When Should I Install My Winter Tires?

After a long warm summer, the kids go back to school. Slowly the leaves start to change colour and fall to the ground. It’s around this time that our customers beginning to ask “When should I install my winter tires?”.

Living in Ottawa, we experience a wide range of seasonal weather like most Canadian cities do. With the fast changes in weather it’s sometimes difficult for people to know exactly when is the best time to put winter tires on. By the time you’re done reading this, you’ll know exactly when is the right time for you to put on your winter tires.

First, Let’s talk about why winter tires matter,

Let’s get right to it, winter tires are the safer option for winter driving. Changing to winter tires improves your vehicles traction, braking, and handling on snowy and icy roads, ultimately reducing the risk of accidents while prolonging the life of your all-season or summer rated tires.​ Besides avoiding repairs, winter tires may also save you some money on your insurance, but we’ll talk about that later.

Optimal timing for tire changing depends on temperature.

Winter rated tires perform best when seasonal temperatures drop below 7°C. A general rule-of-thumb is to install them after Thanksgiving or early November when daily temperatures often drop below this threshold. Then remove them again around Easter, when spring temperatures crawl back up to 7°C. These holidays can be used as a general reference point to mark the start and ends of the seasons. Keep in mind however, that nature does what it wants and temperatures could fall or drop before the holiday comes or goes.

Be prepared to change your tires at 7°C

Of course, scheduling will likely determine the exact time you’re able to switch out your tires. We suggest booking your appointments early as this is the busy time of year for most tire shops.

Tire manufacturers produce, redesign, and improve on a wide selection of high-quality, safe for snow tires, meaning there are plenty of options perfectly fit for every vehicle. Appearance or performance winter tires keep you in control of your vehicle when you need it most.

Weather conditions in Ottawa

This great city experiences some of the harshest winter conditions in Canada, with daily temperatures frequently dropping well below freezing from late November all the way into March. The city sees significant snowfall (200 cm annually) and icy roads are common, especially for early mornings and evenings when temperatures fall. These conditions make winter tires a necessity, as they provide enhanced traction, braking, and handling in this type of weather.

Earlier we mentioned the rule of thumb, however it’s best to monitor local weather forecasts as the actual timing may vary year to year. By installing winter tires before a big snowfall, drivers are better prepared for unexpected changes in weather, which are typical given Ottawa’s unpredictable climate.

Proactively changing your tires can improve your safety while helping navigate Ottawa’s challenging conditions with confidence.

How do I know if I have winter tires?

Here at Goldwing, we often wonder how many people have no clue what type of tires are on their vehicle. It’s more common than you would think, until the snow starts to fall most people won’t even think about it. All weather, all season, high-performance, winter. When it comes to tires the average person may not know the difference. It’s always a good idea to consult with a professional, but when talking about winter tires specifically, there is one easy way to tell if you have winter tires on.

When should I install my winter tires? A close up image of the snowflake icon used to identify winter rated tires.
A close up of the snowflake icon used to identify winter tires.

Look for the snowflake symbol…

Even before social media and emojis we used icons for communication. To find out if you’re driving on winter tires, just look for the snowflake. All winter tires, regardless of brand, are identified by a little snowflake icon located on the side wall of the tire.

To ensure your safety, it is necessary to put four identical winter tires on your vehicle. Unfortunately, you’re only putting yourself and family at risk by only switching out two tires, as it renders the technology ineffective. Your car needs four identical tires in order to drive safely, due to specific markings and tread patterns in the rubber. They were designed to push snow, slush and ice out from under your tires, while maintaining traction on the road.

Wondering about winter tire minus sizing?

Winter tire minus sizing refers to a common strategy used to choose the safest winter tires for your vehicle. A set of tires with a smaller diameter and narrower width, compared to a vehicle’s Original Equipment (OE) specifications.

Legal Considerations,

Safety is the primary concern, but many Canadians, are subject to laws that enforce the use of winter tires. Currently, winter tires are not mandatory in Ontario (they just significantly improve your safety and control). For drivers in Ottawa, this becomes more of a complex issue. Our close proximity to Quebec and the city of Gatineau, means many of us will find ourselves travelling back and forth.

On the Quebec side, winter tires are mandatory from December 1 to March 15. Any registered vehicle found without proper tires during this time period will be subject to a fine of $200-$300.

To read more about winter tire laws in Quebec, click here.

3 practical tips for your next winter tire change,

We’ve been Ottawa’s premier tire destination since 1994. That’s 30+ years of dedicated tire service. We’ve learn a lot about winter tires. These three tips will help you save some money and avoid being stuck in a snow storm with all seasons or summer slicks.

Tip # 1: Plan ahead,

It sounds simple and it should be. But for some reason, everybody tends to wait until the snow starts to fall before thinking about changing their tires. The problem is, everybody calls around the same time, in a hurry. These are the busiest times for any tire shop, big or small. With limited appointments and stock available, it is extremely important to schedule your service ahead of the rush.

It is typical for reputable shops to be booked out for weeks in advance, schedule your appointments early to avoid long wait times.

Tip #2: Check for insurance discounts,

When was the last time you got a break on your car insurance? Usually to get any type of discounted rate you’d have to take on multiple policies with the same company. Insurance companies have a bad reputation, and for good reasons. They tend to take more then give back. Luckily for Canadian, installing winter tires is one situation that may provide some financial relief. Many insurers offer discounts for policy holders that install proper rated tires for the winter season.

Why do insurance companies offer these discounts? When more accidents happen, more claims are made. Less accidents means less pay outs. Since the chances of getting into an accident with winter tires decreases significantly, insurances companies have a financial incentive to encourage their use. A testament to the effectiveness of winter tire tread design and technology.

Tip #3: Take advantage of manufacturer rebates,

Recently we spoke about manufacturer rebates in our guide to finding the best prices on tires. Taking advantage of these special offers is one of the best ways to get the most tire for your money. Whether you have a preferred manufacturer or you’re just looking for the lowest price, these rebates can help you save money or pick up a higher quality tires while staying under budget.

A good time to start looking is mid-September. At this time, manufacturers begin to promote rebates for the upcoming season. Signing up for email newsletters, following brands on social media or visiting their official websites is an easy way to keep yourself informed. Our ask somebody from knowledgeable team, we’re always up to date with the most current rebates from all major manufacturers.

Now days, rebate applications are handled via dedicated forms on the manufacturer’s website. At a reputable shop like Goldwing, we gladly assist our customers with this process.

FAQs

What happens if you put winter tires on too early?

If you install your winter tires too early they can experience faster than usual and/or uneven tread wear as their design has been optimized for winter road conditions. In terms of safety, you’re better off being winter ready a couple weeks early than you are to risk driving through a dangerous snow storm with summer tires.

What is the 7°C rule for winter tires?

The 7°C rule is a general rule of thumb suggesting 7°C as the optimal threshold for changing between seasonal tires.

Is it ok to leave winter tires on all year?

It is not recommended to leave winter tires on all year. Winter tires are designed to work optimally in cold, wet and icy road conditions and experience faster than usual and/or uneven tread wear when drove all year round. All season, or all weather tires are better suited for year round driving, although not recommended for winter.

Looking for winter tires? Visit Ottawa’s trusted winter tire professionals

We have been Ottawa’s trusted authority on winter tires and driving safety for over 30 years. Come experience our knowledgeable sales team and highly skilled installation technicians. Goldwing Autocare provides you and your family with the very best winter tires and customer experience found anywhere in Ottawa. For all of your winter tire needs contact our showroom or request a quote online.

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