As you probably know, I live in Quebec, one of the few provinces in Canada to impose the use of winter tires during the cold season. Starting this Sunday, March 16, it will be legal for me to drive on summer or all-season tires. But the question remains: is this the best time for removing winter tires? Despite what the law says, and even if there are no restrictions in your home province, there are several factors to consider before making this important decision!
What does the weather say?
First and foremost, nature dictates the best time of year to remove your winter tires. Although spring theoretically arrives at the end of March, snowstorms can last, sometimes even until the end of April. Obviously, the further north you live, the later you'll have to postpone the date to avoid unpleasant weather surprises. In general, it's advisable to wait until the outside temperature stabilizes above 7 degrees before considering changing your tires.
Before removing winter tires
Has it stopped snowing where you live? Has it been above 7 degrees for a few days? There are still a few steps to take before you can safely change your tires! First of all, pardon the repetition, but you still need to make sure that the temperature won't drop any further. The tough rubber gum of summer tires could be damaged if the mercury drops again. If you need to make an appointment with a mechanical expert, do it early to ensure suitable availability. Finally, it may sound simple, but don't forget to remove the chains and studs from your tires, if necessary, to prevent rust.
After removing them
Once you've replaced your winter tires with summer or all-season tires, it's time to store them properly. Long-term storage in precarious conditions could seriously wear out or even destroy your tire. To avoid this kind of costly mistake, make sure you store them in a dry place that's not susceptible to temperature changes. The garage, for example, will do the trick, but outside is not recommended. Wrapping them in a water-repellent, insulating material can also help preserve them better. By following these tips, you should be able to enjoy safe tires for as long as they last!
After all these tips, I still haven't answered the question: should I remove my winter tires in March? If you live in the far south of the country, maybe March will be mild enough to justify removing them, but for most of us, it's too early. Instead, think about changing them in early April, or even mid-April if the weather is particularly cool.
