When do you put on winter tires?

With cold climates and frigid winter conditions across Canada, having reliable cars and a set of winter tires installed is an absolute must for safe driving practices. Icy or snowy roads caused by freezing rain are no match for summer tires or all-season tires. So, what makes winter tires different, and when are you supposed to make the switch to winter tires? Let's find out.

The science behind winter tires

Winter tires are built to handle everything winter throws at you, whether it’s snow, ice, rain, or just cold, dry pavement. They give you enhanced braking performance on slippery roads and have deeper treads that help clear slush and grip the snow for better traction. But when it comes to winter tires or snow tires, it's more than just tread depth that makes a difference. There’s a lot more going on beneath the surface. Grip isn’t just about tread patterns; it’s about how well the rubber sticks to the road.

Custom rubber compound

The real magic comes from the tire's custom rubber compound (the mix of rubber, silicone, and plastics) and how it’s built (including the steel weave inside). This design helps winter tires stay soft and flexible when temperatures drop. Meanwhile, summer and even all-season tires stiffen up, which seriously reduces traction. That’s why, even on dry pavement in cold temperatures, winter tires give you better control and shorter stopping distances.

Plus, the numbers don't lie. Transport Canada says winter or snow tires can cut braking distances by up to 25% on wet and icy roads. And according to the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada, cars with winter tires stop 30-40% sooner than those with all-seasons on snow and ice. That’s a big difference when you need to stop in a hurry.

What is the ideal temperature for installing winter tires?

When it comes time to switch to winter tires, many drivers rely on fixed dates. However, unless winter tires are mandated in your area for a specific time frame, temperature is a much better indicator of when it's time to swap your tires.

Once the temperature consistently drops below 7°C, it’s time for a winter tire change. Below 7°C, seasonal tires start to stiffen up, which reduces their grip, even if the roads are dry. Winter tires, on the other hand, thanks to their softer rubber compound, stay flexible in the cold, giving you better traction, braking, and handling. In fact, according to Bridgestone, winter tires can give you up to 50% more traction than all-season tires when the temperature drops below freezing.

Timing is also important

It's also important to swap your winter tires at the right time. If you put winter tires on too early, the softer rubber will wear down faster on warm, dry roads, meaning you’ll have to replace them sooner.

On the other hand, if you wait too long, you're putting yourself at a higher risk of being in an accident. In fact, according to CAA, 48% of winter collisions in Canada involve vehicles without winter tires. So, as soon as you notice that temperatures are consistently staying below 7°C, it's time to swap.

Regional guidelines and laws in Canada for winter tires

Winter tire requirements and laws differ between provinces and territories across Canada. Currently, only British Columbia and Quebec have mandated laws for winter tires. Quebec Ministry of Transport says Quebec has seen a 36% reduction in winter driving accidents since mandating them in 2008. Here's a breakdown of regional guidelines and laws for winter tires and studded tires in Canada:

Common myths about winter tires

There are several misconceptions about winter tires, like whether you actually need to swap your all-seasons for them and that 4WD vehicles don't need them. Below, we tackle these common myths and more to help you better understand the importance of using winter tires:

Myth #1: All-season tires are good enough for winter

All-season tires are great for mild climates, but once temperatures drop below 7°C, they start to lose their grip. Winter tires, on the other hand, are made with special rubber that stays flexible in the cold, giving you better traction on snow and ice.

Myth #2: AWD/4WD vehicles don’t need winter tires

Four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive are great for getting you moving in the snow, but they don’t do much to help you stop or turn on icy roads. That’s where winter tires make the real difference. They give you a better grip, which means better handling and control, no matter what kind of drivetrain your car has.

Myth #3: Winter tires are only needed for snow

Winter tires aren’t just for snow—they’re made for cold temperatures. Even on dry roads, they provide better grip because their rubber stays softer and more flexible, while all-season tires start to stiffen up. Plus, their special tread design helps keep you in control no matter what winter throws your way.

How to properly store your winter tires

When your winter tires are not in use, it's important that you store them properly to help extend their life. Here’s how to keep them in great shape during the off-season:

Clean the tires

Give your tires a good scrub with a tire brush, soap, and water to get rid of road grime, dirt, and brake dust. That buildup might not look like a big deal, but it can actually be pretty corrosive over time. While you’re at it, take a moment to check for any cracks, bulges, or uneven tread wear.

Find a cool, dry place

Don’t leave your tires sitting outside or in a place where the temperature constantly changes; that’s a fast track to wear and tear. The best spot to store them is somewhere climate-controlled, like a basement, garage, or workshop. Here’s what to look for in a good storage space:

• It's cool and dry
• It's not in direct sunlight
• It has a stable temperature and humidity
• It's away from motors that give off ozone (which can break down the rubber)

Cover each tire

Wrap each tire individually in an opaque, airtight bag to keep them protected. You can find tire storage bags at most auto shops or online, but if you're in a pinch, heavy-duty garbage bags work just fine. Just make sure they’re sealed up tight to keep out moisture and dirt.

Carefully stack them

If your tires don’t have rims, stack them flat on top of each other. If they do have rims, stand them upright side by side. Either way, give them a little rotation every month to prevent too much pressure from building up in one spot.

Are winter tires worth it?

When it comes to winter tires, some drivers hesitate because of the upfront cost. But when you weigh that against safety and even potential savings, they’re absolutely worth it. And here's why:

Accident prevention

Winter tires perform better in the winter season. They significantly improve traction, handling, and braking in snowy, icy, or cold weather conditions. That means you’re less likely to:

• Slide through an intersection
• Lose control on a turn
• Struggle to stop in time

Avoiding even one accident can save you thousands in repairs, medical bills, and higher insurance premiums.

Less wear

Since you’re alternating between two sets of tires (winter and all-season/summer), both sets last longer, meaning you won't need to buy new tires as often.

Car insurance discounts

Speaking of insurance, many providers offer winter tire discounts if your car is equipped with winter tires. In some places, like Ontario, insurers are required to give you a break on your premium for using them. Over time, those savings help offset the cost of buying and installing winter tires.

Learn more about insurance with BrokerLink

Did you just put winter tires or snow tires on your vehicle recently, and it happened to be up for your car insurance renewal? Good news! You may qualify for an insurance discount that can help you get lower insurance premiums. Contact BrokerLink today to find out if you qualify.

You can reach us by phone, by email, or in person at any one of our locations throughout Canada. We also encourage you to take advantage of our free online quote tool that can provide you with a competitive insurance quote in minutes.