Why Winter Tires Matter

Three types of tires displayed on a snowy road: all-season, all-weather with 3PMSF symbol, and winter, with a car in the background.

Why the Right Tires Matter: All-Season vs. All-Weather vs. True Winter Tires

When winter hits Williams Lake and the roads get slick, your tires are your first line of defense. But with so many options—All-Season, All-Weather, and dedicated Winter tires—it’s easy to get confused about what’s truly safe for your vehicle. At Lake City Performance, we want to clear things up and help you make the best choice for your safety and peace of mind.

All-Season Tires: Jack of All Trades, Master of None

All-season tires are designed for moderate climates and provide decent performance in a variety of conditions, but they’re not built for real Canadian winters. Their rubber compound hardens in cold temperatures, which means less grip on icy or snowy roads. If you rarely see snow or stick to city driving, they might do the trick—but in Williams Lake, they’re not our top pick for winter.

All-Weather Tires: The Versatile Middle Ground

All-weather tires are a newer option that bridge the gap between all-seasons and true winter tires. They’re built to handle cold weather better than all-seasons, and many carry the mountain snowflake symbol (meaning they’re legal for winter driving in BC). If you want a tire you can leave on year-round and don’t face extreme winter conditions, all-weathers are a solid choice. They offer good safety and convenience, but still don’t quite match the performance of a true winter tire in deep snow or on ice.

Winter Tires: The Gold Standard for Safety

When it comes to winter driving, nothing beats a dedicated winter tire. The rubber stays flexible in freezing temperatures, and the tread is designed to bite into snow and ice for maximum traction. Winter tires dramatically reduce your stopping distance and give you better control, especially in emergency situations. In BC, winter tires are required on many highways from October to April for a reason—they save lives.

Lake City Performance Recommends

We always recommend matching your tires to your driving conditions. For Williams Lake and the Cariboo region, our top picks for safe winter driving are:

• Nitto (Exo Grapplers, Ridge Grapplers) – Excellent for trucks and SUVs, offering great snow traction and durability.

• Toyo (AT3) – All-terrain performance with impressive winter grip.

• Falken (Wildpeaks) – Versatile and reliable, great for changing conditions.

• Cooper – Trusted brand with solid winter options.

• Nexen (for winter) – Affordable and effective for dedicated winter performance.