Snow Tire Information

Winter tire laws

Quebec was the first Canadian province to require winter tires from November 15 to April 15 each year. Quebec drivers caught with all-season tires between those dates will face up to a $300 fine. The law does not apply to out-of-province drivers who drive into Quebec. Ninety percent of Quebec drivers already use winter tires, but the 10 percent who don't are involved in 38 percent of the province's winter crashes, a provincial task force on road safety found.

Since the new law took effect, car crash deaths in Quebec fell nearly 10 percent for the first six months of 2009, compared to the same time period in 2008 -- and deaths were down 24 percent over the previous five-year average, according to Quebec's auto-insurance board, the Société de l'Assurance Automobile du Québec. The provincial road authority, Transports Québec, has posted a FAQ on the winter tire law.

Studded winter tires are legal in most states and Canadian provinces, but not all. Tire-Information-World.com provides a fairly up-to-date list of laws in each state, and Canada's Automobile Protection Association maintains a similar list for the Canadian provinces. Check with your state road authority to be sure.

Best Research

TireRack.com has an excellent winter tire FAQ article, which includes information on whether or not you should consider snow tires. Sizing information is also provided.

A New York Times article, "Tires May Say All Season, but Winter Takes Exception," by Stuart F. Brown outlines the difference between today's winter tires and the fast-wearing, blocky-treaded models of 20 years ago. Like TireRack.com's article, it explains why you should consider snow tires and which types to consider.

Find tire recalls and defect investigations at SaferCar.gov. As of this update, there were no recalls for any of the tires discussed here.

Special thanks to Henrik Nordström of Scandinavian Translation Service for research assistance.

Tire manufacturers' websites have detailed specification and sizing information, as well as dealer-locator tools:

Bridgestone-Firestone

Continental (also Gislaved and General)

Dunlop

Goodyear

Michelin

Nokian

Pirelli

Toyo

Yokohama