In Québec, winter conditions can be particularly difficult, often making roads dangerous. Think about heavy snowfalls, black ice and hail, just to mention a few.
To ensure the safety of drivers on the road and reduce risks of accidents, the provincial government requires that people use winter tires between December 1st and March 15th or run the risk of being fined.
That being said, what about 4-season winter tires? Are they legal? Are they safe enough to face our winters?
Read our answer below.
In winter, road conditions often make driving more difficult, particularly because of longer braking distances and the increased risk of losing control.
With the law on winter tires in Québec, the government wants to reduce these dangers and the risks of accidents.
Winter tires are especially designed to ensure superior traction on icy surfaces thanks to softer rubber compounds that stay effective even at temperatures lower than -40 °C. They also have deep tread designs that prevent snow accumulation. This helps:
In contrast, the rubber compounds of summer and 4-season tires become hard and provide less traction as soon as the temperature falls below 7 °C or when the road is icy or snowy.
4 seasons winter tires bear a symbol representing a snowflake inside a mountain. It means their performance in winter conditions has been certified. They were designed to offer better traction in snow and ice than 4-season tires that are not certified. As a result, this certification means they are legal in Québec during the period when winter tires are required. However, 4 seasons winter tires meet the minimum performance standards; their design aims to offer reasonable traction on roads that are dry or covered with light snow. They are far less effective than winter tires in harsh conditions, like snowstorms or verglas.
The winter certification of 4 seasons winter tires in Quebec is probably due to their popularity. Although winter tires provide superior traction and additional safety, 4 seasons winter tires offer certain practical benefits.
The Benefits of 4-Season Winter Tires
Benefits | Explanations |
Increased versatility | This type of tire can be used throughout the year. This option is appealing to drivers that would rather not change their tires in the fall and spring. |
Reduced short-term costs | By being able to use the same set of tires all year round, the driver doesn't need to buy two sets of tires. This reduces short-term costs and storage fees, if required. |
Acceptable winter effectiveness | In regions where winter is less severe and roads are well maintained, this type of tire can be an adequate solution. |
In the winter conditions typical of Québec, 4 seasons winter tires quickly show their limits.
The Drawbacks of 4-Season Winter Tires
Drawbacks | Explanations |
Inferior effectiveness, compared to winter tires | 4-season tires provide significantly less traction on icy or snowy roads, compared to traditional winter tires. They can considerably increase the risk of accidents. |
Increased long-term costs | Because they're used all year long, this type of tire wears out much faster, which reduces their effectiveness and forces you to buy a new set of tires sooner. In the end, it means extra costs. |
Limited adaptation to winter conditions | The rubber compounds used in the 4-season winter tires are not as soft as the ones used in winter tires; this compromises their traction when temperatures fall under -15 °C. |
Although 4-season winter tires are legal in Québec and offer a certain convenience and versatility, their performance cannot be compared to what winter tires can offer. Before you buy a car or a new set of tires, it's important to consider the road conditions in the region where you live. Think about your safety and the safety of other users on the road. Investing in quality winter tires that are adapted to our icy and snowy roads remains the best choice. To find a used car for sale or winter tires that offer optimal performance, come and visit AutoStudio 72, your used car dealership. Our used car specialists will answer all your questions and help you determine what you need.