We’ve always known winter tires perform better in winter compared to other tire types. What we didn’t know was how much better. And it’s not just winter tires compared to 3-season tires (although those numbers are staggering).

We also looked at how five-star winter tires compared to three-star winter tires. The five-star winter tires stopped significantly shorter, and they held corners much better too. When you consider some of the blustery, slippery road conditions Canadians face, wouldn’t you want the tire that stopped shorter and held corners on icy and snow roads?

When most of us pull out of the driveway in the morning, we’re driving on tires that aren’t new. So our team set out to test worn tires.

Four different tires were selected to represent the 3-season, the all-weather, the three-star winter and the five-star winter tire category, and each was tested at five different tread depths to determine exactly how tire wear impacts safety.

All-weather tires are ideal for urban drivers in areas that only experience mild winter conditions, such as light snow and slush, but when it comes to heavy, hard-packed snow and ice, dedicated winters perform better. All-weather tires continued to outperform 3-season in winter.

If you drive in heavy winter conditions a dedicated winter tire is your best option but if you don’t drive in those conditions or if your winters are fairly mild, an all-weather may be a great choice.