When should you install your summer tires in Quebec?

It has been a long winter, but the weather is getting warmer, and spring is upon us. Soon, snow and ice will give way to clear roads and summer road trips. One of the most telling signs of the arrival of spring in the province is March 15, the last day where winter tires are required to be installed to your vehicle. Starting on March 16, vehicles in Quebec can be equipped with summer tires, but is it too soon and more importantly, when is the ideal time to install summer tires on your car or SUV.

When should you install summer tires in Quebec?

We all know that winter is persistent in Quebec, and when it comes to winter tires the most important criteria isn’t the date on the calendar, but the weather outside. 

There are two very important things to consider and take into account when deciding when to install your winter tires:

• The temperature outside

• The chance of a snowstorm in March or April

Summer tires don’t work when it’s cold outside

The first element to consider is whether or not the temperature outside is averaging above 7 degrees Celsius. If it is colder than that, the compound of your tires will harden which has numerous implications:

• Your vehicle will take longer to come to a complete stop

• Your overall stability on the road will be compromised

• Your tires will wear prematurely

According to a 2019 study, the outside temperature in the greater Montreal region doesn't reach an average of over 7 degrees C before the first week of April. This study conducted by CAA-Quebec also showed that we receive a snowstorm in April once every three years.

What this tells us is that it is better for drivers in Quebec to at least wait until April until they install your summer tires.In doing so, you will be able to face a possible late snowstorm, but you will also get better handling and traction in the cold mornings and evenings of March.

You can however book your appointment today to have your summer tires installed in April. As a matter of fact, we recommend it to avoid the crowds and get your summer tires on when you want them. Give us a call today to learn more.