Winter tires use a softer rubber that stays flexible in the cold, with deeper tread and many small slits, called sipes, that bite into snow and ice. Below about 7 °C they grip noticeably better than all-seasons. In Toronto that covers most days from November through March.
If your winter tires are on their own rims, the changeover is quick: wheels off, wheels on, pressures set, nuts torqued. If they aren't, we dismount one set, mount the other on your rims and balance each tire. It takes longer, but you only need one set of wheels.
While the car is up we check tread depth and condition on both sets, so you know well before next season whether one of them is due.
Why it matters
Grip in the cold
All-season rubber stiffens as the temperature drops and loses traction on cold, dry pavement as well as snow. Winter tires stay pliable, which shortens stopping distances on ice and packed snow.
Insurance discount
Ontario requires insurers to offer a discount to drivers who use winter tires. The amount varies, so ask your insurer what they need from you.
Both sets last longer
Winter tires wear quickly on warm pavement and take longer to stop in summer heat. Taking them off in spring saves the tread for next winter, and your other set only covers the months it suits.
Signs it's time
- Daytime highs are sitting below about 7 °C
- Snow is in the forecast and you're still on all-seasons
- Spring highs have stayed above 7 °C for a couple of weeks
- Winter tires feel soft or squirmy on warm, dry roads
- The TPMS light comes on with the first cold mornings
What's included
- Wheels swapped, or tires dismounted and remounted on your rims
- Balancing whenever tires are mounted on rims
- Tread depth and condition check on both sets
- Pressures set for the season
- Wheel nuts torqued to manufacturer spec
- Quick look at brakes and suspension with the wheels off
- Tires moved to new positions if the wear calls for it
How often
Twice a year
On in the fall once daytime highs sit below about 7 °C, usually late October or November in Toronto. Off in spring once highs stay above 7 °C, usually April.
