The best time to change your winter tires
In Canada, spring doesn't really have a defined start date. Sometimes the sun shines in early March, and other times it snows in mid-June. Given the unpredictable weather, it can be confusing to try and determine the exact time of year to change your car's tires.
There's a general rule of thumb: when average daily temperatures are above 7°C, it's probably a good time to switch from winter tires to summer tires (or all-season tires, if that's your preference). In Canada, changing your tires can sometimes be daunting due to the unpredictable nature of the seasons. We'll tell you a bit about the difference between winter and summer tires and why it's important to switch based on the temperature:
Difference between winter tires and summer tires
Summer tires don't perform well in temperatures below -10°C, and winter tires don't perform well when roads start to warm up. Why? Because winter tires are designed with flexible treads made of a material engineered to withstand sub-zero temperatures so they don't freeze. When it's warm, these characteristics work against your tires, and the friction between your winter treads and the warm road surface can cause the tread to split open and wear rapidly. This can affect your ability to brake properly and put you in a dangerous situation.
On the other hand, summer tires don't perform well in winter because they are designed to have greater elasticity and lower rolling resistance. This makes them more efficient on warm roads, but they don't handle snow and ice very well. They can harden quickly and crack, rendering them unsafe to drive on.
The impact of winter tires on insurance
There are good reasons why winter tires exist. Of course, drivers in other parts of the world can manage without them, but in Canada, they are essential. This is especially true in Quebec, where roads can remain snow-covered or icy for even longer than they are clear and easy to navigate. Winter tires help our vehicles better withstand cold temperatures and slippery roads.
Because of the added safety benefit, equipping your vehicle with winter tires can qualify you for a discount on your car insurance. Many insurers recommend switching to winter tires when the temperature drops and returning to summer tires when the temperature remains consistently above 7°C (45°F). Having winter tires demonstrates that you'll do what's necessary to ensure the safety of yourself, your passengers, and other drivers on the road!
Whatever you do, don't keep your winter tires on all year round.
It can be tempting to keep your winter tires on year-round to try and save money. In reality, you could probably get two to three seasons out of winter tires—but if you use them all year, they'll wear out faster and you'll need to replace them sooner. This is especially true if you use your winter tires in the summer. Because of the incompatibility of your winter tire with the warm pavement, you'll find that the tread widens and spreads rapidly, making it difficult to steer or brake properly. This can be extremely dangerous.
In Quebec, the Highway Safety Code mandates winter tires from December 1st to March 15th. Failure to comply with these regulations could result in a hefty fine of $200 to $300 or more. While December 1st is the official deadline, winter typically arrives much earlier, so it's a good idea to install your winter tires as soon as possible.
It will generally cost you between $60 and $100 to have a professional or a service from places like Costco, Canadian Tire, and Kal Tire do it for you. Additionally, a set of four winter tires can cost between $400 and $800. However, this can be more cost-effective than buying a single set of all-season tires, as they won't need to be replaced as often, since they'll be rotated approximately every six months.
Overall, it's a good idea to be aware of when your tires need to be changed depending on the current season and to keep your broker informed to ensure you qualify for any potential discounts.