Beyond the Ultramax 4S: Good, Better, and Best All-Weather Tires for Winter

If you like the convenience of an all-weather tire but want to explore alternatives beyond the Ultramax 4S, there is no shortage of choice. The harder question is deciding how much tire you actually need for Canadian winter driving.

For many drivers, the decision comes down to three levels: an affordable all-weather tire that covers the essentials, a stronger mid-range option with a more balanced performance package, or a premium tire engineered to deliver confidence across a wider range of conditions.

Three models illustrate those choices particularly well: the Radar Dimax 4 Season, Kumho Solus 4S HA32, and Michelin CrossClimate2. All three are designed for year-round use and carry the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol, but they target different budgets and priorities.

Good, Better, Best: The Quick Comparison

The simplest way to compare these tires is by looking at what you gain as you move up the range. Radar provides an accessible entry into 3PMSF-rated year-round driving, Kumho strengthens the overall balance, and Michelin focuses on premium all-season performance and longevity.

TireWarehouse Tip: “Good, better, and best” should not be interpreted as safe versus unsafe. The correct tire must always meet your vehicle’s required size, load index and other specifications. The comparison is about the level of performance, refinement, longevity and value each product is designed to offer.

First, What Makes an All-Weather Tire Different?

An all-weather tire combines year-round usability with certified snow traction, making it fundamentally different from a conventional all-season tire. In Canada, the easiest feature to identify is the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol on the sidewall.

The 3PMSF symbol indicates that a tire meets prescribed snow-traction performance requirements. That distinction matters because an M+S marking alone does not indicate that a tire has passed the same severe-snow traction standard.

All-weather tires are designed to remain on the vehicle through summer, fall, winter and spring. That makes them attractive to drivers who want to avoid two seasonal sets while still gaining more winter capability than a conventional all-season tire.

However, all-weather and dedicated winter tires are not identical. Transport Canada recommends winter tires on all four wheels when driving in cold, snowy or icy conditions, and notes that tires designed specifically for winter retain their elasticity and grip at low temperatures.

Why the 7°C guideline still matters

Temperature affects tire compounds. Transport Canada advises that conventional all-season and summer tires begin losing elasticity below approximately 7°C. Winter-focused compounds are engineered to remain more flexible as temperatures fall.

A 3PMSF all-weather tire addresses this challenge more effectively than a typical all-season tire while remaining usable during warm weather. That versatility is the main reason this category has become so appealing to Canadian motorists.

Good: Radar Dimax 4 Season

The Radar Dimax 4 Season is the value-focused choice for drivers who want a genuine 3PMSF all-weather tire without immediately moving into a premium price category.

Radar describes the Dimax 4 Season as an all-weather tire for passenger cars and SUVs. Its sizes carry the 3PMSF symbol, and its design focuses on maintaining useful performance through both warm and cold conditions.

What does the Radar Dimax 4 Season offer?

The Dimax 4 Season uses an asymmetric tread pattern with four circumferential grooves. Those channels are designed to evacuate water and help resist hydroplaning, while a high density of sipes contributes additional biting edges for wet roads, slush and snow.

Radar also uses a dual-compound approach intended to give the tire flexibility across changing seasonal temperatures. For Canadian drivers, that is important because a single set of tires may encounter hot pavement in July, heavy autumn rain, freezing temperatures and snow during the same year.

• 3PMSF severe-snow certification
• All-weather construction for year-round use
• Asymmetric tread pattern
• Four circumferential grooves for water evacuation
• High-density siping for winter traction
• Passenger car and SUV applications
• Value-oriented positioning

Who should consider the Radar?

The Radar makes the most sense for a driver whose priorities are affordability, year-round convenience and basic all-weather capability. Think commuting, urban driving, regular highway trips and moderate winter conditions where a 3PMSF tire is preferred over a conventional all-season.

It can also make sense when the alternative is purchasing a conventional budget all-season tire simply because of price. Moving to a 3PMSF-rated all-weather product provides a more winter-oriented solution without requiring seasonal tire changes.

The trade-off is that buyers should not expect a value tire to automatically match every characteristic of more expensive products. Premium tires can justify their higher prices through factors such as wet braking, refinement, tread life, consistency as the tire wears and broader performance development.

Better: Kumho Solus 4S HA32

The Kumho Solus 4S HA32 moves the comparison into a stronger mid-range position, combining 3PMSF winter capability with a design emphasizing wet-road handling and year-round balance.

Kumho designed the HA32 around a directional tread pattern and describes it as providing balanced performance throughout the year. It is a compelling step up for drivers who want more than an entry-level all-weather tire but do not necessarily want to pay premium-tier pricing.

Why is the HA32 a step up?

One of the most noticeable features is its directional V-shaped tread pattern. Wide lateral grooves help move water away from the contact patch, while multiple sipes and interlocking 3D sipes are intended to support snow traction and all-weather handling.

Kumho specifically emphasizes wet performance while maintaining snow capability and mileage. That is relevant in Canada because winter driving is not exclusively about deep snow. Depending on the province and the week, drivers can encounter rain, standing water, slush, packed snow, freeze-thaw cycles and dry pavement.

• 3PMSF snow certification
• Directional tread design
• Wide lateral grooves
• Multiple siping positions
• Interlocking 3D sipes
• Focus on wet-road and snow performance
• Passenger car and CUV applications

What about treadwear coverage?

Kumho Canada lists mileage coverage of up to 100,000 km for eligible T-, H- and V-rated Solus 4S HA32 replacement tires, with eligible W-rated versions listed at 80,000 km. Warranty conditions and exclusions apply, so the exact tire size and warranty terms should always be confirmed before purchase.

This is an important part of the HA32’s value proposition. Purchase price matters, but so does the useful service life of the tire. A less expensive tire that wears substantially sooner is not necessarily the lower-cost choice over several years.

Who should consider the Kumho Solus 4S HA32?

The HA32 is particularly attractive for drivers looking for the middle ground between budget and premium. It suits commuters, family vehicles, crossovers and drivers accumulating significant kilometres who want year-round practicality without treating price as the only deciding factor.

Expert Tip: When comparing tire prices, calculate the cost of the complete installed set and consider mileage coverage, expected annual kilometres, rotation requirements and alignment condition. Price per tire tells only part of the ownership-cost story.

Best: Michelin CrossClimate2

The Michelin CrossClimate2 is the premium choice in this comparison, targeting drivers who place a high priority on wet and dry braking, snow capability, tread life and performance throughout the tire’s service life.

Michelin classifies the CrossClimate2 as an all-season tire in Canada, but importantly, it carries the 3PMSF certification. That combination makes it one of the most recognizable products in the year-round, winter-capable tire category.

What makes the CrossClimate2 different?

The CrossClimate2’s distinctive directional V-shaped tread is designed to manage changing road conditions while providing year-round performance. Michelin places particular emphasis on braking performance in wet and dry conditions as well as maintaining useful performance as the tire wears.

Michelin Canada also backs the CrossClimate2 with a 100,000-kilometre limited mileage warranty, subject to the manufacturer’s terms and conditions.

That combination helps explain why CrossClimate2 belongs at the premium end of this three-tire comparison:

• 3PMSF certified
• Premium year-round positioning
• Strong focus on wet and dry braking
• Snow capability for moderate winter conditions
• Directional V-shaped tread
• Performance designed to remain effective as tread wears
• 100,000-kilometre limited mileage warranty
• Michelin Promise Plan coverage for eligible replacement tires

Does the CrossClimate2 eliminate the need for winter tires?

Not necessarily. Michelin itself states that while the CrossClimate2 provides reliable performance in moderate winter conditions, dedicated winter tires are recommended for optimal performance in extreme winter conditions, including ice.

That distinction is important. A premium all-weather tire can offer impressive versatility, but its purpose is still to balance competing demands. A dedicated winter tire can be optimized much more specifically for cold temperatures, snow and ice because it does not also have to survive summer temperatures.

Radar vs. Kumho vs. Michelin: What Do You Get for the Extra Money?

Moving up the price ladder generally buys a broader and more refined performance package rather than simply “more snow traction.” Winter performance is only one part of an all-weather tire’s job.

The biggest mistake is assuming that the most expensive tire is automatically necessary for every vehicle. A driver covering 8,000 km per year in an urban area has different requirements from someone covering 35,000 km annually on highways through changing weather.

Which All-Weather Tire Fits Your Driving?

Your annual kilometres, winter severity, highway exposure, vehicle and budget should determine which level makes sense. Start with your actual driving rather than the brand name on the sidewall.

Choose the Radar Dimax 4 Season if:

• You want to keep the initial purchase cost under control.
• You want 3PMSF capability rather than a conventional all-season tire.
• Most of your driving is urban or suburban.
• You cover relatively moderate annual kilometres.
• You value four-season convenience more than premium refinement.

Choose the Kumho Solus 4S HA32 if:

• You want a strong balance between price and performance.
• You regularly drive in rain, slush and snow.
• You want a recognized mid-range manufacturer.
• You put enough kilometres on your vehicle for tread life to matter significantly.
• You want to step up from a budget all-weather tire without automatically moving to premium pricing.

Choose the Michelin CrossClimate2 if:

• You prioritize premium year-round road performance.
• You frequently drive on highways in changing conditions.
• Wet and dry braking are major considerations.
• You expect to keep the tires long enough to benefit from their longevity potential.
• You are comfortable paying more upfront for a premium product.

When Should You Still Choose Dedicated Winter Tires?

Dedicated winter tires remain the more appropriate choice when severe cold, frequent ice, deep snow or demanding winter travel is a regular part of your driving. All-weather tires offer versatility; dedicated winter tires specialize.

Transport Canada recommends winter tires on all wheels when driving in cold, snowy or icy conditions. That recommendation becomes particularly relevant for drivers who routinely face:

• Frequent icy roads or freezing rain
• Heavy or deep snow
• Steep hills and mountainous roads
• Unplowed rural routes
• Long winter highway commutes
• Very low temperatures for extended periods
• Remote travel where additional traction margin is especially valuable

Drivers in Vancouver, Toronto or parts of southern Ontario may have very different winter requirements from motorists in Winnipeg, northern Alberta, northern Ontario or interior British Columbia.

Always check the winter tire regulations for the province and routes where you drive. Quebec has province-wide winter tire requirements during its prescribed winter period, while British Columbia uses winter tire and chain requirements on designated routes during specified dates.

What Should You Check Before Buying Any of These Tires?

The right model is only the right tire if the size, load capacity and specifications are correct for your vehicle. Before ordering a set, verify the requirements on your vehicle placard and owner’s manual.

1. Confirm the tire size. Do not assume every trim level of the same vehicle uses identical tires.
2. Check the load index. The tire must be capable of supporting the vehicle’s required load.
3. Verify the speed rating. Follow the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications and professional tire guidance.
4. Look for the 3PMSF symbol. Do not confuse M+S alone with certified severe-snow traction.
5. Compare warranty terms. Mileage numbers can have exclusions, maintenance requirements and prorated adjustments.
6. Check your alignment. Installing new tires on a vehicle with poor alignment can cause rapid or uneven wear.
7. Plan regular rotations. Rotation helps promote more even tread wear when permitted by the vehicle and tire configuration.
8. Maintain cold inflation pressure. Tire pressure changes as temperatures change, so check it regularly against the vehicle manufacturer’s specification.

Don’t Ignore Tread Depth as Winter Approaches

A 3PMSF symbol cannot compensate for severely worn tread. Snow, slush and standing water require usable tread depth to provide channels and biting edges that help maintain traction.

Transport Canada advises against using tires worn close to 4 mm (5/32 inch) on snow-covered roads. That is a useful reminder that the legal minimum tread depth should not be treated as the ideal target for winter performance.

Check tread depth at several points across each tire. Uneven wear can indicate inflation, alignment or suspension problems and may reduce the tire’s ability to perform consistently.

All-Weather Tire Maintenance Checklist

Year-round tires eliminate seasonal changeovers, but they do not eliminate tire maintenance. In fact, leaving one set installed throughout the year makes routine inspection particularly important.

• Check cold tire pressure at least monthly and before long trips.
• Recheck pressure after major seasonal temperature changes.
• Rotate tires according to the vehicle and tire manufacturer’s recommendations.
• Measure tread depth before winter.
• Inspect for cracks, bulges, punctures and impact damage.
• Watch for uneven shoulder or centre wear.
• Have alignment checked if the vehicle pulls or the tires show abnormal wear.
• Inspect tires after severe pothole impacts.
• Keep TPMS warnings investigated rather than simply resetting the system.

Final Recommendation: Look Beyond the Purchase Price

The best all-weather tire choice is the one that matches your driving conditions, annual kilometres and budget while meeting your vehicle’s specifications.

The Radar Dimax 4 Season provides a value-oriented path into 3PMSF year-round capability. It is worth considering for drivers who want all-weather convenience while keeping purchase cost relatively low.

The Kumho Solus 4S HA32 adds a compelling middle option. Its directional design, emphasis on wet and snow performance and available mileage coverage make it especially relevant for drivers who want to balance cost with longer-term performance.

The Michelin CrossClimate2 occupies the premium end of the comparison. It is designed for motorists willing to invest more for a sophisticated year-round package emphasizing wet and dry braking, snow capability and tread life.

But no all-weather tire should be chosen by brand reputation alone. Consider where you drive, how often you encounter ice and deep snow, how many kilometres you cover each year and whether dedicated winter tires would provide a more appropriate solution for your conditions.

That is the real advantage of moving beyond a basic “which tire is cheapest?” comparison: you can buy the level of tire that actually matches the way you drive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Radar Dimax 4 Season a true all-weather tire?

Yes. Radar identifies the Dimax 4 Season as an all-weather tire, and its sizes carry the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol. That distinguishes it from a conventional all-season tire that carries only an M+S designation.

Is the Kumho Solus 4S HA32 good for Canadian winters?

The Solus 4S HA32 is a 3PMSF-rated all-weather tire designed for year-round operation, including snow. Whether it is appropriate for your winter depends on factors such as ice frequency, snowfall, road maintenance, temperature and driving environment. More severe conditions may favour dedicated winter tires.

Is the Michelin CrossClimate2 an all-weather or all-season tire?

Michelin Canada markets the CrossClimate2 as an all-season tire, but it also carries the 3PMSF certification. In Canadian shopping terminology, it is commonly considered within the winter-capable all-weather category because it is intended for year-round use while meeting the relevant snow-traction standard.

Is the CrossClimate2 as good as a dedicated winter tire?

They serve different purposes. CrossClimate2 balances warm-weather, wet, dry and snow performance in one tire. A dedicated winter tire is optimized specifically for cold, snow and ice. Michelin recommends dedicated winter tires for optimal performance in extreme winter conditions, including ice.

What does 3PMSF mean?

3PMSF stands for Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake. The symbol indicates that a tire meets prescribed snow-traction performance requirements. It is a more meaningful winter indicator than an M+S marking by itself.

Can I use all-weather tires all summer?

Yes, all-weather tires are designed for year-round operation, including summer. That is one of their main differences from dedicated winter tires. Correct pressure, rotation, alignment and tread inspections remain important throughout the year.

Do all-weather tires wear faster than all-season tires?

Not necessarily. Tread life depends on the individual tire, compound, vehicle, alignment, inflation pressure, driving habits, road surfaces and rotation schedule. Manufacturer mileage warranties can help compare models, but they should not be interpreted as guaranteed service life in every application.

Are all-weather tires enough for driving in Quebec?

Drivers must ensure their tires comply with Quebec’s applicable winter tire requirements during the mandatory period. A qualifying 3PMSF tire may meet the regulatory definition, but legal compliance and optimum traction are separate questions. Drivers who frequently encounter severe snow or ice should consider whether dedicated winter tires better match their conditions.

Are all-weather tires suitable for British Columbia?

They can be, provided the tires meet applicable requirements for the routes and dates travelled. British Columbia has winter tire and chain requirements on designated highways, so motorists should verify current provincial requirements before travelling, particularly through mountain passes.

Should I install four all-weather tires?

Yes. A matching set of four tires helps maintain predictable traction, braking and handling. Mixing substantially different tire types or tread designs can create traction differences between axles, especially on snow and ice.

How much tread should I have before winter?

More tread generally provides greater capacity to manage snow, slush and water. Transport Canada advises that tires worn close to 4 mm (5/32 inch) should not be used on snow-covered roads. Inspect tread depth before winter rather than waiting until snow arrives.

Which matters more: AWD or winter-capable tires?

AWD and tires perform different jobs. AWD can help distribute power when accelerating, but the tires create the contact with the road during acceleration, cornering and braking. Appropriate tires therefore remain essential even on AWD and 4WD vehicles.

Recommended Related Reading

• All-Weather vs. All-Season Tires in Canada: What’s the Difference?
• Winter Tires vs. All-Weather Tires: Which Should Canadian Drivers Choose?
• 3PMSF vs. M+S: Understanding Winter Tire Symbols
• How to Check Tire Tread Depth Before Winter
• When Should You Install Winter Tires in Canada?