Are Michelin tires good for winter?

I just found out I’ll be relocating for work. I’m excited, but a little nervous because the area I’m moving to has pretty cold winters. I just bought a new set of tires right before I found out I was moving. They’re Michelin Defender tires—are they okay for driving in winter weather?

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Michelin is one of the most trusted and well-known names in tires, so you’ve made a great choice! Michelin Defender tires are rated as all-season, but some reviews find the tread to be more similar to that of summer tires. That means that while Michelin Defenders will perform fairly well in mild winter conditions, you might need actual winter or snow tires to handle snow, ice, or extreme cold.

If you live somewhere like Phoenix where the winters are mild, Michelin Defenders would be a fine choice. But if you’re in Buffalo, then you will be better served by swapping the Defenders out for proper winter/snow tires when the season calls for it.

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2. Summer:

These tires are primarily designed for high-performance vehicles and provide optimized dry and wet performance levels in a temperate environment. Summer tires are designed for year round usage but should not be used during the winter season where temperatures are colder and approach freezing consistently as their performance would be less than optimal.

3. Winter tire:

These tires are specifically designed to offer optimal levels of traction on ice, snow, and slush in addition to wet and dry road surfaces in severe cold weather conditions. Severe cold weather conditions are defined to occur when ambient temperatures are consistently below freezing and/or there is substantial winter precipitation. Winter tires are not intended for year round usage. All winter tires exhibit the Mountain Snow Flake marking indicating suitability for winter application.

4. All-Terrain:

These are off-road tires designed to give you excellent grip in mud, dirt and rocks. They can be driven on the road, but offer a louder ride noise than most other tires, along with less treadwear due to their unique tread design.

In cold temperatures, summer tires do not provide the performance that winter road conditions requires. They are made with different materials optimized for warmer conditions and they can, for instance, harden under cold temperature, thus lowering their gripping ability. Summer tires have difficulty gripping the road in snow or icy conditions.

All-season tires are designed to be driven year-round, but if you live in an area with severe winter conditions (heavy snow or ice), they may not be sufficient. All-season tires are designed to perform well in a large range of conditions, but not to handle the worst.

Winter tires can provide you with the extra grip you need to get through deeper snow or ice-covered roads.

Do I need winter tires?

If you frequently encounter snow or ice, or if the temperature consistently approaches freezing, your tires need the extra grip and turning capabilities that only winter tires can deliver. Even if you have 4-wheel-drive or all-wheel-drive, you still need winter tires on the front and back to conquer the elements and stay safe.

Winter tires are designed to perform better in a wide range of wintry conditions such as wet roads, snow and ice. They also improve your vehicle's grip and performance in these conditions and they shorten your braking distances for better safety.

Braking distance on slippery, cold, wet or icy roads | Michelin Winter Driving Academy

Winter, all-season and summer tires

In cold temperatures, summer tires do not provide the performance that winter road conditions require. They are made with different materials optimized for warmer conditions and they can, for instance, harden under cold temperature, thus lowering their gripping ability. Summer tires have difficulty gripping the road in snow or icy conditions.

All-season tires are designed to be driven year-round, but if you live in an area with severe winter conditions (heavy snow or ice), they may not be sufficient. All-season tires are designed to perform well in a large range of conditions, but not to handle the worst.

Winter tires can provide you with the extra grip you need to get through deeper snow or ice-covered roads.

Three peak mountain snowflake symbol and "M+S"

Only tires which have the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol (a snowflake inside a mountain) have been tested for use in severe snow conditions. They meet or exceed industry-established severe snow traction performance requirements.
Tires with this marking are what we traditionally call "winter tires".

"M+S" generally means Mud and Snow for All-Season tires

They have been specially designed to improve your car’s performance in mud and fresh or melting snow. Many all-season tires have this marking.

However, not all “M+S” tires have been tested as winter tires. So even if a tire has a “M+S” marking, it can only be considered a true winter tire if it also has the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol. On the other hand, all winter tires carry the “M+S” mark.

Lifecycle of winter tires

Wear

Winter tires do not wear more quickly in winter conditions when compared to all-season tires. The rubber is different, but comparable in durability. You can fit them early to enjoy maximum benefits.

When should I replace them?

• When wear bar indicator is visible (2/32nds).
  See how to measure wear.
• After 5 years of usage, you should make sure they are thoroughly inspected at least once per year.

Cost and value

Over the life of your vehicle, you will likely need to purchase at least one new set of tires. Equipping the vehicle with winter tires during the first winter season will represent a slightest higher investment in the end but will optimize the performance in treacherous driving conditions with the benefit of added safety.

Put winter tires on all four wheels

For maximum safety and control of your vehicle in cold weather conditions, fit winter tires on all four wheels.

Why not only two tires?

• Fitting winter tires just on the front axle can mean that the rear axle slides more easily. You risk spinning the vehicle under acceleration (rear-wheel-drive cars) or when turning (front or rear-wheel-drive).
• Fitting only two winter tires on the rear axle increases the risk of driving straight on when you try to take a turn.

Front vs back tires | Michelin Winter Driving Academy

You need winter tires on 4WD (AWD)

AWD vs. 4 winter tires | Michelin Winter Driving Academy

4-Wheel-Drive does provide optimized power transmission delivery but minimal assistance in transverse handling and braking situations. With winter tires, you can feel optimized levels of traction during all manoeuvers including acceleration, braking, and handling.

Do I need studded tires?

Do you drive more on icy roads than snowy roads?

Studded tires are the right choice for you.

Do you drive more on snowy roads or a variety of different road conditions?

Non-studded winter tires could be a better choice.

What are studded tires?

Tires with metal studs inserted into the tread to increases grip on ice, making it easier to start and stop on the least friendly road surfaces imaginable.

Studded tires are not ideal for driving on roads that are not covered with ice, as they can increase braking distance, road noise and wear.

Studded tires are not allowed in some provinces in Canada. These provinces may completely ban the use of studded tires or only allow their use during certain times of the year. Check with your local officials to ensure studded tires are allowed in your province before you purchase studded tires.

Which Michelin tire is best for winter?

Are Michelin tires snow tires?

What is the best tire for winter?

Are Michelin all season good for snow?