Best Summer & All-Season Tires

From April to October, most BC drivers are on either summer tires or all-season tires. Both are warm-weather tires, but they are built for different priorities. Here is how to pick.

Summer tires: grip and precision

Summer tires use a compound built for warm pavement and a tread with large, stiff blocks. The result is sharper steering, shorter braking distances and strong wet grip, because summer tires are very good in rain. They are the natural choice for performance cars and for drivers who enjoy the drive.

The catch: below about 7°C the compound hardens and grip falls away. Summer tires should come off before the first cold snap, and they are not legal on BC's designated winter highways from October to March.

All-season tires: the everyday all-rounder

All-season tires balance comfort, quiet running, tread life and wet grip. They are what most cars and SUVs leave the factory with, and they suit commuting and highway driving from spring to fall. Many carry long treadwear warranties.

The catch: despite the name, most all-season tires are not winter-rated. In BC they are best treated as a three-season tire paired with a winter set, or replaced with an all-weather tire if you want one set year-round.

Which is right for you?

• Choose summer tires if you drive a sports car or performance sedan, value handling, and already have winter tires for the cold months.
• Choose all-season tires if you want a comfortable, long-lasting everyday tire and will switch to winter tires in the fall.
• Choose all-weather tires if you want a single set that is legal and capable all year.

What to look at on the spec sheet

• Treadwear (UTQG) rating: higher numbers generally mean longer life.
• Traction grade (AA, A, B): wet-braking performance. AA is best.
• Load index and speed rating: match or exceed your vehicle's original tires (see the tire size guide).

Browse summer tires and all-season tires, or search by your size. Every set can be mounted and balanced at one of our 8 BC locations.