Winter tires: What to check and When to install

November 01, 2020

Winter is coming, and we’ve got a quick guide on snow tires to get your vehicle winter-ready!

When to install winter tires?

The winter tires are designed to perform in temperatures below 7 °C (or 45°F), and the time of installation depends on your location’s seasonal climate. If you are in Ontario, you can swap your tires as early as mid October, in advance of near-freezing temperatures. If you rely on your mechanic, don’t wait until November and schedule an early appointment to avoid the rush after that first snowfall. People tend to postpone the installation of winter tires, and because of that, most shops are fully booked after that first snowfall.

Save on car insurance with snow tires

Provincial and state regulations on winter tires vary across Canada and US, influencing local insurance policies. In Quebec and in part of British Columbia the winter tires are mandatory by law, and it is illegal to drive without them in the winter. In Ontario the winter tires are optional; however most insurance companies offer a discount if you choose to put them on. Particular insurance guidelines will vary, and you should call your broker for details.

Check your tires

Are your winter tires getting too old and worn? You need to check for damage and sufficient tread depth before using them for another winter season. The snow tires have a unique directional tread pattern that is designed to push through the snow and to run on ice, rather than directly grip on asphalt and divert the rain water. The winter tire's tread is deeper than on summer or all-season tires. If your tread is worn past 5mm (or 6/32’’), you should consider replacing the tires as your traction on icy and snowy roads will be reduced at that point forward. Note, that you should replace all four tires (not just two) as all tires must match to guarantee proper traction.

Check your brakes

You should check the condition and do necessary maintenance of your brake pads, rotors, and calipers at the same time you are installing your snow tires. Your tires are coming off anyways, and you should check and replace the worn brake pads and gauged rusty rotors, clean the caliper assembly, check for a seized piston, and lubricate the slider pins. This maintenance will drastically prolong the life of your brakes and prep your car for safe winter driving. At AllRotors we work with professional (licensed) mobile mechanics that can swap your tires and service your brakes at your location (home). Mechanics are available on the weekends and weeknights to accommodate your work schedule. Give us a shout, and we will be happy to help!