If you live in Canada, switching your tires with the changing of the seasons is a twice-a-year chore. Although it’s a tedious task, it’s a small step that can have a significant impact. Changing your tires at the right time can improve your safety, help your tires last longer, reduce fuel costs, and even save you money on car insurance.
That said, there is no Canada-wide date for swapping out winter tires. Since the climate varies dramatically from the milder West Coast to the snowier East and northern territories, each province and territory sets its own dates and guidelines accordingly.
For example, Ontario winter tire insurance dates will differ from those in Quebec, and most likely from the ones that pertain to the region you reside in, so noting all important dates is crucial, especially if you want to qualify for a winter tire car insurance discount.
In this article, you’ll find the dates your winter tires need to be on in your province, along with answers to common questions — such as whether all-weather tires qualify for an insurance discount, what the legal requirements are, and how your choice of tires can impact the price you pay for car insurance.
Do you legally have to have winter tires in Canada?
While Canada does not have a nationwide winter tire law, some provinces and territories do. Some have laws in place with specific dates for when winter tires must be installed, while others recommend them for extra safety in icy or snowy conditions.
Here’s a breakdown of where winter tires are mandatory in Canada and the specific dates the requirements are in effect.
- Quebec: Winter tires are mandatory by law in Quebec between December 1 to March 15
- Ontario: While not legally required in Ontario, winter tires usually need to stay on your vehicle until at least April 1 to qualify for a discount on car insurance.
- British Columbia: Winter tires are mandatory in British Columbia between October 1 to April 30.
- Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, Atlantic provinces, and territories: No province-wide mandates, but winter tires are often essential due to severe weather.
Always check your provincial or territorial transportation authority for the most up-to-date regulations, as rules and dates can change. This will ensure you’re compliant, safe, and (in some provinces) eligible for savings on insurance.
When to change winter tires in Canada
According to Transport Canada, it is good practice to install winter tires once the daily temperature drops below 7°celsius.
At this temperature, all-season and summer tires start to stiffen, which reduces traction. Winter tires are designed to stay flexible and maintain their grip even in much colder conditions. Once the temperature climbs above 7°celsius for good, it’s time to switch back to all-season or summer tires to prevent unnecessary wear.
Exactly when this happens depends on where you live. In many provinces, temperatures drop enough to warrant installing winter tires as early as late October to early November. They then often warm up enough to safely return to all-season or summer tires by late March to late April.
Of course, if you live in an area that has a pattern of springtime ice or snowstorms, it might be worth it to air on the side of caution and book your appointment as close to the cutoff date as you can.
In northern or mountainous regions, longer cold periods often mean installing winter tires earlier in the fall and keeping them on later into the spring. By contrast, coastal provinces tend to have milder weather, allowing for later installation. Again, early snow and ice can happen, so it’s still important to gauge the weather forecast and keep an eye on temperature drops and spikes.
While these general guidelines can help, always check your specific province’s requirements and pay attention to local forecasts. Sudden cold snaps can happen early, and it’s better to be prepared than to become a hazard to you and others on the road.
Is insurance cheaper if you have winter tires?
Yes, since many Canadian insurance providers offer a winter tire discount of up to 5%, having winter tires installed on your vehicle can help you get cheaper car insurance. To qualify, however, you’ll likely need to meet a few common rules and conditions:
- Install a full set of four winter tires before a certain date in the fall: Check your insurance documents for the exact date. If your province mandates winter tires during a specific timeframe, make sure your tires are installed before that period begins.
- Keep them on until a specified date in the spring: Even then, it’s best to adhere to the rule of thumb of waiting until the daily temperature is consistently above 7°celsius.
- Provide proof of purchase or installation, such as a receipt
Do all-weather tires qualify for an insurance discount?
Depending on your insurance provider, all-weather tires may or may not qualify for the winter tire discount. Some may accept all-weather tires, distinguishable by the mountain snowflake symbol, but others will require traditional winter tires to qualify.
If you’re uncertain, it’s best to check with your insurance provider before buying new tires to ensure you’ll qualify for the discount.
Is it worth having two sets of tires?
Yes, having two sets of tires—summer and winter—can be worthwhile, especially if you live in a part of Canada where the weather swings dramatically between seasons. Summer tires are designed to perform best in warm, dry, or rainy conditions, whereas winter tires are engineered to make braking safer and provide better grip on snow, ice, and slushy roads.
That said, here are the main benefits of having both summer and winter tires:
- Improve safety: Winter tires give you better traction, braking, and handling on snow, ice, and other slippery conditions. While they aren’t a guarantee against accidents, when combined with safe winter driving habits, they improve safety for you and everyone on the road.
- Increase tire lifespan: Using winter tires in warm weather wears them out faster, costing you more in the long run. Think of it like a great pair of running shoes. If you wear overwear them when you aren’t running, they will still accumulate wear and tear and cost you more money to replace them faster.
- Better fuel efficiency: Winter tires can slightly increase fuel use when temperatures are higher, so swapping can help you save money on gas.
- Savings on insurance: Installing and removing your tires according to your insurance provider’s timeline can save you up to 5% on your premium every year.
Tips for smooth tire changeovers
Swapping tires can seem overwhelming, especially knowing that mechanics and dealerships have to fit many appointments into a small timeframe. But it doesn’t have to be stressful. The trick is to plan ahead so you can avoid the seasonal rush and make sure your car is ready for whatever weather is on the horizon.
Here are some tips to keep your tires in good shape and make your tire changeovers efficient:
- Note down your province’s guidelines and your insurance policy so you know the exact date you have to have your winter tires on by
- Book your appointment early so you don’t risk missing the deadline for insurance, or even fines, if you live in one of the provinces which mandate winter tires
- Inspect your tires for tread depth. Tires worn close to the 2mm tread-wear indicators have significantly reduced traction and shouldn’t be used on snow-covered roads. For safe winter driving, replace any tires with less than 4mm of tread depth.
- Keep your tires properly inflated to the manufacturer’s recommendations. Cold weather lowers air pressure, which can reduce traction, fuel efficiency, and safety. You can find the recommended pressure on your vehicle’s information label, located somewhere on the edge of the driver’s side door.
- Store your off-season tires in a cool, dry, dark place to extend their life
