Hey folks,
I’m on the fence about getting winter tires. It’s my first winter with a 2024 Bronco Sport OB. I used winter tires on my old car, but since this one has AWD, I’m not sure if they’re necessary. I live in Ontario, and we don’t get tons of snow, maybe just a few big storms.
Has anyone here tried just using all-seasons? What’s your experience been like?
If you’re still on stock tires, swapping to something with a 3-peak snow rating might be a smart move. Tires are your connection to the road, so having good ones can make a big difference for safety.
You don’t necessarily need full-on winter tires, but a good all-weather option would be helpful. I get the hesitation since tires aren’t cheap.
Depends on your winter driving! Personally, I wouldn’t go without them if you’re dealing with heavy snow regularly.
Hayes said:
Depends on your winter driving! Personally, I wouldn’t go without them if you’re dealing with heavy snow regularly.
My city salts the roads pretty well, so I’m not too worried. I just want to see if others manage okay with all-seasons.
I use winter-rated off-road tires all year. Currently on Mickey Thompson Bajas, and they handle winter pretty well. My last ride had AT3 tires.
Koa said:
I use winter-rated off-road tires all year. Currently on Mickey Thompson Bajas, and they handle winter pretty well. My last ride had AT3 tires.
Thanks! What makes those work well in winter? Is it the tread or something else?
@Ciel
They’re definitely on the chunkier side. As long as you’ve got an M+S rating, they should handle fine. I’m near Ottawa, so we probably have similar weather.
Koa said:
@Ciel
They’re definitely on the chunkier side. As long as you’ve got an M+S rating, they should handle fine. I’m near Ottawa, so we probably have similar weather.
Mine came with factory all-seasons. I’ll check if they’re M+S rated, but I can’t afford new tires this winter. Just wondering if I’ll need to park it on heavy snow days or if I’ll be alright.
@Ciel
With AWD, you should be okay as long as your all-seasons are still in good shape.
Koa said:
@Ciel
With AWD, you should be okay as long as your all-seasons are still in good shape.
Got the car in April and put about 8,200 KM on it. Thanks for your advice!
You’ll be just fine, my friend. Have a great winter season!
@Koa
Thanks, and have a safe winter too!
I’m in Ontario too, and last winter felt okay with all-seasons, but it wasn’t super snowy. If you’re driving daily in heavy snow, maybe get winter tires. But otherwise, all-seasons should be alright.
Zion said:
I’m in Ontario too, and last winter felt okay with all-seasons, but it wasn’t super snowy. If you’re driving daily in heavy snow, maybe get winter tires. But otherwise, all-seasons should be alright.
Were you using all-seasons? I mostly stay local but sometimes travel on weekends.
@Ciel
Yeah, just all-seasons. Definitely better than my old 2WD, but winter tires would still be ideal. If you’re not driving too much in bad weather, you’ll likely be fine.
Zion said:
@Ciel
Yeah, just all-seasons. Definitely better than my old 2WD, but winter tires would still be ideal. If you’re not driving too much in bad weather, you’ll likely be fine.
Appreciate the advice! I’m a bit nervous since it’s my first winter without dedicated winters, but I’ll see how it goes.
I always switch to winter tires once it drops below 7°C. I’ve got Yokohama on my Bronco Sport and a set of Falkens on my Crosstrek—both are excellent on snow and ice. Here in Québec, they’re required by law, but even if they weren’t, I’d still get them.
At least go for some with a 3-peak severe snow rating. The stock tires are pretty bad on snow.
Stuck in just 1/2" of snow in BC with Toyo AT3 tires. Had to drop the air pressure to 12 psi. I know driver skill and conditions play a part, but it’s pretty frustrating to slide around on a snow-rated all-terrain tire.
Makes me wonder if these tires are just “too much” for the weight of my vehicle. Even at 12 psi, the sidewalls don’t flex much. Might be time to consider real winter snow tires.
