When it comes to choosing tires, things can get confusing fast. All season, summer, winter, all weather, each type is designed for different conditions. At True North Tires, we want to make sure you understand the differences so you can pick the safest and best option for your driving needs here in Newfoundland.

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All Season (and Summer) Tires

On paper, “all season” sounds like a tire you can use year-round but that’s not the case in Newfoundland. These tires are really only meant for spring, summer, and fall driving. They work well on dry or wet pavement, provide good handling in warmer temperatures, and usually last longer than winter tires.

But once the temperature drops below 7°C, all season tires lose grip quickly. Their rubber hardens in the cold, making them unsafe on snow and ice.

👉 On our site, we list all season and summer tires together since both are not safe for winter conditions here.

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Winter Tires

Winter tires are built for Canada’s toughest months. They use a softer rubber compound that stays flexible in freezing temperatures, and their tread is designed to dig into snow and ice.

If you’re driving in Newfoundland winters, winter tires aren’t optional they’re essential. They stop shorter, grip better, and give you the control you need when the roads are icy or snow-covered.

Look for the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol on the sidewall that’s proof your tires are winter-rated.

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All Weather Tires

Think of all weather tires as a hybrid between all season and winter tires. They’re built with a compound that can handle cold temperatures better than all season tires, while still performing well in summer.

They’re marked with the 3PMSF winter symbol, which means they’re legally considered winter-rated. They don’t grip quite as well as a true winter tire in extreme conditions, but for drivers who don’t want to swap tires twice a year, they’re a good compromise.

Which Tires Are Right for You?

• Daily driver, city/highway in NL → All Season/Summer for April–October, Winter Tires for November–March

• Don’t want the hassle of swapping → All Weather Tires