Are Winter Tires Mandatory? Everything You Need to Know.

Although the official start of winter isn’t for another month, taking a proactive approach and prepping your car for the cold months is always a wise decision. No matter where you live in Canada, snow is pretty much guaranteed to make its presence known for a good chunk of the season. Sometimes, it can even extend into spring. Given the unpredictable weather and driving conditions that are common this time of year, practicing safe winter driving should be a priority for anyone who plans to get behind the wheel.
One of the more common ways that people do this in Canada is by switching to winter tires. While they might only be used for a specific period of the year, they prove to be highly useful, offering peace of mind and ensuring a secure driving experience in adverse weather. But do you need winter tires? This blog will answer that question and dive into some winter driving tips, car insurance discounts, and details regarding provincial regulations so that you can navigate the roads with confidence.

What are winter tires?

Also known as snow tires, these specialized rubber tires are designed to optimize your vehicle’s winter driving performance and safety in cold weather conditions. They are made with a unique tread pattern and a softer rubber compound that remains flexible in low temperatures, allowing them to maintain traction and grip on slippery surfaces.

Winter tires are designed to make motorists safer on the roads and can prevent you from getting into a devastating accident. They may help you be more confident when handling adverse weather conditions, but having winter tires doesn’t mean you can just throw caution to the wind. Be careful by following these safe driving tips, and take proper care of your vehicle in the winter.

Benefits of winter tires

There are several benefits to utilizing winter tires. For starters, your vehicle will experience improved traction on snow and ice. This will reduce the likelihood of skidding and enhance overall vehicle control. With their unique tread patterns, winter tires are designed to channel snow and slush away from the tire's contact patch. This prevents buildup from developing and helps your wheels maintain a consistent grip.

Additionally, the softer rubber composition of winter tires ensures they conform to the road surface, promoting better adherence and responsiveness. By investing in winter tires, drivers can experience increased braking efficiency, shorter stopping distances, and a heightened sense of confidence when navigating winter road challenges. Overall, the specialized design and cold-weather performance of winter tires make them valuable in promoting winter driving safety and control during winter driving conditions.

Are winter tires mandatory?

Depending on where you live in Canada, winter tires might be required by law if you plan to drive during the snowy season. Currently, Quebec and British Columbia are the only two provinces that have made them mandatory. In Quebec, this rule is in effect province-wide, while B.C. has made this a requirement on most of its highways. Drivers in the remaining provinces will not be penalized if their vehicle is not equipped with winter tires, but switching to them is highly recommended.

Are all-season tires good enough for the winter?

Despite being suggested in their name, all-season tires do not perform as well in winter conditions as dedicated winter tires.

The rubber compound of all-season tires is formulated to remain flexible in a range of temperatures, but they do not have the same level of cold-weather performance as winter tires. In very cold temperatures, the rubber in all-season tires may harden, decreasing traction and handling on icy or snowy surfaces. Additionally, the tread patterns on all-season tires are less specialized for winter conditions than those on winter tires.

If you live in an area that does not experience harsh winters, all-season tires might be sufficient for your needs. Ultimately, your decision should be based on the typical conditions, driving habits, and the local climate.

When should you install winter tires?

So when do snow tires need to be on? Generally speaking, they should be installed when the temperature is consistently below 7°C and before the first significant snowfall in your area. In regions with predictable and severe winters, switching to winter tires is common in the late fall, typically around October or November. It’s important to install them early enough to prepare for the onset of winter weather. If you wait until the roads are already covered in snow or ice, there will be an increased risk of accidents.

Remember that winter tires are designed for cold weather, not just snowy conditions. Even without snow, the colder temperatures cause all-season and summer tires to lose flexibility, reducing their traction and performance. By installing winter tires before the cold weather arrives, you ensure that your vehicle is equipped to handle winter driving conditions effectively.

Winter tire discounts

In Canada, many auto insurance companies offer discounts or incentives for drivers who use winter tires. In some cases, you can save as much as 5% on your premium! The specific timelines for winter tire usage can vary among insurance providers. Some insurance companies may specify a range of months that winter tires must be on the vehicle to qualify for discounts or incentives. This period typically starts in the fall, before the arrival of significant winter weather, and may extend into the spring, allowing for a margin of safety during unpredictable weather patterns.

To ensure compliance with your insurance company's policies and to take advantage of any potential discounts, it's advisable to switch to winter tires within the timeframe specified by your insurer. Contact your insurance broker directly or refer to your policy documentation for accurate and up-to-date information on their winter tire insurance discounts and any requirements you will need to fulfill to be eligible. Once installed, you will need to provide proof of purchase and/or installation to confirm that you qualify.

Insurance made easy with BIG

Hopefully, these winter tire tips have provided you with a better understanding of the benefits of snow tires and why you should consider installing them this winter. If you are wondering how much they can save you on your auto insurance or when you need to have them on by, contact your BIG broker so that you can take on the winter roads worry-free.