2022 Winter Tire Tips

Be winter ready with new winter tires.

Posted October 4, 2022

As Canadians we all know to brace ourselves for winter. There’s never a doubt that it will snow and reach well below 0°C from November until March – or for an even longer stint in some areas.

According to the 2022-2023 Farmers’ Almanac, the prairies are going to be hit with a huge amount of snow and frigid temperatures in January and February, and British Columbia could see record breaking cold outbreaks. If Canada receives higher than usual snowfall and lower than usual freezing temperatures, then getting winter tires installed on your vehicle is even more important than usual. Here’s how you can prepare yourself for the 2022 and 2023 winter season:

Be Prepared

If your winter tires have been in storage since the springtime, it’s important to inspect them. Check each one for cracks, bulges, and punctures. If you think that one or more of your winter tires will need to be replaced, make an appointment at your local Integra Tire location as soon as you can, so we can order you a new tire and install it before the snow falls. The fall season is one of our busiest times of year so coming in early will ensure that you get the perfect tire for your vehicle and get it installed quickly.

You should also check your winter tires’ tread depth. If your tread depth is measuring anywhere from 3/32″ to 4/32″, you should consider getting new tires. Your tire tread is what extracts the snow from your tires and gives you more contact with the road, therefore, increasing your traction, so it is important that your winter tires have plenty of tire tread.

Related Links: How to Check Your Tread Depth – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sAxmQ0Tdnu0

Are Your Tires Winter Tires?

Purchasing an all-season tire can be misleading. All-season tires are actually only produced to work effectively in temperatures above 7°C. If you’ve been driving on all-season tires throughout the winter, consider purchasing a set of winter tires. Winter tires are designed to maintain their pliability in temperatures below 7°C, allowing them to have higher grip with the road. As a result, winter tires will aid in stopping and accelerating under winter driving conditions. All-season tires, in contrast, will stiffen up in cold weather and make it more difficult for you to stop and accelerate.

Certified winter tires will also be embossed with a snowflake and mountain symbol. Check your tires to see if they have the symbol. If they don’t, then visit your local Integra Tire location, and we can find you the right certified winter tires for your vehicle.

Three-peak mountain snowflake symbol found on winter tires.

Where Are Winter Tires Mandatory?

In most provinces winter tires are recommended but, in some provinces, they are actually mandatory. Winter tires are mandatory on most highways in British Columbia from October 1 to April 30. Winter tire requirements for BC roadways that do not pass via mountain passes or high snowfall areas expire on March 31. Winter tires are also mandatory in Quebec from December 1 – March 15.

Installing four winter tires on your vehicle will not only give you more traction on the road when temperatures plummet but it will also make the roads safer for everyone. Our Integra Tire service advisors are here to help you with all your winter tire needs, so visit us today and we’ll find the perfect winter tire for you. You can also shop for tires online here. If you need new winter tires, we have some great sales on from your favourite manufacturers so check out which brands you can save on today.

Questions? Our Advisors are Happy to Help!

If you have questions about anything you've read in this resource page, contact your nearest dealer for more information. We are passionate in assisting our customers make the best choices to keep their vehicles in tip-top shape and keep their families safe.