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Winter tires A winter tire with both the M+S and three-peak mountain and snowflake symbols is shown. (Shutterstock.com) <\/p>\nTemperatures are dropping across Canada and that means it\u2019s time to prep the vehicle with winter tires. <\/p>\n
In Ontario, doing so could result in a discount on insurance rates.<\/p>\n
However, with the recent introduction of the all-weather tire which is designed to be left on the car all year long, there can be some confusion on whether or not they qualify for a discount.<\/p>\n
By law, insurance companies must offer a discount if you use snow or winter tires, but not every company does so for all-weathers, despite the fact they also come with the winter tire symbol on them.<\/p>\n
Consumer Reports tests tires and says the all-weather tire has many advantages, including the ability to leave them on your vehicle all year with no switching necessary in the spring or fall. <\/p>\n
\u201cThey can be driven year-round, and they have enhanced snow traction and now you don\u2019t have to switch between your old all-season and your winter tires,\u201d said tire expert Ryan Pszczolkowski, with Consumer Reports.<\/p>\n
James South, with Aviva Canada, told CTV News that when it comes to all-weather tires, \u201cthey are not the same level as snow tires are.\u201d<\/p>\n
Aviva offers a two per cent discount to customers who use dedicated winter tires, but not to customers using all-weather tires.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe only provide the discount for the snow tires, not the all-weather tires,\u201d said South.<\/p>\n
CTV News also reached out to CAA and a spokesperson said under its guidelines, all-weather tires are eligible for their five per cent discount.<\/p>\n
\u201cCAA Insurance Company Tire Eligibility Guidelines state that vehicles equipped with four winter tires that meet the Winter Tire designation are eligible for the Winter Tire discount,\u201d a spokesperson said. \u201cThe Winter Tire designation is assigned to tires that display the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol, which is printed directly on the tire\u2019s sidewall.\u201d<\/p>\n
Winter tires A winter tire with both the M+S and three-peak mountain and snowflake symbols is shown. (Shutterstock.com) <\/p>\n
\u201cCAA Insurance Company follows the guidance provided by Transport Canada. According to their standards, the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol signifies that a tire meets specific snow traction performance requirements and is designed for use in severe snow conditions.\u201d<\/p>\n
CTV News reached out to the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada (TRAC), which said all-season tires are considered good, all-weather tires better, and dedicated winter tires the best.<\/p>\n
But as for whether or not all-weather tires should qualify for insurance discounts?<\/p>\n
\u201cThis would be for the insurance companies to comment how they recognize winter tires,\u201d TRAC said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs for the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) Symbol, the tires marked with 3PMSF symbol must pass the ASTM F-1805 Driving Traction Test<\/a> on a medium packed snow surface.\u201d<\/p>\n