What Are All-Season Tires?

The term all-season tire first appeared in the 1970s, and at that time it was revolutionary. Instead of swapping between different sets, drivers could finally buy all-season tires and use them year-round. Since then, tire technology, safety standards, and materials have changed dramatically.

M+S Tires in Canada — Legal but Not Always Safe

Today, most all-season tires carry the M+S (Mud and Snow) marking. For passenger vehicles, however, they are generally recommended for spring, summer, and fall. That is why many retailers even call them “3-season tires.” In British Columbia, M+S tires are fully legal for use in winter, Passenger Vehicle - Tire and Chain Requirements - Province of British Columbia but legality is not the same as safety.

3-Season vs. All-Weather Tires

For example, all-terrain all-season tires are completely legal and provide more reliable traction in snowy conditions compared to standard passenger all-season tires. While the latter are legal de jure, in practice they can be unsafe and are not recommended for harsh winter use.

Choosing All-Season Tires in BC

If you live in a part of BC where snow is rare — such as in southern Okanagan — M+S tires may be enough. But if you drive in regions with more frequent snow, it’s smarter to step up to M+S with a strong tread pattern, All-Weather, or dedicated Winter tires for peace of mind across BC.

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