Winter Tire Guide for BC Drivers

The short answer is yes—winter tires significantly improve safety and can also help extend the life of your summer or all-season tires by reducing year-round wear.

When temperatures drop below 7°C, the rubber in all-season tires begins to harden—much like a hockey puck—resulting in reduced grip and traction.

Winter tires are made with a softer rubber compound and feature deeper tread patterns designed to grip snow and ice. This improves control and shortens braking distances in cold, wintery conditions.

Winter tires play a particularly important role for electric vehicle (EV) drivers. Many EVs are equipped from the factory with low rolling-resistance tires, which are designed to improve efficiency and extend driving range in warmer weather.

While these tires perform well in spring and summer, they typically use firmer rubber compounds that can lose flexibility as temperatures drop. Below 7°C, reduced flexibility leads to diminished traction, longer braking distances, and less control in wet, snowy, or icy conditions.

Additionally, EVs tend to be heavier due to their battery systems, which places greater demand on tire grip—especially during braking. The instant torque delivery common in EVs can also increase the risk of wheel slip on cold or slippery roads.

Switching to dedicated winter tires helps EV drivers maintain proper traction, control, and safety throughout fall and winter driving conditions, without compromising vehicle performance.

In British Columbia, winter tires or chains are mandatory on most major highways from October 1 to April 30. This includes key routes such as the Sea-to-Sky Highway, Coquihalla Highway, and interior mountain passes.

1. Look for the Right Tire Symbol
•    The 3-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol indicates a tire has been tested for severe snow conditions
•    M+S alone does not guarantee winter-level performance

2. Tread Depth Matters
•    Winter tires should have at least 4 mm of tread to perform effectively
•    Worn winter tires lose much of their snow and ice traction

3. Install Winter Tires Early
•    Install winter tires when temperatures consistently approach 7°C, not just when snow or ice appears

4. All-Wheel Drive Does Not Replace Winter Tires
•    AWD improves acceleration, but does not improve braking or turning without proper winter tires

5. Use Four Winter Tires, Not Two
•    Installing winter tires on all four wheels ensures balanced handling and stability

6. Proper Storage Extends Tire Life
•    Store off-season tires in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
•    Proper storage helps maintain rubber flexibility and tread integrity

Proper storage helps maintain the performance and lifespan of your winter tires. Because winter tires use softer rubber compounds, exposure to heat, sunlight, and moisture can cause premature aging and reduced traction.

Storing tires correctly also prevents flat spotting and sidewall damage, ensuring they perform safely when reinstalled. Keeping winter tires clean, dry, and stored in a cool, dark environment protects your investment and helps ensure reliable performance each winter season.

Relax – we’ve got it handled. Applewood provides year-round tire storage in a climate-controlled environment. The best part? You don’t have to lift a finger, find space for them at home, or squeeze them into your vehicle each season!

You might already have winter tires and here are signs it’s time to swap them out:

•    Low tread depth: Less than 3.5 mm for winter tires or 2/32" for summer tires.
•    Cracks or bulges: Signs of tire age or internal damage.
•    Uneven wear: Often caused by misalignment or low pressure.
•    Vibration or pulling: Indicates potential balance or suspension issues.
 

⚡ Tire Lifespan: Most tires last between 5–6 years, depending on driving habits and storage. ⚡

We offer a comprehensive range of winter tires designed to fit all makes and models of vehicles. Whether you drive a compact car, SUV, truck, or high-performance vehicle, our selection ensures you’ll find the right tire to provide maximum traction, control, and safety throughout the winter months.

At Applewood, we believe tire season should be simple and stress-free. Every set of All Good Tires comes with three guarantees to keep both your drive—and your budget—on track.

Free Installation
Enjoy complimentary professional installation by Applewood-certified technicians—done right the first time.

Free Flat Tire Repair
Drive with confidence all season long. If you get a flat, we’ll repair it for free—quickly and hassle-free.

Price Match Guarantee
Found a better price? We’ll match it. Because getting the best deal should never be complicated.