Why Do I Need Snow Tires?
BC Weather
All-season tires perform well for 12 months of the year where there is no snow.
However in British Columbia the all-season tire only performs well in spring, summer and fall - and hence should really be called a three-season tire. The all-season tire was designed for wet and dry driving on pavement - NOT snow-covered conditions. BC winters require snow tires that were especially designed for slippery conditions and very cold temperatures.
Designed For Winter
Snow tires are designed with very soft compounds that help grip the road during very cold weather. Snow tires have added groove capacity to help dispel any excess snow. Some tires are designed to actually grab the snow and throw it as the tire turns.
Traction on Ice and Snow
Even if your car has traction control or an ABS braking system, those features won't improve traction on snow and ice. Experts say only snow tires will actually improve grip on snow and ice. And although all-wheel-drive or front-wheel-drive is an advantage, you'll still improve safety by swapping your summer or all-season tires for winter tires.
A Full Set of Tires
To maintain optimum traction handling and stability it is recommended to have four snow tires on all vehicles. Though you might be tempted to buy just two winter tires for your drive axle, experts say this isn't a great idea. That's because mixing winter and all-season tires can lead to poor handling balance. This strategy can be dangerous in skid situations, as the front wheels get different traction than the rear wheels.
