As temperatures cool across Ontario, we at Active Green + Ross Tire Centres want to remind drivers to prepare for winter driving conditions. One of the most important steps is switching to dedicated winter tires before the first snowfall.
Driving to suit the weather still matters. So does having tires that can grip cold, snowy and icy roads. Ordinary all-season tires do not offer the same winter performance as dedicated winter tires.
For the 2026/27 winter season, the advice remains straightforward: book your changeover early, check the condition of your tires and fit a matching set of four.
What the latest winter tire data shows
The Tire and Rubber Association of Canada’s 2025 Winter Tire Report provides the latest annual survey figures available at the time of this October 2026 update:
- 80% of Canadian drivers reported using winter tires, compared with 78% in 2024. Outside Quebec, where winter tires are mandatory, the figure was 76%.
- Ontario’s reported winter tire use reached 77%, up from 74% in 2024.
- 84% of winter tire users believed their tires had helped them avoid a hazardous situation, such as a loss of control or a collision.
These are drivers’ reported experiences and intentions, not measured reductions in collisions. The survey was conducted by Probe Research among 1,069 Canadian drivers in October 2025.
Why the performance advantage still matters
The basic reasons for choosing winter tires have not changed:
- Cold-weather grip: Winter tires use rubber compounds designed to stay flexible in low temperatures. Around +7 °C is a useful seasonal changeover guideline, rather than an exact temperature at which every tire’s performance changes.
- Tread designed for winter: Grooves and small cuts called sipes help winter tires grip snow and ice and move slush away from the contact area.
- Braking and control: Transport Canada’s winter tire guidance and braking demonstration show the advantage over all-season tires on icy roads. The difference depends on the tires, speed, surface and temperature; there is no single stopping-distance percentage that applies to every situation.
- AWD still needs grip: All-wheel drive can help you get moving, but it does not remove the need for suitable tires when braking or cornering. Stability control also depends on the grip available at the tires.
Our Ontario tire centres can help you choose tires for your vehicle and the roads you use, check your existing set and arrange your seasonal changeover.
Practical tips for winter driving in Ontario
- When to switch: Plan your changeover as temperatures regularly approach +7 °C and below. Consider early-morning and evening conditions, not just the daytime high. Don’t wait for snow.
- Use four matching winter tires: Choose the same brand and model, with sizes and ratings suitable for your vehicle. Follow the vehicle manufacturer’s fitment requirements. Mixing winter and ordinary all-season tires can upset handling.
- Look for the right symbol: The Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol identifies tires that meet a snow-traction performance requirement. It appears on dedicated winter tires and qualifying all-weather tires; it does not mean every marked tire performs equally on ice.
- Check tread depth and condition: Transport Canada advises against using tires worn close to 4 mm (5/32 inch) on snow-covered roads. Have tread wear, cracks and other damage checked before installation. This is winter-use guidance, not Ontario’s legal minimum tread depth.
- Check tire pressure: Cold weather lowers tire pressure. Check it regularly when the tires are cold, using the recommended pressure on your vehicle’s tire-information label or in the owner’s manual.
- Ask about insurance savings: Ontario insurers must offer a winter tire discount. Ask your insurer about the amount, qualifying tires and required installation dates.
- Check other systems: Have your battery, antifreeze, wipers and lights checked, and carry a winter emergency kit. Reduce speed and leave more following distance when roads are slippery.
Frequently asked questions
When should I switch to winter tires in Ontario?
Plan to switch when temperatures regularly approach +7 °C and below, before snow arrives. There is no single changeover date that suits every part of Ontario.
Are all-season and all-weather tires the same?
No. All-weather tires carry the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol and meet its snow-traction requirement. Ordinary all-season tires may carry an M+S marking without meeting that requirement. Dedicated winter tires are designed specifically for winter use. Ask which option suits your driving conditions.
What symbol should I look for on winter tires?
Look for the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol on the sidewall. Some tires also carry an Ice Grip symbol for tested ice performance. The snowflake symbol alone is not an ice-performance rating.
Do I need four winter tires if my vehicle has AWD?
Yes. Fit a matching set of four suitable winter tires. AWD does not replace the traction needed for braking and steering on slippery roads.
Get your winter tires at Active Green + Ross
Before winter arrives, have your tires checked and book your changeover. If you need a new set, we can help you compare suitable options for your vehicle, driving conditions and budget.
Browse our winter tires online or contact your nearest Active Green + Ross Tire Centre in Ontario.
