New Research Highlights Importance of Winter Tires for Canadians

Today’s post reveals key findings from the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada’s (TRAC) 2019 Winter Tire Report that reveal the importance of winter tires for Canadians.

Consumer Surveys Show Canadians Now Embrace the Safety Advantages of Winter Tires

If you’re currently considering buying a new set of winter tires, you’re definitely not alone! New research bears out the importance of winter tires for Canadians.

During TRAC’s 2019 Canadian Consumer Winter Tire Study, 1,584 Canadian motorists were surveyed about their seasonal tire preferences and winter driving experiences. These were some of their key findings:

• The vast majority of Canadians now use winter tires. 75% of Canadian motorists now use winter tires, up from only 35% of Canadian drivers in 1998, and from 66% in 2017.
• Market signals evidence surging winter tire demand. The winter tire category has grown at an annualized rate of 5% over the past 3 years, making winter tires “the fastest growing tire category in the Canadian market.”
• Canadians feel the safety advantages of winter tires. 80% of winter tire owners believe driving a vehicle equipped with winter tires has saved them from a potentially hazardous driving situation, such as a collision or loss of control.”

Winter Tires More Popular Than Ever Across the Provinces

The TRAC Winter Tire Report breaks down winter tire use by region, comparing usage from 2014 to 2019:

• In Atlantic Canada, 73% of drivers used winter tires in 2014 and 91% do so today.
• In Quebec, winter tires are mandatory for all drivers.
• In Ontario, nearly 70% of all drivers now use winter tires, up from only 56% in 2014.
• In Manitoba/Saskatchewan, 60% of all drivers now use winter tires, up from only 39% in 2014.
• In Alberta, 70% of drivers now use winter tires, up from 45% in 2014.
• In British Columbia, 68% of drivers use winter tires, up from only 38% in 2014.

Furthermore, a number of winter tire initiatives are now active in hopes of incentivizing winter tires for Canadians. For example, in BC, Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake Symbol tires must be used on certain mountainous highways between October 1st and March 31st. And in Ontario, new legislation stipulates that all insurance providers must reduce premiums for drivers who have four winter tires installed on their personal passenger vehicles.

Quebec Studies Show Life-Saving Benefits of Winter Tires for Canadians

A 2011 study by Le Ministère des Transports du Québec bears out the road safety benefits of winter tire legislation. Only 2 seasons after winter tires became mandatory for all drivers:

• Winter road collisions decreased by 5%
• 574 fewer people were injured in winter road collisions every year
• The number of deaths and serious injuries due to winter road collisions dropped by 3%

Get the Best Winter Tires Near Me — Find A Local TIRECRAFT

TIRECRAFT carries all the best winter tire brands for all vehicle types, and our knowledgeable experts will work hard to find you the best winter tires for your unique driving conditions, needs, and budget.

Use the Find a TIRECRAFT tool to locate a nearby winter tire dealership and get started with a FREE winter tire consultation.

Back