The value of winter tires for driving safety in Ontario: what matters for drivers and for personal injury claims

October 29, 2025, Kitchener, Ontario

Posted by: Robert Deutschmann, Personal Injury Lawyer

Winter driving in Ontario can be unforgiving. Snow, ice, slush, and a rapid drop in temperatures happen with little warning. For drivers and for those who advise clients after a crash, winter tires offer a practical, evidence-based way to improve safety on Ontario roads and may influence outcomes in liability discussions. This post explains why winter tires matter, when to use them, how they can affect stopping distances, and what Ontario drivers should know about insurance discounts and legal considerations.

Why winter tires matter on Ontario roads

• Cold-weather materials: Winter tires use a specialized rubber compound that stays flexible in cold temperatures. That flexibility helps the tire grip the road when it's chilly, which is common in Ontario from late fall through early spring.
• Tread design for snow and ice: The tread pattern on winter tires is engineered to bite into packed snow and to channel away slush and water, reducing the chance of slipping on icy patches.
• Real-world safety impact: In tested conditions, winter tires provide noticeably better braking and cornering on snow and ice compared with all-season tires. On ice, the difference is most pronounced; on snow, you’ll also notice more predictable handling and shorter stopping distances. On dry pavement, there can be a small trade-off, but the overall safety benefits in typical Ontario winter conditions are well supported by research and driving experience.

When to put them on (and when to take them off)

• Install window: In Ontario, it’s wise to switch to winter tires before the first heavy snows or sustained freezing temperatures. Many drivers mount by late October or early November and keep them on through March or early April, depending on the weather.
• The “7°C rule” (guidance, not a law): Winter tires perform best in cooler temperatures. When daytime temperatures consistently stay above about 7°C, some drivers switch back to all-season or summer tires. If a cold snap returns or there’s still freezing rain or packed ice, re-install winter tires promptly.
• Monitor conditions: The best practice is to watch the forecast and local road conditions. If roads are routinely below freezing or snow and ice are common, keep winter tires on longer. If you see a stretch of mild weather with no precipitation, you can continue to use winter tires but be mindful of wear and tire performance on dry pavement.

Insurance discounts and cost considerations in Ontario

• Discounts exist: Many Ontario auto insurers offer a winter tires discount. The availability and amount vary by insurer and policy. It’s important to check with your broker or insurer about a specific discount, how to qualify, and what documentation is required.
• What to expect: Discounts commonly range from a modest percentage to a more meaningful reduction, depending on policy details and other factors (like the number of insured vehicles or usage). Some providers require proof of installation and/or tires that meet certain winter criteria.
• How to claim it: Keep receipts for the tires, proof of installation from a reputable shop, and any certificate or verification your insurer requests. Regularly review your policy to confirm that the discount applies to renewals and is not dropped without notice.
• Practical tip: Even with a discount, winter tires are a cost-benefit investment. Savings on insurance are helpful, but consider the overall safety benefits, reduced risk of crash-related expenses, and the potential for fewer injuries or property damage.

Impact on stopping distances and overall safety

• On snow and ice: Winter tires can substantially shorten stopping distances. Independent testing and real-world experience show meaningful reductions in braking distance, especially on ice, where grip is hardest to achieve with other tires.
• On wet and slushy surfaces: The enhanced tread design helps prevent hydroplaning and improves traction in slush and standing water, contributing to safer braking and steering.
• On dry pavement: There can be a slight increase in stopping distance with very cold dry conditions or at higher speeds, but the safety benefit during typical Ontario winter driving—when roads are snowy, icy, or slushy—outweighs this trade-off.
• Overall risk reduction: For drivers who navigate frequent winter hazards, winter tires are among the most effective, cost-efficient safety upgrades available.

Practical guidance for personal injury considerations

• Evidence in claims: If you’re involved in a winter crash, proof that appropriate winter tires were used can be relevant to fault discussions and damages. Conversely, omitting appropriate tires in hazardous winter conditions can be a factor a court or insurer examines when assessing negligence.
• Legal and advisory steps: Consult a personal injury lawyer early if you’re injured in a winter road collision. A lawyer can assess whether tire choice and maintenance contributed to the crash and how that may influence liability and compensation.

About Deutschmann de Koning Law

Deutschmann de Koning Law serves South-Western Ontario with offices in Kitchener-Waterloo, Cambridge, Woodstock, Brantford, Stratford and Ayr. The law practice of Robert Deutschmann and Nick de Koning focuses almost exclusively in personal injury and disability insurance matters. For more information, please visit www.ddinjurylaw.com or call us at 1-519-742-7774.