65 per cent of drivers outside Quebec use Winter Tires: Survey

Nearly two-thirds of Canadian motorists significantly reduced their driving due to COVID-19 fears

Eighty-one per cent of winter tire owners believe driving a vehicle equipped with winter tires has saved them from loss of control or a collision, according to our latest Leger survey.

Our 2020 Canadian Consumer Winter Tire Study also found that outside Quebec, where winter tires are mandated by law, winter tire usage stands at 65 per cent.

The most common reasons why 35 per cent of drivers outside Quebec do not use winter tires are the belief that all-season tires are good enough (65 per cent), reduced driving in winter (30 per cent) and cost (27 per cent).

Regionally, the 2020 study found:

• 60 per cent of British Columbia drivers use winter tires
• Alberta’s usage rate is 59 per cent
• In Manitoba and Saskatchewan usage stands at 60 per cent
• 66 per cent of Ontario drivers now use winter tires
• In Atlantic Canada winter tire usage stands at 84 per cent

Find our 2020 Winter Tire Report here.

Find your dedicated winter tire here.

Influence of COVID-19

The survey also examined how COVID-19 influenced driving habits and the seasonal tire changeover. It is no surprise that 65 per cent of motorists surveyed reported driving significantly less because of the pandemic. The good news is that only six per cent of drivers riding on winter tires avoided changing over to their summer tires because of coronavirus concerns. Nine-in-ten indicated that their spring tire changeover was not influenced by COVID-19.

Survey Methodology

A survey of 1,523 Canadians was completed online between October 2-5, 2020, using Leger’s online panel. A probability sample of the same size would yield a margin of error of +/-2.5%, 19 times out of 20.

More About Winter Tires:

Find us on YouTube and learn more about advantages of winter tires, how to chose the right tire for your drive, safe winter driving habits and more.