What do CAA-Quebec and the philosopher Edmund Burke have in common? Both believe that safety is all about planning ahead. It’s never too early in the fall to call your garage and make an appointment to have your winter tires installed.
CAA-Quebec kicks off its third edition of National Winter Tire from October 4 to 10. Given the shortage of garage mechanics in the province right now, making an appointment makes it easier for your trusted garage or one of our Approved Auto Repair Service Locations to plan their staffing needs so they can provide the high quality service you deserve in this busy season.
Since your winter tires have to be installed by December 1, it’s a good idea to tackle this chore quickly and not wait for the first snowfall.
“The key is to be proactive. If you wait, you may not get an appointment for one, two, or even three weeks. By planning ahead, you not only make sure you meet the December 1 deadline and stay safe on the road, but you also give garage owners a much needed break!”
Some people think they’ll wear out their winter tires if they have them installed early in the season, but in fact, that’s not true! CAA-Quebec recommends installing winter tires as soon as the temperature drops below 7°C for a several consecutive days. So don’t rely on snow, rain, leaves, or the date to determine when to take action. It’s really about temperature. The realistic dates below, set by CAA-Quebec in cooperation with MétéoMédia, are the latest you should wait to install your winter tires. But remember, they’re based on averages!
Sept-Îles : October 20
Val-d’Or and Saguenay: October 25
Rimouski and Gaspé: October 30
Quebec City, Gatineau, and Sherbrooke: November 5
Montreal: November 10
Plan ahead so you can choose your date!
CAA-Quebec’s experts encourage motorists to talk to a trusted retailer right away to reserve the tires that best suit their vehicle and driving style. As we recently reported, stocks of some popular brands are likely to dwindle rapidly due to supply issues, particularly for Asian products.
And you can win the contest!
CAA-Quebec is launching a members-only contest. To enter, simply make an appointment at a CAA-Québec Approved Auto Repair Services facility during this week to have your winter tires installed. $3,000 in prizes to be won!
And you can win the contest!
CAA-Quebec is launching a members-only contest. To enter, simply make an appointment at a CAA-Québec Approved Auto Repair Services facility during this week to have your winter tires installed. $3,000 in prizes to be won!
Are my tires still safe?
Before installing your winter tires or buying new ones, how about trying out the quarter test! It’s very simple, you just need a quarter! If you can see the caribou’s nose when you insert the quarter into one of the grooves on your tire, it means that the tread depth is less than 5 mm (6/32 of an inch) and your tires need changing. Better yet, use a tread depth gauge, which only costs a few dollars, to measure the tread depth exactly and make the right decision. These are two effective ways of making sure your tires will be safe right till the end of winter.
About CAA-Quebec
CAA-Quebec is a not-for-profit organization that assists each of its members by providing mobility, travel, insurance, and residential benefits, products, and services. CAA was named Canada’s most trusted brand in the annual Brand Trust Index for 2021 by the Peter B. Gustavson School of Business at the University of Victoria.
