Winter Tire Installation

The Benefit of Using Narrower Winter Tires for Better Snow Traction

informational·Technical Guide·Published January 21, 2026·Updated October 23, 2026

Are narrower winter tires better in snow?

Yes, in loose snow and slush, narrow winter tires work better than wider ones. In a 2018 ADAC test of five widths of one winter tire model on a VW Golf, the narrow sizes did better when starting and cornering on snow and in aquaplaning. The widest size had better dry-road safety and steering feel. All five sizes rated good overall.

Sources and scope

The width results come from ADAC's 2018 winter tire width test. The loose-snow and dry-grip statements come from a 2019 Nokian Tyres press release. Sizing and safety advice comes from Transport Canada's winter tire page, the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association service guide (2017) and CAA-Quebec, and the Quebec rule from the Quebec winter tire page, as of October 2026. Tire pressure facts come from the U.S. Department of Energy. The ADAC sizes differ in wheel diameter and tire profile as well as width, so its results compare complete tire packages.

What the 2018 winter tire width test found

What the 2018 winter tire width test found
Test area	Better result	Detail
Starting and cornering on snow	Narrower tires	The narrow sizes had the advantage when starting and cornering on snow.
Aquaplaning in 7 mm of water	Narrower tires	The wide 225 tires lost road contact at about 70 km/h (43 mph). The narrow 195 tires lost contact at well over 80 km/h (50 mph).
Dry road	Wider tires	The wide tire had better dry-road safety, steering feel, handling and wear.
Comfort	Narrower tires	The taller sidewall of the narrow sizes gave more comfort.
Overall rating	All five sizes	Every size from 195/65 R15 to 225/40 R18 rated good.

Tire model or tire width: which matters more in winter?

In the same test, the differences between the five sizes were smaller than the differences between tire models. Tread pattern and rubber compound vary from one model to the next, and they affect how a tire works in winter. When you shop, compare winter tire models as well as widths.

Wider or narrower winter tires for your roads?

Your winter roads are mostly loose snow and slush

A narrower size suits these roads. Choose it from the sizes that your vehicle maker recommends.

You often drive on wet roads with standing water or slush

Do not pick the widest size. Wide tires carry a higher aquaplaning risk, and extra-wide tires aquaplane much earlier than narrow ones.

Your winter roads are mostly cleared and dry

A wider size gives more grip on a dry road.

You meet a mix of snow, slush, ice and cleared pavement

Choose winter tires for the roads and surfaces that you drive most, including the amount of snow and ice.

Your vehicle has all-wheel drive, four-wheel drive or different tire sizes front and rear

Keep the tire circumference within the vehicle maker's permitted tolerances, and follow its instructions for your drive type and sizes.

How to check a narrower winter tire size before you buy

1
Read the tire information label
The label gives the recommended tire size and pressure for your vehicle. It is usually on the driver's door edge or post, or in the glove box. If you cannot find it, use the owner's manual.
2
Compare the new size with the label size
Tire width, wheel diameter and overall tire diameter are separate measurements. In an approved package, a change in wheel diameter can be offset by a different sidewall height.
3
Check the wheel and the clearance
The bead diameter of the tire must match the wheel. Use approved rim widths and contours, and respect the wheel load and pressure limits. Check clearance at every wheel through steering and suspension movement. If you plan a second set of wheels for winter, read the pros and cons of dedicated rims.
4
Look for the snow symbol
Look for the peaked mountain with snowflake symbol on any width that you consider. It marks tires that meet specified snow-traction requirements.
5
Confirm the tire pressure monitor
The tire pressure monitoring system must work with the replacement setup.

Related tire guides

All-Season vs. All-Weather vs. Winter: Choosing the Right Tire for Your Province
Compare tire types and the winter rules in your province.
How to Read the 'Alpine Peak' Symbol on Your Tire Sidewall
Learn what the snow symbol and the other sidewall marks mean.

Key Takeaways

Narrow winter tires suit loose snow, slush and wet roads; wide tires suit cleared, dry roads.
In the 2018 test, the tire model made a bigger difference than the width.
A narrower size must still be an approved size for your vehicle, with the correct wheel fit and clearance.
Ask a qualified tire specialist to check the narrower package against your vehicle and the roads you drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will narrower winter tires change my speedometer reading?

They can. A change in overall tire diameter can affect the speedometer and the odometer, and also the anti-lock brakes (ABS), the tire pressure monitor and the traction systems. If the narrower size has a different overall diameter than the size on your tire information label, check the vehicle maker's calibration requirements before you buy.

Can I put narrower winter tires on the front wheels only?

No. Use winter tires at all wheel positions. Also, do not mix tires with different tread patterns, internal construction or size, because a mixed set makes the vehicle less stable. If you change to a narrower width, buy four tires of the same model and the same size.

How often should I check winter tire pressure?

At least once a month, with a gauge, when the tires are cold. Set them to the pressure on the tire information label, not to the maximum pressure printed on the sidewall. A working tire pressure monitor does not replace this check. Under-inflated tires also cost fuel: gas mileage drops by about 0.2% for each 6.9 kPa (1 psi) drop in the average pressure of all tires.

How much tread do winter tires need for snow?

Do not use tires worn close to 4 mm (5/32 in) of tread depth on snow-covered roads. In Quebec, the legal minimum is 1.6 mm, and the province recommends at least 4.8 mm in winter. To check your own set, see how to tell if your winter tires will last another season.

Do I need winter tires in Quebec if my car is registered in another province or state?

No. Quebec requires winter tires from 1 December to 15 March for the vehicles within its rule, including Quebec-registered passenger vehicles. Vehicles registered outside Quebec and trailers are not covered by that duty. For the full rule, read the Quebec winter tire requirements, and check the rule of each province or state that you drive in.