Winter tires: one in two cars is rolling on worn tires

Winter came earlier this year, and many motorists were caught with summer tires during the first snowfall in early November. A few days after the deadline to have winter tires on all vehicles, CAA-Quebec conducted an inspection¹ to determine how many vehicles weren’t compliant. Our goal was to assess winter tire wear.

After that first heavy snowfall, stragglers rushed to their mechanic and chaos ensued, with some shops posting full schedules until mid-December for the tire switch. Fortunately, as of December 5, all vehicles inspected by CAA-Quebec were fitted with winter tires.

That kind of predictability also helps mechanics have everything they need to handle this busy time.

Bald tires

In Quebec, all vehicles must be fitted with winter tires by December 1, and those must be in good condition and not too old. The inspection revealed that too many motorists are trusting tires that are in fair or downright unsafe shape.

• 24% were fitted with tires in fair condition (6/32th of an inch – 7/32th of an inch)
• 26% of the vehicles inspected were fitted with tires in unsafe or dangerous condition (5/32th of an inch or less)
• 50% had tires in good or very good condition (8/32th of an inch or over)

“The minimum legal depth is 2/32th of an inch (1.6 mm). However, CAA-Quebec recommends starting the winter season with at least 6/32th of an inch,” added Jesse Caron. Tire wear can be easily measured with a depth gauge—a small tool you can buy for less than $10.

CAA-Quebec inspectors also came across older tires made over five years ago. As tires age, their tread tends to harden. This reduced their flexibility and makes driving less safe. Moreover, their sides will tend to crack and be more prone to splitting. After five years, it is strongly recommended to have a specialist check your tires.   

Well fitted today, less efficient tomorrow

The inspection also revealed that 22% of the vehicles examined CAA-Quebec’s automotive experts were fitted with tires from marginal or little-known brands, which highlights an important reality—while such tires perform adequately during their first season, they quickly reach their limits. Decreased flexibility, increased rolling noise, reduced capacity to evacuate water, and hard-to-reach after-sales service are just a few of the issues that can impede safety and comfort from one winter to the next. This further underscores the importance of choosing the right tires, regardless of your budget.

About CAA-Quebec

CAA-Quebec offers a wide range of assistance services in a wide variety of sectors, drawing on a human approach. As a socially committed organization, CAA-Quebec strives on a daily basis to protect the interests of its members. And in keeping with its values of reliability and benevolence, it fosters responsible consumption and promotes road safety. 

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_{1 The activity took place on December 5, 2025, in the parking lot of various big-box stores across the Lebourgneuf district in Quebec City.}