Do you have Snow Tires? Canadians are Using them More, so Installation Prices have Gone Up

Ontarians await snowfall, but more drivers are buying snow tires than ever before.

Climate change’s extreme winter weather patterns have made snow tires more important than ever, according to the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada.

Leger poll company conducted an online survey between Oct. 18 and 21 for the Rubber and Tire Association.

Winter tires are used by 78 percent of drivers nationwide, up from 68 percent in 2016. Winter tires saved four of five motorists from accidents and loss of control.

Carol Hochu, president and CEO of the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada, said “We all see the impact of climate change.” Winter tires have become more popular over the past decade, so drivers are more prepared.

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Despite cost increases, they know winter tires are essential for navigating unpredictability on winter roads, and 79 percent say it saved them from hazardous driving situations.”

Winter tires are primarily purchased to protect family safety. Insurance premiums were lower, and friends or retailers recommended it.

The Quebec government mandates winter tires between Dec. 1 and March 15. From October 1 to April 30, certain routes require winter tires or chains.

Stunted tires are allowed in northern Ontario from September 1 to May 31.

North Bay police advise drivers to put winter tires on their vehicles as the weather continues to cool. At 7 C, all-season tires lose grip. Frozen, snowy, and icy conditions require winter tires.

Putting on winter tires is a good idea as temperatures fall. Tires with all-season tread begin to lose grip at 7 degrees Celsius. Frost, snow, and ice are more manageable with winter tires.

Studded tires are allowed in Northern Ontario from September 1 to May 31.

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Canadian winters require different tire options, as summer tires do not provide proper grip. Snow tires provide some grip, but they cannot handle ice and slush as well.

There are sometimes all-season tires with mud-and-snow (M+S) ratings that can enhance traction slightly.

• Symbolizing a three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMS). TRA Canada established a performance-based standard in 1999 to identify better snow-traction tires for passenger cars and light trucks.
• Regardless of the weather, all-weather tires have good traction in the winter and are also good in warm weather. Tire tread patterns of all-weather tires have deeper tread patterns and additional features to improve winter traction, like sipes or slits.

Tire and Rubber Association has created a cost calculator based on your annual mileage to help you determine the cost of a second set of tires. Calculator at tracanada.ca.

Despite lower inflation rates over the past two years, prices are continuing to rise, according to Statistics Canada.

In September 2024, passenger vehicle parts, accessories, and supply prices rose by 1.5% compared to one year ago.

Canada’s retailers sold nearly $2.8 billion of new tires in the fourth quarter of 2023. Winter tires are switched on during the fourth quarter, the government agency reports.

Find out from a sales associate if your tire company offers tire rotations and changeovers.

After switching over to winter tires, be sure to check back in to retweet your wheels every 50 kilometers. Most places will tighten the lug nuts free of charge, so there are no loose tires.

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