditions. By understanding the distinctions between all weather and all season tires, as well as the M+S and 3PMSF symbols, Canadian drivers can make informed decisions and select the best tires for their needs, ensuring optimal performance and safety throughout the year.

3 Peak Mountain

3 peak mountain logo

As mentioned in the intro & our best 225/65R17 tire article, all season tires have always been the go to tires for the North America market and this segment has been well established across the years. There are 2 types of all season tires, one with 3 peak mountain & one with only M+S. We have covered these 2 types of tire head to head with Michelin Defender T+H (M+S) vs Cross Climate 2 (3 peak mountain) and the M+S all season tires usually are worst in winter performances but excel much better in mileage.

If you are in an area which snows quite heavily, 3 peak mountain all season tires would be definitely a good choice. However if you have very light snow or in areas where temperatures do not drop below 45°F (7°C), a standard all season tire with M+S logo would be sufficient. Since we are rating the best all season tire in snow, we will only look into 3 peak mountain certified tires as they have best edge in snow.

In Canada, a country known for its diverse and often challenging weather conditions, selecting the appropriate tires for your vehicle can make all the difference in terms of performance and safety. The choice between 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) certified all weather tires and standard all-season tires with the M+S (Mud and Snow) logo largely depends on the specific region and the typical winter conditions experienced there.

For areas of Canada that experience heavy snowfall and prolonged periods of freezing temperatures, such as the Atlantic provinces, Quebec, and parts of Ontario, 3PMSF-certified all weather tires are an excellent choice. These tires undergo rigorous testing and meet strict criteria for snow traction, providing superior performance and safety in harsh winter conditions. They are specifically designed to handle the challenges of snowy and icy roads, which are common in these regions during the winter months.

Quebec winter road condition
Quebec winter road condition

On the other hand, if you reside in an area with milder winter conditions, where snowfall is light or infrequent and temperatures rarely drop below 45°F (7°C), such as parts of British Columbia’s coastline or Southern Ontario, standard all-season tires with the M+S logo may be sufficient. These tires feature a tread pattern designed for improved traction in muddy or light snow conditions, offering adequate performance in most driving situations. However, they do not guarantee optimal performance in severe winter conditions, and as such, may not be suitable for those who frequently encounter extreme weather.

When rating the best all weather tires for snow in Canada, it is essential to focus on 3PMSF-certified options, as they offer the best performance and safety advantages in snowy conditions. These tires strike a balance between winter capabilities and year-round versatility, making them an ideal choice for Canadian drivers who face a wide range of weather challenges throughout the year. By understanding the specific needs of each region, drivers can make informed decisions and select the most suitable tires for their unique driving conditions, ensuring optimal performance and safety on the road.

1. Michelin CrossClimate 2

Michelin CrossClimate 2

The story of Michelin’s CrossClimate is a remarkable one, particularly in the context of Canada’s diverse and often challenging weather conditions. In the past, all-season tires without the 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) certification were popular in the North American market, including Canada, and had been well-established for years. No one in the tire industry believed it was possible for an all-season tire to possess the required snow traction performance to pass the 3PMSF certification. However, in 2015, Michelin changed the game by introducing the first 3PMSF-certified all-season tire, the CrossClimate, which caused a stir in the tire industry.

At the time, the then-new CrossClimate didn’t have any competitors in its segment, making it a unique and groundbreaking product. It took 2-3 years for competitors to launch their own 3PMSF-certified all-season tires, but by then, the first-mover advantage had already been firmly established by the CrossClimate. This innovation by Michelin demonstrated their commitment to being the de facto innovation leader in the tire industry.

The CrossClimate 2 has not only impressed in Europe, where it won 50% of the press tests it participated in, but also in North America. It ranked first in its segment by both TireRack and Consumer Report. Multiple test results have shown the CrossClimate 2 to possess superior target conflict management between summer and winter performance, outshining its competition. Furthermore, the CrossClimate 2 leads the pack in terms of mileage, with an actual tested result of 85,000 miles.

For Canadian drivers, who often face a wide range of weather challenges throughout the year, the Michelin CrossClimate 2 offers a compelling reason not to switch tires every six months. Its groundbreaking 3PMSF-certified all weather design provides superior performance in both summer and winter conditions, making it an ideal choice for those looking for a versatile, durable, and reliable tire option in Canada’s unique and demanding climate.

  • CrossClimate 2
    • Launch: 2020
    • Press test wins: 3/6
    • Strength: Well balanced summer & winter performances, excellent wear.
    • Tire Rack score: 9.1/10 (Rank 1st)
    • Consumer Report score: 74/100 (Rank 1st)

Check out our head-to-head comparison of the CrossClimate 2 against its competitors.

CrossClimate 2 vs

Price

2. Bridgestone Weatherpeak

Bridgestone, a major player in the tire industry, responded to Michelin’s CrossClimate 2 with the introduction of their own 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) certified all weather tire called WeatherPeak. Launched in 2022, this new offering from Bridgestone marks the company’s first entry into the North American all weather market with a 3PMSF-certified tire, including Canada. WeatherPeak boasts a comprehensive lineup that covers most A to C segment cars in the replacement market, catering to a wide range of Canadian drivers.

Based on the latest Tire Rack results, WeatherPeak excels in comfort, providing a smooth and quiet ride for drivers traversing Canada’s diverse terrain and weather conditions. However, when compared to top contenders like the Michelin CrossClimate 2, WeatherPeak still falls short in terms of wet and dry performance. This indicates that while it offers a comfortable driving experience, it may not deliver the same level of traction and handling as some of its competitors in various weather conditions.

Despite these limitations, Bridgestone’s WeatherPeak is still a noteworthy option for Canadian drivers looking for a 3PMSF-certified all weather tire. As Bridgestone continues to innovate and develop their products, it is expected that they will further enhance the performance of the WeatherPeak in both wet and dry conditions, providing Canadians with more options to suit their unique driving needs.

  • WeatherPeak
    • Launch: 2022
    • Press test wins: 0/1
    • Strength: Good comfort.

Check our head to head comparison of WeatherPeak against its competitors.

WeatherPeak vs

Price

3. Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady

Goodyear’s Assurance WeatherReady, launched in 2017, is another 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) certified all weather tire option for Canadian drivers. Designed to cater to a wide range of passenger cars and crossovers, the Assurance WeatherReady offers a versatile solution for those seeking a reliable tire to handle Canada’s diverse climate and road conditions.

Based on the latest test results, the Assurance WeatherReady demonstrates a strong performance in snowy conditions, making it a suitable choice for Canadian drivers who frequently experience heavy snowfall during winter months. Additionally, the tire offers a comfortable ride, ensuring a smooth and pleasant driving experience throughout the vast Canadian landscape. However, the Assurance WeatherReady falls short when it comes to wet performance. While it provides good traction and handling in snowy conditions, its capabilities in wet weather may not match the performance of top contenders like the Michelin CrossClimate 2 or Bridgestone WeatherPeak. This is an important consideration for Canadian drivers, as many regions experience heavy rainfall and wet roads during various seasons.

In the Canadian context, where weather conditions can vary dramatically and drivers require reliable, high-quality tire options, the Assurance WeatherReady is a valuable addition to the range of 3PMSF-certified all weather tires available. As more tire manufacturers like Goodyear develop and enhance their products, Canadian drivers will benefit from a growing selection of tire options, ensuring optimal safety and performance on the road, regardless of the weather conditions they face.

  • Assurance WeatherReady
    • Launch: 2017
    • Press test wins: 0/2
    • Strength: Snow & comfort.

Check our head to head comparison of Assurance WeatherReady against its competitors.

Assurance WeatherReady vs

Price

4. General AltiMAX 365 AW

In the Canadian tire market, where numerous competitors strive to become the best all weather tire provider, General Tires has recently stepped up their game with the announcement of their latest touring all weather tire line, the AltiMAX 365 AW. This new tire line distinguishes itself from General Tires’ previous offerings by featuring the 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) certification, making the AltiMAX 365 AW a legally compliant snow tire option for Canadian drivers. Launched in 2021, the AltiMAX 365 AW caters to the grand touring all weather segment, offering tire sizes ranging from 15″ to 20″.

Based on test results, the AltiMAX 365 AW performs well in terms of dry braking and handling, making it a reliable option for Canadian drivers during dry weather conditions. However, it still falls short in terms of wet traction when compared to competitors such as the Michelin CrossClimate 2, Bridgestone WeatherPeak, and Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady. Despite its limitations in wet performance, the AltiMAX 365 AW offers a significant advantage in terms of value for money. As a more budget-friendly option in the 3PMSF-certified all weather tire market, it provides Canadian drivers with a cost-effective alternative without sacrificing dry performance and snow capabilities.

In the Canadian context, where diverse and often challenging weather conditions demand reliable and high-quality tire options, the AltiMAX 365 AW offers a value-for-money choice for drivers seeking a 3PMSF-certified all weather tire. Although it may not match the wet performance of some of its competitors, its affordability, strong dry performance, and legal snow tire status make it an attractive option for Canadians with varying needs and budgets. As General Tires continues to innovate and enhance their product offerings, it is expected that they will further improve the wet performance of the AltiMAX 365 AW, providing even greater value to Canadian drivers.

  • AltiMAX 365 AW
    • Launch: 2021
    • Press test wins: 0/1
    • Strength: Strong dry performer

Check out our head to head comparison of AltiMAX 365 AW against its competitors.

AltiMAX 365 AW vs

Price

5. Firestone WeatherGrip

Firestone, a well-known brand in the tire industry, introduced the WeatherGrip in 2019 as a 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) certified all weather tire option for Canadian drivers. Designed to cover a broad range of vehicle types, including passenger cars, minivans, SUVs, and crossovers, the WeatherGrip is available in sizes ranging from 15″ to 19″. This tire aims to cater to Canadian drivers who require a quality tire that can handle the diverse and challenging weather conditions found across the country.

Based on test results, the Firestone WeatherGrip delivers moderate performance in terms of dry braking and handling. This means that while it may not outperform top contenders like the Michelin CrossClimate 2 or the Bridgestone WeatherPeak, it still offers a reasonable level of performance for drivers in dry conditions. However, the WeatherGrip does not fare well when it comes to wet performance, which is a crucial factor for Canadian drivers who often encounter heavy rainfall and wet roads throughout the year.

While the Firestone WeatherGrip may not be the best-performing tire in its segment, it does offer a quality option for Canadian drivers who prioritize brand recognition and moderate dry performance. As Firestone continues to innovate and improve their products, it is expected that they will address the shortcomings of the WeatherGrip, particularly in wet conditions, to better meet the needs of Canadian drivers.

In the Canadian context, where diverse weather conditions demand reliable and high-quality tire options, the Firestone WeatherGrip serves as an additional choice for those seeking a 3PMSF-certified all weather tire. Although it may not excel in wet performance, its availability in a wide range of sizes and its compatibility with various vehicle types make it a viable option for Canadians with differing needs and preferences. As more tire manufacturers like Firestone continue to develop and enhance their products, Canadian drivers will benefit from an expanding range of tire options, ensuring optimal safety and performance on the road.

  • WeatherGrip
    • Launch: 2019
    • Press test wins: 0/1
    • Strength: Acceptable dry performance

Check out our head to head comparison of WeatherGrip against its competitors.

WeatherGrip vs

Price

Summary

In conclusion, the Canadian tire market offers a diverse range of 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) certified all weather tires to suit the unique and challenging weather conditions faced by drivers across the country. Top contenders like Michelin CrossClimate 2, Bridgestone WeatherPeak, Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady, General Tires AltiMAX 365 AW, and Firestone WeatherGrip provide varying levels of performance in dry, wet, and snowy conditions, as well as differences in comfort, value for money, and brand recognition.

As tire manufacturers continue to innovate and enhance their product offerings, Canadian drivers can expect improvements in performance, safety, and durability. This expanding range of tire options will enable drivers to select the best all weather tire to meet their specific needs and preferences, ensuring optimal performance in Canada’s diverse and often challenging climate.

Ultimately, the availability of high-quality, 3PMSF-certified all weather tires is crucial for the safety and satisfaction of Canadian drivers. By considering factors such as wet and dry performance, snow capabilities, comfort, and value for money, drivers can make informed decisions about the best all weather tire for their individual needs, ensuring a safe and enjoyable driving experience all year round.

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