Learn about Tire Designation: All-Season, All-Weather, Winter and Summer Tires

Purchasing the right tire for your vehicle can be a time-consuming process. We here at Premier Tires are your product specialists and are happy to inform you to make sure you get the right make and seasonal designation for your vehicle.

There are four types of seasonal tire designations:

snowflake on tire

All-Season (m+s)
All-Weather (m+s) + (snowflake)
Winter (snowflake)
Summer

Most people, especially in Vancouver, will run an all-season tire all year round. The laws in British Columbia, Canada can be a bit confusion. From October 1 to March 31 you must have either (m+s) or a snowflake designation. That means you can run an all-season, or a snowflake rated tire. You don't HAVE to have winter tires on all roads, m+s is sufficient unless you are going on certain back roads and or other specifically stated roads as per the rules and regulations. We do not, however, recommend you drive an all-season in snow or heavy wet weather.

Here are some more comparisons:

all season vs winter tires

Give us a call for more information and for options. Winter tires and all-weather (snowflake) have more traction and siping for proper performance. All-seasons and summer tires have a wider surface area making it less efficient in wet weather and icy road conditions.

It is ideal in BC even in the lower mainland to run an all-season tire and switch to a winter tire, or you can save money on the changeovers by running an all-weather tire year round.

all season winter and summer tires