Winter Tires in Hamilton: How Nissan Owners Can Unlock Ontario’s Insurance Discount
Winter Tires in Hamilton: How Nissan Owners Can Unlock Ontario’s Insurance Discount
Posted on October 30, 2026
Winter tires do two jobs for Nissan owners. They give your Rogue, Kicks or Pathfinder better grip once the cold sets in, and they can also lower what you pay for car insurance. Ontario requires insurers to offer a discount to drivers who use winter tires, but many people never ask for it.
This guide explains how the discount works, which tires count and what to do so it shows up on your policy. It also covers the Nissan features that help you look after a set of winter tires all season long.
What Is Ontario’s Winter Tire Insurance Discount?
Since January 1, 2016, Ontario has required every auto insurer to offer a winter tire discount on eligible private passenger vehicle policies. The rule applies to policies that are issued or renewed on or after that date, so every Ontario insurer has a version of it.
Each insurer files its own version of the discount with the province. That means the amount, the dates the tires need to be on the vehicle and the way the insurer confirms them can change from one company to the next. Your broker or insurer is the place to get those exact details for your policy.
Which Tires Count as Winter Tires?
The Ontario government points drivers to one simple marking: the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol on the tire sidewall. This symbol shows that a tire was built for severe snow conditions.
Look for these details before you buy:
- Mountain snowflake symbol: The marking Ontario tells drivers to look for on a winter tire
- Full set of four: Transport Canada recommends installing winter tires in sets of four, with the same size, type, speed rating and load index on every wheel
- Healthy tread: Transport Canada advises against using tires worn close to 4 mm on snow-covered roads
A tire marked only “M+S” (mud and snow) is not the same as one with the mountain snowflake symbol. Ask your insurer which marking it accepts before you shop.
How to Get the Discount on Your Policy
The discount does not always appear on its own. A few simple steps help make sure you receive it.
- Call your insurer or broker. Ask if your policy includes the winter tire discount and what it needs from you.
- Ask about the dates. Insurers set the period when winter tires must be on the vehicle. Write those dates down.
- Keep your receipts. Hold on to the tire purchase and installation paperwork in case your insurer asks for proof.
- Mention it at renewal. If you add winter tires partway through your policy, tell your insurer so the change is on file.
These steps take a few minutes and can save money every winter you own the vehicle.
Why Winter Tires Matter in Cold Weather
The Ontario government notes that all-season tires can start to lose grip at 7°C. Transport Canada explains why: below that temperature, all-season and summer tires begin to lose elasticity, which reduces traction. Winter tires keep their grip at much lower temperatures.
That difference shows up when you brake, turn and pull away from a stop on cold or snowy roads. It is also why many drivers plan their swap once daytime temperatures start to stay below 7°C.
Nissan Features That Help With Winter Tire Care
Cold weather lowers tire pressure, and both Transport Canada and the Ontario government recommend checking it regularly. Nissan makes that job easier.
The 2026 Rogue, 2027 Kicks and 2026 Pathfinder all come with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System with Easy-Fill Tire Alert. When you add air, the vehicle gives you a signal once the tire reaches the right pressure, so you are not guessing with a gauge.
Your Nissan’s drive system adds to the grip your winter tires provide. The 2026 Rogue uses Intelligent All-Wheel Drive with a Snow mode on its drive mode selector. The 2027 Kicks offers available Intelligent All-Wheel Drive with Snow mode. The 2026 Pathfinder comes with standard Intelligent 4WD and a seven-position Drive and Terrain Mode Selector.
Pairing these systems with a full set of winter tires puts the right rubber under every driven wheel when the temperature drops.
Key Takeaways
| Topic | What to Know |
| Who must offer it | All Ontario auto insurers, on eligible private passenger policies |
| In effect since | January 1, 2016 |
| Tire marking to look for | Three-peak mountain snowflake symbol |
| How many tires | A full set of four is recommended |
| Who sets the amount and dates | Your insurer |
| Nissan feature that helps | Tire Pressure Monitoring System with Easy-Fill Tire Alert |
Get Winter-Ready With Plaza Nissan
A set of winter tires on your Nissan can mean better grip and a lower insurance bill. If you want help picking the right tires for your Rogue, Kicks or Pathfinder, the team at Plaza Nissan in Hamilton is happy to walk you through your options and book your seasonal swap.