After months of snow, slush, and icy roads, spring in Canada brings a familiar question for drivers:

Is it time to switch out winter tires?

The short answer: don’t rely on the calendar, rely on temperature and conditions.

Across Canada, timing your tire change correctly isn’t just about convenience. It directly affects your safety, fuel efficiency, and how long your tires last.

The 7°C Rule (And Why It Matters)

You’ve probably heard this before:

👉 Switch your winter tires when temperatures stay above 7°C.

That rule exists for a reason.

Below 7°C:
All-season and summer tires harden → reduced grip and longer braking distances
Above 7°C:
Winter tires become too soft → faster wear and weaker handling

But in Canada, especially in March, April, and even May, temperatures don’t always behave consistently.

That’s where most people get it wrong.

The Real Checklist: When You Should Actually Switch

Before booking your tire change, make sure these conditions are met:

✅ Overnight temperatures are consistently above 3–4°C
✅ Daytime averages stay around 8–10°C (not just brief spikes)
✅ No meaningful snow or ice risk in the 14-day forecast
✅ You’re not regularly driving in early mornings or late nights (when it’s colder)

If you check all four boxes, you’re good to go.

Why Timing Matters (More Than You Think)

Switching Too Early: High Risk

Taking off winter tires too soon can lead to:

Reduced braking on cold roads
Higher risk of black ice in the morning
Poor traction during late-season snow or cold rain

Winter tires aren’t designed to handle standing water well, which increases the risk of hydroplaning in spring conditions.

Switching Too Late: Hidden Costs

Keeping winter tires on too long won’t immediately put you in danger—but it will cost you:

Faster tire wear (especially above 10°C)
Reduced fuel efficiency
Less precise handling on dry roads

Even more important:
☀️ Road surfaces can be 10–20°C warmer than the air temperature, accelerating wear faster than most people expect.

Canada-Wide Tire Change Timing (Rough Guide)

Because Canada is… well, Canada—timing varies by region:

Ontario & Southern BC: Late March to mid-April
Prairies (AB, SK, MB): Mid-April to early May
Quebec & Atlantic Canada: Mid-April to early May
Northern regions: Late April to mid-May

👉 The key takeaway:
Follow temperature trends, not dates.

Are Winter Tires Mandatory in Canada?

Quebec: Yes (Dec 15 – Mar 15)
Other provinces (like Ontario): Not mandatory, but strongly recommended

In fact, most Canadian drivers still switch—mainly for safety and insurance benefits.

What Happens If You Don’t Switch?

Driving on winter tires in warm weather can:

Reduce tire lifespan by up to 60%
Increase fuel consumption
Increase braking distance
- ~10% longer on dry roads
- ~26% longer on wet roads

Not exactly ideal when roads are getting busier in spring.

What To Do After You Change Your Tires

Once your summer or all-season tires are installed:

1. Retorque Your Wheels

After 50–100 km, have your lug nuts tightened again.
This is a critical safety step many people skip.

2. Store Your Winter Tires Properly

To extend their lifespan:

Clean them (remove dirt, salt, debris)
Store in a cool, dry place (garage or basement)
Keep away from heat sources (furnace, water heater)
Use airtight bags to reduce exposure to air

3. Follow Basic Tire Safety (From Transport Canada)

Check tire pressure monthly
Inspect for cracks, wear, or bulges
Rotate tires regularly
Don’t overload your vehicle