A quick guide to summer tires including when you should install them
March 16 2022,
Spring has arrived or at the very least we feel that it is upon us very soon. The days are getting longer, we are just getting over the fatigue of moving time an hour forward, and snow and ice are slowly being replaced by clear roads and grass peeking around the house. Moreover, for drivers in Quebec, March 15th is also often synonymous with the return of spring.
That's because March 15th is the last day that we are obligated by law to drive on winter tires. Starting on March 16th, you are allowed to drive your vehicle with summer tires although that doesn't mean that you HAVE to install them.
As a matter of fact, recent studies have shown that you might want to wait a few more weeks before installing your summer tires.
A 2019 study by CAA-Quebec showed that the average temperature in the greater Montreal area doesn't go above 7 °C before the end of the first week of April. And why is this significant? Because 7 °C is the threshold for summer tire effectiveness. When it is colder than that, the compound in your tire will harden which in turn will make the tire bumpier on the road which increases braking distances and lowers overall stability.
Therefore, you want to wait until the weather averages above 7 degrees see throughout the day before installing your summer tires and that happens in the first week of April on average.
Another interesting find from this study shows that once every three years, Quebec gets its last snowstorm in April. That is also something to consider, especially if your job or family obligations mean that you must be out on the road regardless of road conditions.
If you are wondering when you should install your summer tires, our recommendation would be to take your appointment in the first or second week of April. That said, you can already book your appointment with our tire centre which will be happy to pencil you in in April. Booking your appointment now will help you avoid the crowds.
