When Should You Put on Winter Tires & Take Them Off? (By Province)

Welcome to another Canadian winter, where the days are shorter, the air is crisp, and your car can feel like a refrigerator when you start it up in the morning. But before hitting the road in your warmed-up vehicle, it's crucial to prioritize road safety during this long, cold season.

Winter tires are more than just four pieces of rubber; they provide both peace of mind and necessary grip and stability on snowy and icy roads. These tires outperform all-weather and all-season tires when the temperature falls below 7 degrees Celsius. However, it's important to note that this doesn't necessarily mean you need to switch to winter or snow tires immediately when the temperature hits 7 degrees.

Deciding when to switch to winter tires depends on factors like the temperature and any rules in your province. We can help you figure out when to put on and take off your winter tires, and let you know about any provincial rules you need to follow.

Recommended reading

1. 1. The Importance of Winter Tires in Canada
   2. All-Season vs. All-Weather vs. Winter Tires
   3. Driving with Winter Tires in Summer

 

What Provinces have mandatory winter tires?

Only two Canadian provinces have laws that require drivers to use winter tires: Quebec and British Columbia.

Quebec

In Quebec, the Highway Safety Code states that winter tires are mandatory from December 1 to March 15, and not having them can result in a fine of $200-$300. It's recommended to put them on sooner since winter usually comes earlier in Quebec.

British Columbia

In British Columbia, winter tires or all-season mud and snow tires are required on certain highways from October 1 to April 30, including Highway 3 (Crowsnest), Highway 5 (Coquihalla), Highway 20 (Chilcotin-Bella Coola), Highway 26 (Barkerville), and Highway 37 (Stewart–Cassiar) among others.

On the Trans-Canada Highway (Highway 1), different parts have different deadlines for using winter tires. Some parts require them until March 31, while others require them until April 30.

For other highways not passing through mountainous areas or high snowfall regions, winter tire requirements end on March 31, but this could be extended. Signs are posted to indicate mandatory stretches, and failure to comply can lead to a $109 fine.

 

Provinces where winter tires are recommended

Manitoba

In addition to Quebec and BC, other Canadian provinces suggest using winter tires. But, in Manitoba, which has a lot of snow and mostly flat surfaces, the provincial government offers a low-interest loan to buy qualifying winter tires and related expenses. Typically, temperatures drop to around 7 degrees Celsius by late October, and according to The Weather Network, that's usually when it's a good idea to put on winter tires.

Ontario

Ontario has a different way of encouraging drivers to use winter tires. Instead of a loan, they offer lower insurance premiums, which could be up to a 5% reduction. Since Ontario is a large province, the average time when temperatures reach 7 degrees Celsius can vary, but usually it's between late October to mid-November.

All other Provinces and Territories

In Alberta, Saskatchewan, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland, and the Territories, you don't have to use winter tires, but it's recommended during severe weather. Surprisingly, even in the Territories, winter tires are recommended. It's a good idea to change your tires around early November when temperatures start to hit around 7 degrees Celsius. Interestingly, a report found that 94% of drivers in Atlantic Canada use winter tires even though they're not required by law.

 

When should you take winter tires off?

When the weather starts getting warmer, it's not a good idea to keep driving on winter tires. They're made to work best on icy or snowy roads, not when the weather is sunny and the roads are warm. This can be dangerous and will also wear out the tires faster, costing you more money in the long run. That's why it's important to switch back to regular tires at the right time.

Unless you live in Quebec or certain areas of British Columbia where there are specific dates for changing tires, a good rule of thumb is to switch back to regular tires when the temperature consistently stays above 7 degrees Celsius. You can get this done by a professional or do it yourself if you have the necessary tools and knowledge.

 

Rated for Snow: Look for the 3 Peaks

According to Transport Canada, each winter tire should feature this 3-peaked mountain/snowflake (“Alpine”) logo:

This symbol means that the tire has been tested in snow and meets certain performance standards. Tires with this symbol are usually better at providing traction in snowy conditions than all-season mud & snow (M+S) tires. You'll find this symbol on the side of winter tires and all-weather tires, but not all-season tires.

Note: in British Columbia, all-season Mud & Snow (M+S) tires are also acceptable for driving on certain roads during the winter months. If a tire does not have the 3-peaked mountain/snowflake (“Alpine”) logo, British Columbian drivers can look for tires that have the M+S designation.

 

Are all-season tires good for winter?

All-season tires may be a confusing name, but they are not suitable for winter driving. Some companies have even changed the name to "3-Season Tires". It's recommended that you use winter tires or all-weather tires when it gets cold outside. If you use all-season tires, it's best to get a set of winter tires too.

All-weather tires can be used all year round and have the 3-peaked mountain/snowflake (“Alpine”) logo. However, they have a shorter lifespan than winter tires and all-season tires.

Is it cheaper to drive with all-weather tires or swap between a set of winter tires and all-season tires? 

A set of four winter tires will cost you between $400 and $800. So, if you have the budget, it's better to buy two sets of tires and switch them out every six months.

Winter tires are best for cold, snowy weather, while all-season tires are designed for spring, summer, and fall driving. All-season mud + snow tires are legal on BC highways if they have a tread depth of 3.5mm, but it's still recommended to use winter tires or all-weather tires when it's cold.

If you're wondering which tires to buy, consider the cost and lifespan of each type. A set of four winter, all-weather, or all-season tires will cost about the same, but all-weather tires have a shorter lifespan since they are used all year round.

Learn more about the differences between winter, all-weather, and all-season tires here.

 

What tools do you need to change winter tires at home?

If you enjoy doing things yourself and don't mind working with your hands, changing your winter tires can be an enjoyable task. Although you can technically use the tools that come with your car, it is safer to use the appropriate equipment, including:

• a service jack (rated for more than the weight of your vehicle)
• safety stands
• a lug wrench
• sockets
• a breaker bar
• a compressor for inflating your tires

 

What does it cost to change winter tires?

If you don't want to change your own winter tires, you can have them changed at places like Canadian Tire, Costco, Kal Tire or any automotive garage. The cost will depend on the installation of each tire, as well as balancing and pressure checks. This service can cost you between $25 per tire, to $60 to $100 for the entire vehicle.

 

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