Best Winter Tires

If you drive the Coquihalla, the Sea-to-Sky, the Okanagan Connector or anywhere in the Interior between October and April, winter tires are the single biggest safety upgrade you can make. Here is what separates a good winter tire from a great one, and how to choose the right set for how you drive.

What makes a winter tire different

• Softer rubber compound. All-season rubber stiffens below about 7°C and loses grip. Winter compounds stay flexible well below freezing, so the tread keeps conforming to the road.
• Deeper tread and more siping. Thousands of small slits (sipes) create biting edges on ice and packed snow, and deep grooves clear slush and water.
• The 3PMSF symbol. The three-peak mountain snowflake means the tire passed a standardised snow-traction test. It is the symbol to look for.

BC's winter tire rules

Winter tires or chains are required on most BC highways from October 1 to March 31, and on some mountain routes until April 30. To qualify, a tire must carry the 3PMSF or M+S symbol and have at least 3.5 mm of tread. Many drivers fit them in mid-October and take them off once spring temperatures stay above 7°C.

Studless, studdable or all-weather?

• Studless winter tires are the best all-round choice for most BC drivers: excellent on snow and ice, quiet on bare pavement.
• Studded tires give the most grip on sheer ice. They are permitted in BC in winter months only, and are noisier on dry roads.
• All-weather tires carry the 3PMSF symbol but can stay on year-round. They are a good compromise for Lower Mainland drivers who only occasionally head into the mountains. See our all-weather guide.

How to choose

1. Start with your size. Use the size on your current tires or search by vehicle. Our tire size guide explains the numbers.
2. Think about where you drive. Regular mountain passes and Interior winters call for a dedicated studless winter tire. City driving with the odd trip to Whistler may suit an all-weather.
3. Consider a second set of wheels. Mounting winter tires on their own wheels makes the seasonal swap quicker and cheaper, and protects your good wheels from salt. Browse tire and wheel packages.
4. Fit four, not two. Mixing winter and non-winter tires front to back makes a vehicle unpredictable in a skid. Always fit a matching set of four.

Ready to shop?

Browse our winter tires, then have them mounted and balanced at any of our 8 BC locations. Not sure which to pick? Call 604-376-7686 and our team will recommend options at a few price points.