Studded tires are specifically designed for icy roads. During winters, your vehicle requires additional grip for added safety and better performance. Studded tires are essential for enhanced traction and shortening the braking distance for your vehicle.
In winter, you’ll require special boots to walk smoothly and easily. The studded tires function the same way for your vehicle. Winter tires or studded tires help to overcome unforgiving terrains during the frosty season.
Before learning about the best winter tires in Canada, ensure to know and understand the car insurance quotes in Canada.
Table of Contents
What exactly are studded tires?
As the name suggests, the best studded winter tires are actually designed with studs. The tread pattern consists of a hole in specific locations across the tire. While some studs impart an appearance of rivets, others are designed to appear like a screw-like shank.
These rugged tread patterns give traction to your vehicle while driving on ice-covered or hard-snow-packed terrain when the temperature hits below 7 C. The snow tires are an aftermarket addition. Each stud gets embedded within the tread with the use of a stud gun.
The stud size is clearly imprinted on the tire’s sidewall. You need to adhere to the size recommendation of the studs to prevent compromising tire integrity.
Studded tire regulation in Canada
Since driving with studded tires has compromised safety on regular terrains and wears the road surface quickly, many Canadian provinces have regulations on the usage of studded tires.
- In British Columbia, Ontario and Manitoba, winter tires can be used from October 1st to April 30th. In addition, each of the provinces has regulations on the size of the studs that can be used. Refer to the local stud-size manual before purchasing studded winter tires.
- In Nunavut, the Yukon, Saskatchewan and Alberta, there are no regulations on the usage of winter tires. The only restriction is that they should be used during winter or snowy conditions.
- In Newfoundland, studded winter tires are permitted from November 1st to Apr. 30.
- In New Brunswick, the permitted winter tires usage date is from October 15th through May 1st.
- For Nova Scotia, the permitted duration for using winter tires is from October 15th through April 30th.
- In PEI, the permitted duration is from October 1st through May 31st, while in Quebec, you can use them between October 15th and May 1st.
With winter studded tires, your general auto insurance might not be applicable. Therefore it is recommended that you get additional coverage during the winter months for using the specialized tires.
Five of the best studded winter tires Canada has to offer
Tests conducted by Goodyear revealed that in snow-covered terrains, vehicles with winter tire installations stopped around 28 feet shorter than the same automobile using all-season tires.
Michelin X-Ice Snow
The Michelin X-Ice Snow is the newest product in the X-Ice series. This newly launched member features enhanced hydroplaning resistance and durability. Additionally, the manufacturer provides a mileage warranty.
The tread pattern has a deep v-shaped design for a high void ratio preventing the trapping of snow and ice between tread blocks. Therefore the risks of slipping and sliding are significantly reduced.
The tire is built with a full silica-based compound for added flexibility even during extreme cold. The two variations of interlocking sipes allow exceptional handling, braking and accelerating in winter conditions.
Pirelli Ice Zero FR
While the price tag can be on the higher side, Pirelli is renowned for its quality assurance. The Pirelli Ice Zero FR winter tires are designed for exceptional stability, control, and driving comfort.
The interlocking 3D sipes enable comfortable driving even at high speeds on general terrain. A tread design is explicitly crafted to distribute the air pressure uniformly. The most impressive part is that the tread pattern even comes with lower road noise.
The arrow-shaped tread pattern facilitates a wicking effect allowing for enhanced grip and handling.
General Altimax Arctic 12
If you’re searching for an economical option, the General Altimax Arctic 12 is one of the best winter tires in the market, featuring a cost-efficient price tag. You have the option to install additional studs for enhanced performance on the icy terrains.
The tread design features high void angled grooves to channel water, mud and snow away from the tire. This design feature is remarkably useful while driving on wet, snowy roads.
The interwoven centre rib within the tread design imparts excellent steering response and spectacular dry road handling. Additionally, the balanced air pressure distribution makes the tire safe and comfortable for long drives. The only drawback/issue is that the design doesn’t contribute to significant noise reduction.
Continental VikingContact 7
The VikingContact 7 was specifically launched to challenge the leading tires in the particular section. The tread is designed with active grip silica and rapeseed oil for efficient road grip and braking on icy and snow-covered roads.
Continental has specifically developed tread blocks for enabling precise handling in almost every weather condition. Additionally, the crisscrossing tread design minimizes hydroplaning and enhances wet road performance. The firm nature might be contributing to reduced comfort while driving.
Although the comfort and noise cancellation might not be as exceptional as the premium tyres in the segment, it qualifies as a strong contender for its remarkable handling and grip.
Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 SUV
These winter tires are specially designed for larger vehicles such as SUVs and trucks. The tread pattern encompasses arrow-like designs and small crystal particles for improved performance on snowy roads. Similar to its passenger counterpart, it gives you exceptional grip and performance in snow-covered terrains.
The best part? Nokian’s defence and aerospace quality Aramid fibre sidewall technology presents an exceptionally durable and puncture-resistant sidewall.
When you damage or puncture the sidewall of a tire, it becomes completely ineligible for repair. It requires complete replacement. The Aramid fibre sidewall technology prevents hassle and saves money.
Best winter tires in Canada — Conclusion
The winters in Canada are known for notorious road conditions. Therefore, winter tires are necessary to ensure safety and comfort while driving through snow-clad terrains. Ensure to purchase the right insurance for your vehicle and tires to cover you during any adverse situation while driving on the winter roads.