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It’s that time of year again — temperatures are dropping, and it’s time to think about getting those winter tires put on. But when exactly should Quebecers make the switch in 2024?
Quebec is one of only two provinces in Canada with mandatory winter tire laws. You’ll need to have them on from December 1 to March 15 inclusive or risk a hefty fine, according to the Highway Safety Code. However, it’s smart to put them on even earlier, as temps typically start plummeting across the province and snow begins to appear in October and November.
Generally, tire manufacturers follow the “7-for-7 rule,” which says the best time to change to winter tires is when there have been seven consistent days with temperatures below 7 degrees Celsius. But it can be hard to predict when that’s going to happen where you live — and even harder to get an appointment at the right time once it already has.
Luckily, The Weather Network has released a guide showing when cities in the province are expected to hit that winter tire sweet spot. While you legally have until December 1 to switch to winter tires in Quebec, temperatures in many parts of the province often drop below 7 degrees well before then.
This year, The Weather Network forecasts that Quebec City will hit the 7-degree mark around November 1, with colder temperatures arriving earlier in areas further north.
The Eastern Townships, including Sherbrooke, are expected to follow around November 5, as the region tends to cool off slightly later than the northern areas.
The Outaouais region is predicted to hit that mark on November 9, so drivers in Gatineau should also prepare for an early switch.
Lastly, Montreal, being a larger city that tends to trap heat longer, is projected to hit that winter tire threshold by November 10.
So, if you’re hoping to beat the rush and avoid icy roads, it’s a smart idea to get your winter tires on earlier in November, or even late October if you can. Plus, getting caught after December 1 without winter tires can result in fines ranging from $200 to $300, so booking ahead of time will help you avoid that stress.
Either way, switching to winter tires before the snow falls is always a good idea, even if that’s well before the December 1 deadline. On top of that, many insurance companies offer discounts for using winter tires — usually between November 1 and March 31, though the exact dates may vary — so you may want to check with yours to be sure.
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