Top 5 Winter Tire Brands in Canada

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Article Contents
Picture of By <span>Aren Mirzaian</span>
By Aren Mirzaian

Updated on September 11, 2024

Visit author page
Picture of By <span>Aren Mirzaian</span>
By Aren Mirzaian

Updated September 11, 2024

Visit author page

3 minute read

Article Contents

Canadian winters can be unforgiving, and winter tires are a necessity. However, choosing one isn’t as simple as walking into a store and finding something that fits – you must consider how it performs in snow, rain, and on ice. 

Your choice of winter tires can determine how safely you drive, just like choosing the right pair of shoes can influence how comfortable you are on a jog. Discover the best tires for driving through the Canadian winter.

Winter Tire Brands At a Glance

  • Winter tires can improve your vehicle’s grip and handling in snow, sleet, ice, and rain.
  • Always choose winter tires best suited to your vehicle type. Choose wheels specifically recommended for sedans, SUVs, or trucks.

Best Winter Tire Brands in Canada

There are many winter tire brands in Canada to choose from, but these five stand out from the rest.

The Michelin X-Ice Snow is the perfect winter tire for a generous variety of vehicles, including coupes, sedans, and minivans. It offers unbeatable traction by generating microroughness and enables drivers to manage slush or hard-packed snow with its variable-thickness sipes. Even in dry conditions, the Michelin X-Ice Snow tire performs smoothly and seamlessly.

Price: $140+

Pros:

  • Well-rounded and stable grip in deep snow and slush
  • High traction and safety on wet roads
  • Excellent front-end handling on ice

Cons:

  • Occasional understeer on wet roads
  • Not the most comfortable on snow

The best tire for handling ice is the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R5, a studless tire made for passenger car drivers. Its rugged construction compliments hybrid and electric vehicles, while its almost fully rubber compound makes it highly flexible on ice. In addition, it’s environmentally friendly and offers a mostly quiet ride with a comfortable grip. 

Price: $115+

Pros:

  • Very consistent handling in snow
  • Exceptional tracking and braking
  • Ultra-low sound levels due to SilentDrive technology

Cons:

  • Light steering occasionally lacking in feedback
  • Slightly less grip than other winter tires

Dunlop’s Winter Maxx tire boasts an asymmetric tread pattern that makes for smooth and quiet driving on snow. It combines flexibility and rigidity, with reviews naming it the most comfortable winter tire for SUVs. It brakes well on ice, thanks to a higher blade density. 

Price: $97+

Pros:

  • Enhanced cornering stability
  • Good water and slush evacuation
  • High tread life

Cons:

  • Average performance on dry roads
  • No tread life warranty

If you experience more snowfall in your area than others, the Pirelli Ice Zero FR makes for an ideal choice. It’s designed to handle the most extreme snow conditions while maintaining excellent handling in dry conditions. The directional tread pattern optimizes longitudinal traction, making it easier to brake in snow. Overall, while made specifically for the winter, the Pirelli Ice Zero FR also stands out as an all-season tire.

Price: $130+

Pros:

  • Excellent balance on wet and snowy roads
  • Best handling on dry roads
  • Superior grip

Cons:

  • Lower-quality braking performance on ice and wet ground
  • Prone to hydroplaning on wet roads

For drivers looking for excellent traction in winter conditions without breaking the bank, the Yokohama iceGUARD iG53 is the best option. It’s fuel-efficient, boasts low rolling resistance, and generally provides a smooth and comfortable driving experience in different winter road conditions.

Price: $90+

Pros:

  • Spectacular handling and grip on ice
  • Well-balanced drive on snow
  • Considerably cheaper than most winter tires

Cons:

  • Not the best grip on snow
  • Sliding on rear tires on wet roads

Tips for Choosing Winter Tires

The best winter tire for your vehicle will ultimately depend on the weather conditions where you live and what car you drive. However, you can follow these best practices when preparing your car for winter.

Understand the Different Components of a Winter Tire

Researching winter tires can be confusing, especially when you’re faced with lots of jargon. Understanding these terms can help you narrow your decision. Some components you should know include: 

  • Tread pattern: wider, deeper treads are better for gripping and ejecting snow while on the road
  • Siping: tiny grooves aid traction on wet and slippery roads more effectively
  • Tire compounds: softer materials make winter tires more grippy in cold weather but can wear faster in warmer weather
  • Studs: metal studs and reinforcements can increase grip on icy roads

Maintain Your Vehicle Appropriately

Regular vehicle maintenance is part of keeping your car safe on the road. You can have your car winterized by servicing it for winter conditions, including adjusting tire pressure, checking the brakes, and optimizing your cooling system.

Know How to Drive in Winter Conditions

Knowing how to drive safely in freezing rain, thick snow, and slippery sleet can influence how well your winter tires work and what you choose.  Harsh conditions require drivers to slow down on the road and have winter tires that support slower driving.

Drive the Right Car

Not all cars are best equipped for Canadian winters. If you’re looking for a new car, choose one that can withstand harsh road conditions. Some of the best cars for Canadian winters include the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ford Fusion, or Ram 1500.

Tips for Choosing Winter Tires

Key Advice From MyChoice

  • Study the weather conditions in your area. Whether it experiences heavy snowfall, strong rains, and lots of sleet can influence what type of winter tire you choose.
  • Know when to put on and remove winter tires. It’s best to install them when temperatures reach below 45F/7.2C and remove them when the weather is consistently above this.
  • To extend their longevity, store your winter tires properly. Keep them in a cool and dry location, like a basement or garage. Placing them in black storage bags can keep them from drying or cracking.
  • Find out how you can apply for an Ontario winter tire discount and afford the best possible winter tires.

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