All-Season Tires: How to Choose Them and Price Guide 2026
All-season tires are designed to stay on your car all year, balancing grip, comfort, and durability in dry, wet, and light winter conditions. Understanding what they can and cannot do, how to read their labels, and what they typically cost in 2026 can help you make a safer and more economical choice for everyday driving.
Canada’s varied climate makes tire choice a practical decision as much as a safety one. All-season tires are designed to handle warm summers, wet spring roads, and light early winter conditions, while aiming for long tread life and a quiet ride. They are not a substitute for dedicated winter tires in harsh snow and ice, but for many drivers in milder regions or for three-season use, they are a sensible option that balances capability, comfort, and cost.
Benefits of All-Season Tires
All-season tires offer versatility for drivers who experience a mix of dry, wet, and mild cold conditions. Compounds stay flexible across a broad temperature range, and tread patterns evacuate water to reduce hydroplaning. Many models focus on road comfort and lower rolling resistance, which can support fuel efficiency. For urban and suburban driving, they typically last longer than softer winter compounds, and manufacturers often back them with substantial treadwear warranties. Some all-season or all-weather models carry the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake mark, indicating tested snow traction for regions with frequent shoulder-season flurries.
How to Choose All-Season Tires
Start with the size shown on your door placard or owner manual and match load index and speed rating to the vehicle’s requirements. Consider UTQG indicators where available: treadwear for longevity, traction for wet braking, and temperature for heat resistance. Look for siping density and circumferential grooves that aid wet grip, as well as noise-reduction features like variable pitch tread blocks. If you drive in colder zones, prioritize all-weather or Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake rated options. Factor in warranty terms, road hazard coverage, and support from local services in your area for rotations and repairs.
Difference Between All-Season and Winter Tires
Winter tires use specialized rubber that remains pliable in deep cold and feature aggressive siping and block edges for snow and ice traction. All-season compounds harden more as temperatures drop, which lengthens braking distances on ice and packed snow. If your region regularly sees prolonged subzero temperatures or heavy snowfall, winter tires will provide noticeably better stopping and cornering. In some provinces and territories, winter use is mandated or signed on specific routes, so check local regulations and plan a seasonal changeover when conditions demand it.
Tread Wear, Speed Ratings, and Care
Treadwear ratings hint at longevity, but driving style, alignment, and rotation frequency matter as much. Rotate every 8,000 to 10,000 kilometres to even out wear, and check pressures monthly and before long trips. Underinflation shortens tire life and increases fuel use. Confirm speed rating and load index meet or exceed the vehicle specification, especially on crossovers and light trucks. After curb strikes or pothole impacts, have alignment and balance checked by a qualified shop in your area to maintain even wear and stable handling.
2026 Price Guide and Canadian Providers
What you pay depends on size, brand tier, performance category, and extras like run-flat construction. As broad 2026 estimates in Canada, economy all-seasons in 15 to 16 inch sizes often land around 120 to 170 CAD per tire, mid-range 17 to 18 inch models around 170 to 260 CAD, and premium or larger 19 to 20 inch options around 260 to 380 CAD or more. Mounting, balancing, valve services, TPMS reprogramming, and disposal fees are typically additional and vary by region and retailer.
| Product or Service | Provider | Cost Estimation CAD |
|---|---|---|
| Michelin CrossClimate 2 all season or all weather | Canadian Tire, Costco, Kal Tire | 230 to 350 per tire depending on size |
| Goodyear Assurance WeatherReady | Kal Tire, Fountain Tire, OK Tire | 190 to 300 per tire depending on size |
| Continental TrueContact Tour | Canadian Tire, Tirecraft | 150 to 260 per tire depending on size |
| Bridgestone Turanza QuietTrack | Costco, Kal Tire | 200 to 330 per tire depending on size |
| Pirelli Cinturato P7 All Season Plus II | OK Tire, Fountain Tire | 170 to 300 per tire depending on size |
| General AltiMAX RT45 | Canadian independent shops and national chains | 140 to 220 per tire depending on size |
| Installation and balancing service | Costco, Kal Tire, Canadian Tire automotive service | 20 to 35 per tire or 100 to 160 per set for mount and balance |
Prices, rates, or cost estimates mentioned in this article are based on the latest available information but may change over time. Independent research is advised before making financial decisions.
Installation, Rotation, and Warranty Basics
Most retailers bundle seasonal promotions, but the true value often lies in consistent service. Ask about road hazard coverage, rotation schedules, and pro-rated treadwear warranties. If you maintain separate winter sets, a changeover on dedicated wheels is faster and usually cheaper than remounting each season. Keep records of rotations and alignments to support any future warranty claim and to maximize tread life.
Conclusion All-season tires aim to cover the widest range of everyday conditions with a balance of grip, comfort, and durability. Selecting the right model means matching size and ratings to your vehicle, considering climate and driving mix, and weighing support from retailers and local services. With a clear view of pricing and what influences it, drivers in Canada can plan confident, safe motoring throughout most of the year.
