Though our country is recognized internationally for its gorgeous, colorful fall, seasonal changes are not just postcard pretty photos and force us to modify habits in order to remain safe and sound. Driving is a perfect example of this and, faced with varying weather scenarios, keeping your vehicle in optimal condition is vital.

We’re frequently asked why and when do we have to change the tires on our vehicles. There are several reasons and we’ll address each of them below.

Why install winter tires and then change them for the summer?

In Quebec, changing your tires prior to the arrival of a new season is a safety measure you can’t afford to ignore. Winters in Quebec are harsh and roads can be quite slippery. Adapting your vehicle with proper tires helps you navigate roads safely and avoid accidents, regardless of weather conditions. Your summer tires—or even your four-season tires—may be perfect for the warmer months but they’re not ideal for colder weather and vice-versa.

Even though some tires are called ‘four season’, their grip is not optimal during the winter season. When temperatures drop at the end of fall, the rubber on these tires tends to harden and this diminishes their adhesion to the ground. This can obviously have serious consequences when there’s sudden snow or ice on your path.
The same incompatibility exists when driving with winter tires on dry, warmer ground. In fact, these tires are specially made for maximum grip in colder temperatures (down to -40 °C) and their efficiency diminishes drastically when rolling on warmer concrete.

When do I have to change my tires?

In Quebec, seasonal tire changes are mandatory. Current laws state that winter tires must be installed from December 15th to March 15th, inclusively. Vehicle owners that do not comply are subjected to $200-$300 fines.

What’s more, since December 15 2014, the Highway Safety Code states that all vehicle owners must install winter tires that are identified with the following pictogram:

Though summer tires can lawfully be installed as of March 16, we highly recommend using sound judgement by evaluating road conditions and consulting weather reports prior to making the change. If at this time, snow and ice are still on the ground, it’s best to wait a few more weeks. For more detailed information, please consult the Quebec Government website.

Always keep in mind that tire changes contribute to your safety, and that of your passengers, during winter and summer. Further, your tires should be properly aligned when changed. This ensures wearing will be uniform and extend lifespan.

Who can I have my tires changed and where can I store them?

Are you unsure about changing your own tires and hesitate to give it a try? No worries. Our team of experts can easily be booked in order to ensure your tires are changed safely and within industry guidelines. An improperly installed tire can have serious consequences and you want to make sure you’re driving in the safest conditions possible.

If you live in an apartment or smaller residence, chances are you don’t have a lot of space to store your tires. That’s normal and many are in the same situation. Your mechanic can offer safe, convenient storage for your tires!

When faced with the inconvenience of moving and storing heavy, filthy and cumbersome tires, many choose to use professional storage services. Garages offer tire storage and at Trans-Mico Automotive, for example, this service is a natural extension of car care that allows you to keep your tires in risk-free, optimal conditions.

There you have it. Tire changes are vital for your safety, they’re mandated by law and they’re facilitated by convenient storage services available through your garage. You invest a lot in your vehicle and you probably carry some very important passengers a lot of the time. Making sure you’re set with proper tires is one less thing to worry about. For all tire changes and/or other mechanic-related issue, please visit Trans-Mico Automotive or contact us today!