Proudly Canadian. 🍁 We are located in Surrey, British Columbia. We do not ship to the USA.
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Proudly Canadian. 🍁 We are located in Surrey, British Columbia. We do not ship to the USA.
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All-Season vs Winter Tires: What’s Best for BC Drivers?

All-Season vs Winter Tires in BC: Which Is Right for You?

Choosing the right tires isn’t just about tread; it’s about safety, performance, and peace of mind on BC’s roads. If you’ve ever wondered whether all-season tires are good enough or if you really need winter tires, this guide will give you a clear answer.

🌦 Understanding BC’s Climate

In BC especially in Surrey and the Lower Mainland winter might not always mean snow, but temperatures frequently drop below 7°C. This is the point where all-season tires start to lose flexibility, reducing grip and increasing stopping distances.

That’s where winter tires come in. Their softer rubber and specialized tread are designed to handle the cold, slush, and occasional ice we get here.

🍁 All-Season Tires (M+S)

Best for: Spring, summer, early fall, and milder regions
Not ideal for: Cold mornings, snow, black ice, or steep terrain

All-season tires are built for a variety of conditions, but they begin to stiffen below 7°C. This means reduced traction, especially during cold, wet mornings or unexpected frost.

Pros:

  • Longer tread life

  • Quiet, smooth ride

  • Great for 3-season use

Cons:

  • Not safe in snow or ice

  • Not legal on BC’s designated winter routes

  • Braking distances increase in the cold

❄️ Winter Tires (3PMSF Certified (SNOWFLAKE)

Best for: November to March in most of BC
Not for: Year-round driving or hot summer temperatures

Winter tires stay flexible in freezing conditions and have aggressive tread patterns to grip snow, slush, and ice. All winter tires we install are 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) rated — meaning they’re fully approved for BC’s legal winter tire routes.

Pros:

  • Superior braking and handling below 7°C

  • Required by law on certain highways

  • Reduces risk of hydroplaning and black ice loss-of-control

Cons:

  • Faster wear in warmer temps

  • Slightly louder ride

  • Requires seasonal changeover

🔁 When to Use Each

Season Best Tire Type
April to October All-Season Tires
November to March Winter Tires

Tip: Swap your tires when average daily temps start dipping below 7°C. Don’t wait for snow.

📊 Performance Comparison

Feature All-Season Winter
Below 7°C ⚠️ Poor ✅ Excellent
Snow Traction ❌ Minimal ✅ High
Ice/Black Ice ❌ Unsafe ✅ Safer
Road Noise ✅ Quiet ⚠️ Moderate
Tread Life ✅ Longer ⚠️ Seasonal Use Only
Legal for Winter Routes ❌ No ✅ Yes (3PMSF required)

⚖️ BC Winter Tire Law

From November 1 to March 31, BC law requires winter tires on many highways and mountain passes.
The tire must show the 3PMSF symbol to qualify OR the M+S (mud and snow) no longer cuts it for full compliance.

💰 Save with Seasonal Swaps

At Premier Tires & Wheels, we make it easy to switch between all-season and winter tires.
Ask about our tire storage program. No more lugging dirty tires around or giving up garage space.

📲 Not Sure What to Choose?

We’ll help you figure it out based on your vehicle, commute, and driving habits.

Text your tire size or vehicle model to 778‑873‑9429 for fast, no-pressure advice.

Ready to Swap Your Tires?

  • Book online

  • Shop tires by size or vehicle

  • Or come visit us in Surrey, BC