Winter Tires In Quebec Can Come Off Soon — Here's What You Need To Know
Experts suggest leaving your tires on longer.
Montreal traffic on the Décarie highway during the month of February.
Montreal weather is warming up (quicker than expected, but who's complaining?), giving us all a preview of what's to come this spring.
With warmer temps comes drier road conditions, meaning Quebec drivers can soon swap their winter tires for summer tires. Per Quebec law, vehicles must be equipped with winter tires that meet provincial standards and are in good standing condition as of December 1.
According to the Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ), as soon as the temperature outside drops below seven degrees C, or when there is ice or snow on the road, the rubber compound of summer and/or all-season tires harden and lose its grip.
Well, as of March 15, 2024 — Quebec drivers can officially remove their winter tires. However, that doesn't mean you should switch them right away.
"It might be preferable to have your winter tires installed on your vehicle after March 15," the SAAQ indicated. Considering winter conditions can persist well into April.
Now, this doesn't mean you should keep your winter tires on all year round, as using winter tires during the summer poses various safety concerns.
According to the Quebec government, the rubber compound of winter tires tends to degrade faster in warmer temperatures, heightening the likelihood of tire blowouts. Additionally, winter tires are less effective at dispersing water compared to summer or all-season tires, reducing their resistance to hydroplaning.
Furthermore, when employed in summer conditions, winter tires may have longer stopping distances, particularly on wet roads, compared to all-season tires.
So, when exactly should you remove your tires?
Weather experts say that it is best to change your winter tires once temperatures consistently hit seven degrees Celsius. This usually occurs around the March 28 mark. As for regions further east, including Sept-Îles, waiting an additional month is recommended.
Keep Reading: Quebec drivers should also take note that license renewal and registration fees in Quebec have gone up.
This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.