Summer vs Winter vs All-Season vs All-Weather Tires - What’s the Difference?

Summer, Winter, All-Season & All-Weather Tires: What’s Best for Surrey Drivers?

If you’ve ever stood in a tire shop wondering what the difference is between all-season, winter, summer, and all-weather tires, you’re not alone. At Premier Tires & Wheels in Surrey, we help customers across the Lower Mainland pick the right tire for BC’s unique driving conditions. Below, we break down exactly how each tire type performs; so you can drive safer and get the best value.

🔥 Summer Tires

Best for: Dry, warm roads in spring and summer
Not for: Cold temps, snow, ice, or slush

Summer tires are designed for high performance in warm weather. They use a stickier rubber compound and feature wide grooves and solid ribs for precise handling. They grip dry and wet pavement well — but become stiff and unsafe below 7°C.

Pros:

  • Excellent grip and cornering in dry & wet

  • Great for sporty or performance vehicles

  • Quiet and smooth ride

Cons:

  • Unsafe in winter (can harden & crack)

  • Not legal for BC mountain routes in winter

❄️ Winter Tires (3PMSF Certified)

Best for: Snow, slush, black ice, and sub‑zero weather
Not for: Warm weather or summer driving

Winter tires are made with a softer rubber compound that stays flexible in cold temperatures. They feature aggressive treads with biting edges, perfect for BC’s coastal slush and inland snowpack. They’re legally required on many BC highways from October through April.

Pros:

  • Superior traction below 7°C

  • Required by BC winter tire laws on mountain routes

  • Reduces braking distance significantly

Cons:

  • Wears quickly in summer

  • Slightly more road noise

☀️🍁 All-Season Tires

Best for: Spring to fall in mild climates
Not for: Snow, black ice, or BC’s winter routes

Don’t be fooled by the name “all-season” tires are not made for winter. They're a compromise between summer performance and limited cold-weather capability. In Surrey’s lower elevations, they can work from April to October.

Pros:

  • Affordable

  • Quiet ride and long tread life

  • Decent in rain and mild cold

Cons:

  • Not safe below 7°C

  • Not 3PMSF-rated — won’t pass BC winter tire checks

🌨️🌦 All-Weather Tires (3PMSF Certified)

Best for: Year-round use in BC, including snow and cold
Not for: Track or aggressive summer driving

All-weather tires are BC’s most climate-appropriate year-round tire. They’re 3PMSF-certified like winter tires, but with a compound that can survive summer heat. They’re ideal for drivers in Surrey who don’t want to swap tires every season.

Pros:

  • Legal for BC winter routes

  • One set for the entire year

  • Safer in cold than all-seasons

Cons:

  • Wears faster than seasonal setups

  • Not as grippy as true winter tires in heavy snow

  • Not as quiet as summer tires

✅ Tire Comparison Table

Feature Summer Winter All-Season All-Weather
Below 7°C ❌ Unsafe ✅ Excellent ❌ Poor ✅ Good
Snow/Ice ❌ No ✅ Yes ❌ No ✅ Yes
Heat Resistance ✅ Yes ❌ No ✅ Moderate ✅ Moderate
Year-Round Use ❌ No ❌ No ✅ Mild zones only ✅ Yes
Legal for Winter Routes ❌ No ✅ Yes ❌ No ✅ Yes (3PMSF)

Which Tire Should YOU Choose in Surrey?

  • Live in the valley and travel to the mountains in winter? ➤ Use winter + summer combo for performance.

  • Want year-round safety without switching? ➤ Get all-weather tires (great for Surrey’s damp winters).

  • Mostly drive in warm months? ➤ Go with all-season or summer depending on your vehicle.

  • Drive in snow every winter? ➤ Install 3PMS-rated winter tires from Nov to March.

 

📍 Surrey's Tire Experts Since 2012

Premier Tires & Wheels has helped thousands of BC drivers choose the right tire type based on budget, vehicle, and local weather patterns. Need help deciding? Text your tire size to 778‑873‑9429 and we’ll recommend the best tire type for your vehicle. No pressure, no BS.