Winter Tires Canada: When to Switch & How to Stay Safe on the Road
With the temperature starting to drop and snow beginning to fall across Canada, there is a necessity for winter tires. Icy roads and snowy conditions can be very challenging, but with a bit of preparation, you can ensure you will stay safe.
In this guide, we will help you learn when you should change your summer tires into winter tires and stay safe while driving through Canadian roads during Winter.
Winter Tires Canada: Why Are Winter Tires So Important?
Specially designed for harsh winter conditions, winter tires are the best tires that you can use in winter. One important difference between winter tires and all seasons is that winter tires are made with softer rubber compounds which stay flexible in temperatures that are below 7°C.
The flexibility helps them cling better to cold and snow covered surfaces, offering both traction and control. You can conveniently purchase them from an online tire store, which offers a wide selection to suit various vehicles and needs.
Winter tires also have tread patterns that aren’t intended to push snow but to redirect snow, slush, and water away from the tire to minimize the chances of hydroplaning. On top of that, they have more grooves and biting edges to break through snow and ice and give you further stability and braking power.
It’s not just about comfort though, it is about safety. They greatly reduce stopping distances and help to keep you in control when the situation suddenly changes, requiring them to be considered a requirement for a Canadian winter.
When is the Right Time to Change to Winter Tires in Canada?
It is important to know when to change to winter tires so they are best performing and most safe. Here are some guidelines:
1. Temperature Threshold
The best time for winter tires is during consistent temperatures below 7°C. All-season or summer tires reduce traction at this point because the rubber they are made out of hardens. Even if there isn’t snow on the ground, the cold still makes roads slippery—at least early morning or late at night.
2. Local Weather Conditions
Watch weather forecasts. But when snow or ice is in the forecast, it’s time to switch. While in some Canadian parts, snow can come as much as in October, sometimes the snow only comes back as late as November.
3. Provincial Regulations
In some provinces, such as Quebec, winter tires are compulsory on certain days. The state of Quebec requires winter tires from December 1 to March 15, for example. However, adhere local laws.
4. Your Driving Habits
If you drive early in the morning or late at night when temperatures are low, you might want to switch to winter tires a bit earlier as well. The same applies if you go to places where snow is very common, also if you come from a place that doesn’t see much snow in the winter.
Why Are All-Season Tires Not Enough For Canadian Winters?
Although many drivers think all season tires can be used year round, this is not the case. All season tires work great under moderate conditions, but do not have the properties to run in extreme freezing temperatures, snow, or ice. Here’s why:
- Rubber Composition: In cold temperatures, all season tires harden and lose their ability to grip the road.
- Tread Design: The sprint is not optimized to snow and ice as it was not designed, it interferes with the tread patterns and so provides less traction.
- Performance: In icy conditions, winter tires offer better braking performance and cornering stability, than all season tires.
During winter in Canada, when the weather can be pretty harsh, you should always rely on winter tires, not all season.
Why It Is Advisable to Switching to Winter Tires Early?
Switching to winter tires early offers several advantages:
- Preparedness: In Canada, the weather is always changing suddenly. If you install early you will be ready for unexpected snow or frost.
- Safety: Winter tires offer the optimal grip as soon as temperatures are below 7°C, even if there is no snow yet, therefore improving the overall safety of your car.
- Convenience: Make sure you go to a tire shop early and schedule your installation before you are forced to do it at rush time in the shop.
- Prolonged Tire Life: Rotating your tires seasonally evenly spreads wear over all tires and increases the lifespan of both winter and summer tires.
Being proactive will ensure you have peace of mind and won’t scramble at the last minute.
What Is The Right Time To Put Off The Winter Tires?
It’s important to keep winter tires on your vehicle while the temperatures remain under 7°C. This means that in Canada they are kept on until past late March or early April. Yet the amount can fluctuate depending on your location and the weather pattern for the given year. If there’s a late season snowstorm, you’re risking it by removing the winter tires too early.
On the other side of the coin, leaving them on too long can build up excessive wear as the softer rubber compound deteriorates very rapidly in hotter tempers. If you monitor your local weather, and transition to summer or all season tires when appropriate, you get both the safety and tire longevity.
Why Are All-Season Tires Not Enough For Canadian Winters
Selecting the right winter tires for your vehicle involves considering several factors:
1. Tire Size
To figure out the correct size, consult your vehicle’s owner manual or talk to tire professional. The wrong size can influence handling, and safety.
2. Tire Ratings
Check the “Three Peak Mountain Snowflake” symbol embossed on the tire. It means the tire has passed industry tests for snow performance in severe snow situations.
3. Studded vs. Non-Studded Tires
- Studded Tires: They are very good in icy roads but can be quite noisy and tend to damage asphalt. In areas of frequent ice, they are ideal.
- Non-Studded Tires: Offer excellent snow and slush performance without the disadvantages of studded tires. For most drivers, they work as versatile units.
4. Brand and Budget
Whatever reputable brand you hire you will be getting high quality winter tires like Michelin, Bridgestone and Goodyear. Though expensive they offer better durability and performance.
Proper Installation and Maintenance Tips for Winter Tires
Winter tire benefits many depend on proper installation and maintenance. Follow these tips:
- Professional Installation: Even if you do have winter tires, if they are barely installed or poorly handled for alignment and balancing by a certified technician, they lose their effectiveness.
- Tire Pressure: Cold temperatures make it drop, so check tire pressure regularly. Underinflated tires use more fuel and reduce your vehicle’s performance.
- Tire Rotation: To ensure even wear, rotate your tires every 8,000 to 10,000 kilometers.
- Storage: Off season tires should be stored in a cool dry place. Protect them from UV rays and moisture with tire bags, or covers.
- Inspection: Check your winter tires regularly for signs of damage and embedded debris, and even signs of stationary wear. If the tread depth is below 4 mm then replace them.
Keeping your winter tires in good shape will not only help them last longer, but allow them to perform their best.
Conclusion: Winter Tires Canada and Safe Driving
You can’t drive in Canada’s challenging winter conditions without winter tires, they’re not an option they’re a necessity. However, with all these benefits, they are the best when it comes to handling icy and snowy roads. Knowing when to switch to winter tires, choosing the right ones for you and keeping them in tip top shape is all crucial to the safety of yourself and other road users. Taking all of these measures gives you confidence to face Canada’s winter months and drive and know that you are safer.
5 FAQs–Winter Tires Canada
Winter tires are mandatory in Quebec between December 1 and March 15. In other provinces, there are no legal requirements, but they strongly encourage their use in winter.
Winter tires are not meant for warm weather. Using them in summer does not last long and performance is significantly lessened later.
Change your winter tires if the tread depth is less than 4 mm or if there are cracks, bulges or heavy wear.
The more modern term for what we now call winter tires is “Snow tires.” Modern winter tires are capable of coping with snow, ice or slush.
Extra grip on icy roads is provided by studded tires, but these can’t be used in all the provinces. Please check your local regulations before using them.
