Winter tires are designed to stay soft in temperatures below 7°C. The unique flexible rubber compound and deep groves improve surface grip giving you better control. Small grooves called sipes in the winter tire's tread give extra traction on ice. While all-season tires use a stiff rubber compound and shallow grooves for optimized performance in warm weather.

Winter tires are engineered to take on the challenges that winter driving presents in ways that all-season tires simply cannot. Winter tires could help you stop up to 42 meters faster in comparison to all-season travelling at 80 km/hr. Using AWD with all-season tires does not reduce winter stopping distance. Winter tires make the biggest difference when braking on snow and ice.

While M+S tires are a great year-round choice for mud and snow, 3-peak mountain snowflake tires are recommended for optimal safety and performance in winter conditions, especially for city driving. The mountain symbol indicates that the tire uses a specific compound and tread pattern, which has undergone rigorous testing to provide excellent traction on snow and ice.

We recommend using four matching winter tires with the same tread type and depth. At minimum, ensure you have two matching winter tires on your front axle, even with a 4x4. Mixing tires can compromise stability and should be avoided.

Cold temperatures can cause tire pressure to drop. Check your tire pressure at least monthly, especially when temperatures fall below 7°C. Underinflated tires reduce road contact, increasing the risk of skidding and loss of control.