Winter Tires vs. All-Season Tires: Why They Matter on the Canadian Prairies

If you live in Swift Current or anywhere across the Canadian Prairies, you already know: winter isn't just "colder"--it's a different driving season entirely. Ice, drifting snow, and sub-zero temps demand tires designed for the job. Below is a quick, evidence-based guide to why winter tires outperform all-season tires once temperatures drop.

Quick takeaways

• Shorter stops: At temperatures near freezing, vehicles on winter tires can stop up to 30% shorter than those on all-season tires.

• Fewer collisions: A long-running Manitoba Public Insurance study found winter tires cut collision claim frequency by 6.3% in winter months.

• Real-world impact: After Québec's winter-tire mandate, researchers measured about a 5% reduction in winter-period accident victims.

• Drivers agree: Transport Canada testing highlights the much longer stopping distances seen with all-season tires on ice.

Why winter tires grip when all-season tires slip

Winter tires use a softer rubber compound that stays flexible in the cold, paired with aggressive tread blocks and sipes that bite into ice and packed snow. All-season rubber hardens as temperatures drop, reducing grip just when you need it most. The difference shows up most in emergency stopping and lane-change stability. (Source: TRAC Winter Tire Report 2024)

Do winter tires actually reduce collisions? Yes. Manitoba Public Insurance compared claim histories for over 111,000 vehicles before and after installing winter tires. Result: a 6.3% drop in collision claim frequency during November--March. (Source: Manitoba Public Insurance)

Adoption across Canada (and the Prairies)

Winter tire use continues to climb nationwide. TRAC's 2023 study reports 76% usage nationally, and 71% outside Québec. An industry summary of 2024 data pegs Prairie usage (AB/SK/MB) at ~69%. (Sources: TRAC 2023; regional usage summary 2024.)

Winter tires vs. all-seasons: Feature checklist

• Compound: Winter compounds stay flexible well below 7 °C; all-season compounds stiffen, reducing traction.

• Tread & siping: Winter patterns channel slush and bite into ice; all-seasons prioritize longevity and fuel efficiency.

• Braking/traction: Consistently shorter stops and better acceleration on ice/snow for winter tires.

FAQs for Swift Current drivers

Do I need winter tires if I have AWD? AWD helps you go, winter tires help you stop and steer. They work together.

When should I switch? Prairie nights dip below 7 °C early and often. That's your cue to change.

Will winter tires affect fuel economy or noise? Modern winter tires have made big gains in both categories.

Book your winter tire install at Standard Motors. Whether you drive a Chevrolet, Buick, GMC or any other make our team can recommend winter tires that fit your vehicle, driving style, and budget. We also offer mounting, balancing, TPMS service, and seasonal tire storage. Call us or book online to reserve your install time. Ask about winter wheel packages too.

Sources:

• Tire and Rubber Association of Canada (TRAC), Winter Tire Report 2024

• TRAC, Winter Tire Report 2023

• Manitoba Public Insurance, winter tire collision study

• Transport Association of Canada (Québec mandate) • Transport Canada, Testing the benefit of winter tires

• Insurance Business (regional adoption summary citing TRAC)