Stay safe on Canadian roads with winter tires from tire shops across the country. Expert selection, installation, changeover, and storage services.
Winter tires are specifically designed for cold weather performance, providing critical safety benefits
Stays flexible in temperatures below 7°C (45°F), maintaining grip when all-seasons harden
Up to 50% shorter stopping distance on snow and ice compared to all-season tires
Specialized tread patterns and sipes bite into snow and ice for better acceleration and cornering
Mandatory in Quebec and parts of BC. Required on mountain highways across Canada
Wide selection of top winter tire brands including Michelin, Bridgestone, Goodyear, and more
Professional mounting, balancing, and installation of your winter tires
Swap between winter and summer tires. Many shops offer appointment booking
Climate-controlled storage for your off-season tires (summer or winter)
Complete winter setup with dedicated rims for easier seasonal swaps
Expert advice on the best winter tires for your vehicle and driving needs
Install winter tires when temperatures consistently drop below 7°C (45°F). At this temperature, winter tire rubber compounds provide better traction than all-season tires.
Pro Tip: Book your winter tire installation appointment 2-3 weeks in advance. Tire shops get extremely busy in October and November, and you may face long wait times if you wait until the first snowfall.
Popular Models:
Key Features:
Popular Models:
Key Features:
Popular Models:
Key Features:
Winter tires are legally required from December 1 to March 15 for all passenger vehicles and taxis. Fines up to $300 for non-compliance.
Must display the three-peaked mountain/snowflake symbol or M+S marking with minimum 3.5mm tread depth.
Winter tires required on designated highways (marked with signs) from October 1 to March 31.
While not legally required, winter tires are strongly recommended in:
Note: Many insurance companies offer winter tire discounts (typically 5-10%) when winter tires are installed.
Winter tire prices range from $80-130 for budget options, $100-180 for mid-range, and $150-300+ for premium brands. A complete set of four winter tires typically costs $400-1200. Add $80-150 for installation and balancing. Consider dedicated rims ($300-800) to save on changeover costs long-term.
Yes, dedicated rims are highly recommended. While there's an upfront cost ($300-800), you'll save money on seasonal changeovers (which cost $60-100 twice yearly). Steel rims are cheapest and work well for winter. Bonus: you can easily swap tires yourself at home with a jack.
No, this is dangerous and not recommended. Installing only 2 winter tires creates handling imbalance. If you put them on front (FWD), the rear will slide out in corners. If on rear (RWD), you can't steer or brake effectively. Always install 4 winter tires for balanced, safe performance.
All-weather tires (with 3-peak mountain symbol) meet legal requirements but don't match dedicated winter tire performance. Winter tires have softer rubber compounds and more aggressive tread for superior snow/ice traction. All-weather tires are a compromise - better than all-seasons in winter, but not as good as true winter tires.
Winter tires typically last 4-6 seasons (about 40,000-60,000 km) depending on driving habits, storage, and maintenance. Check tread depth annually - replace when below 4/32". Store tires properly in cool, dry place out of sunlight to maximize lifespan. Proper inflation and rotation extend life.
Absolutely. Tests show winter tires reduce stopping distance by up to 50% on ice and snow compared to all-season tires. They provide better acceleration, cornering, and control in cold weather (below 7°C). Insurance claims data shows significantly fewer winter accidents for vehicles with winter tires.
Look for: 1) Three-peaked mountain snowflake symbol (exceeds industry standards), 2) Appropriate size for your vehicle (check manual or driver door jamb), 3) Good reviews for your climate, 4) Adequate tread depth if buying used (minimum 7/32" remaining), 5) Reputable brands known for winter performance.
Studded tires provide the best ice traction but are restricted or banned in many provinces (not allowed in Ontario, southern Quebec cities, prohibited certain dates in others). They're noisy on dry pavement and damage roads. Modern studless winter tires (like Blizzak, X-Ice) perform nearly as well on ice and are legal everywhere.
Find tire shops near you for winter tire sales, installation, and changeover services