It's Time to Install Winter Tires!

Autumn is upon us, and like every year, it's time to change your tires. We tell you more about what to do before the beginning of December 2023.

Winter Tires in Quebec

The Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) states that our vehicle must be shod for winter from December 1, 2023, until March 15, 2024.

However, it would be wise to wait a few weeks after this latter date to have your summer or all-season tires fitted. Spring conditions can play tricks on us, and sometimes winter still lingers a bit in Quebec.

"The requirement applies to all motor vehicles registered in Québec, including rental vehicles. However, this requirement does not apply to trailers. Drivers who do not comply are liable to a fine of $200 to $300."

In short, you'll need to replace your summer tires with winter tires before December 1 of this year. We're often asked, are there any exceptions to this obligation? The answer is yes, and we are now listing them.

Exceptions to the Regulations

The obligation to change tires does not apply in the following cases. The SAAQ clearly states the exceptions:

• Heavy vehicles
• Tool vehicles
• Farm machinery
• Vehicle spare tires
• Motorcycles used as emergency vehicles
• A period of seven days following the date of acquisition of a vehicle (you'll need to have your contract on hand, in the event of a verification)
• The seven days prior to the expiry of your leasing contract (you'll need to have your leasing contract on hand as proof).
• Vehicles with license plates beginning with "X"
• Vehicles marked "Transit" with the date covered by this inscription
• And a few more special exceptions

In short, we'll have to go to the garage to change our 4 tires.

How to Check Tire Wear?

You can check the wear of your tires yourself before going to the dealership. The old 25-cent trick works perfectly. Simply insert the coin into one of the tire grooves, caribou nose down. If the caribou nose is visible, it's time to change your tires.

For your tires to bite into the snow, the grooves must be more than 5/32" thick.

To reassure you in this process, the service technician at your dealership can check the wear of your tires himself and advise you on the purchase of new tires for sale, if necessary.

And Why not Do the Car Maintenance?

While you're at the garage, why not take the opportunity to have your vehicle inspected before winter. The car dealership will go over a number of items:

• Fluid check
• Antifreeze
• Brake check and brake system inspection
• Seasonal oil change
• Wiper blade check
• Winter windshield washer
• Check alternator, battery and spark plugs
• Inspect belts and hoses
• Engine block heater
• Headlights and lights

In short, by being on site, you kill two birds with one stone. We'll install your winter tires and prepare your vehicle for the winter season. You can also ask your technician for advice on safe winter driving.

As a reminder, we'll be stressing the need to reduce speed on winter roads. You'll keep a strategic distance from the vehicle in front of you, be visible to other vehicles with working headlights and lights, and of course clear your vehicle of snow before hitting the road.

Winter Kit for Your Vehicle

To avoid unpleasant surprises, it's a good idea to keep a winter kit in your trunk. This could contain:

• A shovel
• A winter vehicle broom
• A flashlight
• A blanket and warm clothing
• Bag of abrasive
• Windshield washer fluid
• Booster cables or mobile booster set
• First-aid kit

These few items will help you get through the winter with peace of mind.

In the meantime, make an appointment now with your dealership to have your winter tires fitted. That way, you'll avoid the last-minute rush.

Come and visit us at Sept-Îles Chevrolet Buick GMC in Sept-Îles, on the North Shore. A dedicated team will take care of your vehicle. Take advantage of your visit to discover our full range of new and pre-owned vehicles.