Transport Canada has finalized tire testing on a multi-function activity vehicle (MFAV) to determine the effect of four versus two winter tires.

The purpose of the tests was to identify the safest configuration of tires on an MFAV for winter highway driving.

The results confirm Transport Canada’s long-standing position that the use of winter tires on all wheels improves vehicle stability, steerability and braking in winter conditions.

The MFAV’s performance was tested on snow while fitted with four winter tires in the back and two all-season tires in the front, and then re-tested with winter tires on all wheels. Tests show differences in braking distance, cornering and basic handling.

The test results show that when fitted with winter tires on all wheels, the vehicle required up to nine metres less braking distance to come to a full stop. The vehicle remained stable during cornering tests, as it did in both high- and low-speed slalom tests.

By comparison, with all-season tires on the front, the vehicle could not successfully complete the slalom tests.

While each province regulates tire usage, Transport Canada maintains its position on the need for winter tires, designated with the mountain snowflake symbol, on all wheel positions during the winter season.

Click here to view video clips of the testing.

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