News Release
Four in Five Canadian drivers see winter tires as essential for safer driving amid unpredictable weather: survey
Winter tires remain an important investment despite the rising cost of living; fewer relying on all-season tires
Toronto, November 9, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) – Four in five Canadian motorists (80 per cent) believe winter tires are more important than ever in the face of unpredictable winter weather, according to a new Abacus Data survey commissioned by the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada (TRAC, https://tracanada.ca).
As climate change continues to influence weather patterns, Canadian drivers are navigating increasingly variable and challenging driving conditions. Motorists are facing rapid swings in temperature, snowfall, freezing rain and other weather events. Among drivers who don’t use winter tires, fewer now believe that all-season tires are good enough (64 per cent, down 11 points from 2025), and more are reducing their winter driving (35 per cent, up 11 points).
This season, four in five Canadian drivers (80 per cent) are equipping their vehicles with winter tires.
Most drivers (86 per cent) believe winter tires are an important investment despite the rising cost of living. Yet the study suggests that financial pressures are influencing purchasing decisions. Two in five drivers (38 per cent) now cite increased living costs as a factor for not buying them.
Drivers who use winter tires point to real-world safety benefits with four in five (83 per cent) saying the tires have saved them from a collision or loss of control. Protecting their families through enhanced traction, cornering, and stopping power in cold weather remains the main reason for purchasing winter tires (67 per cent).
“With winter weather becoming harder to predict across Canada, choosing the right tires for the winter season is an important part of preparing for the road ahead,” says Carol Hochu, president and CEO of TRAC. “Winter tires provide the traction and control drivers need in all winter conditions, whether they encounter cold, dry pavement, rain, snow, slush or ice. The fact that the vast majority of winter tire users say their tires have helped them avoid a collision or loss of control underscores their value as a safety investment, even as the cost of living continues to rise.”
Other reasons for investing in winter tires include lower insurance premiums (26 per cent), advice from family and friends (21 per cent), and advice from retailers (14 per cent), while two in five (42 per cent) cite winter tires being mandatory in their province.
“Winter tire use remains high across Canada. They represent an important measure that contributes to safer winter driving. We must continue to educate drivers about their benefits, particularly younger drivers, newcomers to Canada, and anyone with limited experience driving in winter conditions. Even as living costs climb, most Canadians are making winter tires a purchasing priority,” says Hochu. “Winter tires are a proven safety choice, giving Canadian drivers the confidence they need no matter the weather conditions.”
Regional findings:
Usage stands at 86 per cent of Atlantic Canadian drivers
Ontario’s winter tire usage rate remains at 77 per cent
In Manitoba and Saskatchewan 74 per cent use winter tires
Winter tire usage in Alberta stands at 75 per cent
In British Columbia 65 per cent of drivers now use winter tires
Usage stands at 64 per cent of British Columbia drivers…
