Winter tire usage remains strong despite cost-of-living crisis

winter tire pictured in the snow — iStock.com/ollo

The majority (81%) of Canadian drivers believe winter tires are an important investment, even in the face of rising living costs.

It’s an impressive commitment, given how heavily inflation has weighed on Canadian households since 2021.

Across the country, winter tire usage has reached 80% — a two percentage point gain from last year and a 12-point increase over the last decade, according to a new survey by The Tire and Rubber Association of Canada. The survey tallied 1,069 responses from Canadian drivers and was fielded October 6-11, 2025.

Related: How inflation and tariffs may change auto insurance in Canada

But that’s not to say financial pressures will have no impact on winter tire usage this year.

Almost a third (32%) of drivers say they are now less likely to buy winter tires because of their increased financial burdens.

For brokers, this could serve as an opportunity to remind their customers of the added safety benefits of winter tires.

Specifically, 84% of drivers say their winter tires have saved them from an accident or loss of control.

The next top reason Canadian drivers cite for using winter tires is to “protect their family,” (70%). That’s followed by drivers who say winter tire usage is mandatory in their province (33%).

Related: How auto theft, inflation and vehicle complexity boost claims costs

Brokers may choose to reaffirm how equipping winter tires can lower insurance premiums — which 24% of drivers say is why they choose to switch out their tires every six months.

The survey breaks down regional winter tire usage, and Atlantic Canada has the highest number of drivers riding on them (95%), followed by Ontario (77%), and the Prairies — Manitoba and Saskatchewan, and Alberta — each at 70%.

British Columbia has the lowest winter tire usage at 64%.