When you live and drive in the U.S. and Canada, weather isn’t just a backdrop…it’s a co pilot. Conditions can shift in minutes, temperatures swing sharply, and sudden snowfall can turn a routine errand into a slippery challenge.
That’s why it’s important for drivers to choose products that keep them safe in every season – products like all-weather tires.
Are all weather tires good for snow?
Yes, all weather tires are good in the snow. They offer significantly better grip and shorter braking distances than traditional all season tires in snowy conditions. Nokian Tyres all weather tires have earned the Three‑Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) certification, also known as the Severe Service Emblem, meaning the tires have passed official snow‑traction testing.
One of the most common questions drivers ask tire dealers is how a tire will perform in actual snow. The answer is where all Nokian Tyres all weather tires shine.
Grip Drivers Can Feel When Winter Shows Up Early — or Late
“It gives them a little more biting edge and grip in the snow,” says Mark Gillard, Marketing Director at Sullivan Tire & Auto Service.
For drivers who head north to ski, commute through hilly neighborhoods, or simply want more confidence on icy mornings, that enhanced traction can make daily driving far safer.
All weather tires' added margin of grip matters because winter doesn’t follow a clean schedule. For example, New England can see flurries in October, heavy snowfall in March, and black ice well into April. All weather tires give drivers the flexibility to stay ready without the hassle of seasonal tire changes.
All weather vs. All season Tires
Despite their name, all season tires like the Nokian Tyres One aren’t built for driving in wintry weather. Their compounds harden like hockey pucks when temps grow cold, and their tread patterns are built to glide through rain, not carve through snow. On the other hand, all weather tires like the Nokian Tyres Remedy WRG5 offer a true year-round driving solution for summer heat, spring rain AND winter snow and slush.
Few people understand that reality better than Gillard. With more than 100 locations across New England, Sullivan Tire sees firsthand how quickly the forecast can change — and what drivers need to stay prepared. For Gillard, all weather tires have become a compelling year‑round solution for the customers they serve…and they’re especially popular after the first snowfall of the season.
“We got some snow here [in Massachusetts last December] and sold a lot of those Remedies,” he said on the Nokian Tyres Journey Podcast, describing a rush of demand during the region’s first blast of wintry weather.
Moments like that reveal why all weather tires are gaining momentum in climates where winter can arrive without warning – especially for drivers who can’t justify a winter tire purchase but need security in unpredictable winter conditions.
All weather vs. winter tires: Are 3PMSF all‑weather tires enough to replace dedicated winter tires?
While Three‑Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) rated all-weather tires are reliable in snow, offering significantly better grip and shorter braking distances than traditional all-season tires, dedicated winter (snow) tires are still superior in severe, icy conditions and persistent extreme winter weather. But if you live in a locale where snow or ice occasionally come to town, you can rely on all weather tires.
All weather tires are the only year‑round option certified for winter use in North America. The 3PMSF symbol molded into the sidewall confirms that the tire has passed official snow‑traction testing. And yet, only 30 percent of U.S. and Canadian drivers can identify that distinction, according to a YouGov survey commissioned by Nokian Tyres.
For many drivers, that certification isn’t a technical perk — it’s a genuine advantage.
Gillard has seen that firsthand. “The Remedy [WRG5] is an awesome product for New England roads,” he says, reflecting on how well all weather tires match the region’s unpredictable mix of snow, slush, rain, and cold pavement.
That performance edge comes from the tire’s flexible rubber compounds and deeply siped tread patterns, which remain responsive when temperatures fall below 45 degrees Fahrenheit [7 degrees Celsius], a point where traditional all season tires begin to lose grip.
The all-weather WRG5 features Nokian Tyres' Winter Safety Indicator (WSI) innovation: a snowflake symbol embedded in the tread of the tire that wears away as the tire wears down, signaling when the tire is no longer safe for snowy or icy winter conditions.
Trusted by a Dealer Who’s Watched the Category Grow
When a tire category gains momentum in multiple states, tire dealers notice. And for tire dealers notice, the growth of all weather tires has been steady and meaningful.
“It’s been a great fit for us and has been since we’ve been selling them,” Gillard says.
That validation from a dealership with seven decades of regional experience carries weight, especially for consumers deciding between all season, all weather, and dedicated winter tires.
Dealers also know that while all weather tires improve winter performance, they aren’t meant to replace dedicated winter tires in the harshest environments. Instead, they serve the large group of drivers who need better winter traction than all season tires provide but don’t require the full power of a winter tire.
A Year-Round Solution for Unpredictable Weather
In volatile weather, the best tire isn’t just one that performs, it’s one that adapts. All weather tires offer that adaptability, combining winter certification with warm-weather stability to deliver reliable performance every day of the year.
From the mountains of Colorado to the islands of Vancouver, the towers of Toronto to the townhomes of Boston, drivers are finding peace of mind in a tire that stays ready when conditions change quickly. And the verdict from the experts who see it all — the snow rushes, the early storms, the freeze‑thaw cycles — is clear: all weather tires are becoming one of the smartest year‑round options for North American drivers.
If you’re considering a tire that can handle winter’s surprises and summer’s heat without compromise, explore all weather tire options at NokianTyres.com/Weather.
Ready to purchase your set of all-weather tires? Visit our Dealer Locator to find a shop near you.
Please remember that it is the driver’s responsibility to ensure their tires are safe and suitable for their vehicle and to follow the vehicle’s manufacturer´s guidelines for proper use and maintenance. Consult your closest Nokian Tyres dealer or your vehicle’s manufacturer for specific advice.
