WINTER TIRES IN KELOWNA: UNDERSTANDING THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN M+S TIRES AND WINTER TIRES Not all tires are created equal – especially when it comes to winter tires in Kelowna. Ensuring you understand the difference between M+S tires and winter tires matters to your road safety, and we’re here to help ensure properly equipped. Whether your daily drive involves a commute between Okanagan communities, or you often drive through mountain passes; having the right tires for your driving habits matters. Boyd’s Tire & Auto Service is here to help you manage that safely. The Difference Between M+S Tires and Winter Tires
Most new model vehicles come equipped with M+S tires. This seems to be the standard, and is the ‘all season tire’ of choice. Although they are technically the allowable tires mandated to drive over mountain passes, it does not mean they are the safest tire to choose during the winter months. As described on tirecraft.com… You may be surprised to learn that even some summer tires technically meet the minimum M&S tire requirements, but most manufacturers only designate tires with elevated traction capabilities as mud and snow tires. Winter tires are specifically designed to provide traction in deeper snow and in subzero temperatures. Mud and snow tires will perform just fine in lighter snow but, if you regularly drive in snowy conditions at temperatures lower than 7°C, you’re better off with a set of good winter tires. In other words, if you wouldn’t feel comfortable choosing an all-season tire in the winter, mud and snow tires are probably not the best choice for your vehicle.