Winter Driving Safety: Tire Storage & Pre-Trip Checks

• Clean thoroughly: wash tires with water to remove road salt, grime, and brake dust. Ensure completely dry before storing.

• Inspect before storing: check for damage, uneven wear, or cracking—identify issues before next season rather than discovering them at changeover time.

• Store in a cool, dark, dry location: away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and ozone generators (electric motors). A basement or climate-controlled facility is ideal.

• Tires mounted on rims: stack horizontally or hang—do not store standing upright.

• Tires without rims: store standing upright—do not stack or hang.

• Mark the position: note which tire was front-left, front-right, etc., to enable proper rotation when reinstalling.

• Clear all snow and ice: remove from all windows, mirrors, roof, hood, lights, and license plates before moving—snow on the roof can slide onto the windshield while braking.

• Check tire pressure: cold temperatures drop pressure 1 psi per 6°C—verify against the door placard after cold overnight parking.

• Check wiper fluid level: top up with -40°C rated formula.

• Test lights: headlights, brake lights, and signals—especially important in shorter winter days.

• Check fuel level: keep at least half a tank to prevent fuel line freeze and ensure you can run the heater if stranded.

• Check conditions: consult 511 or DriveBC for road conditions along your route before departure.

Snow chains are required on specific mountain routes in British Columbia (particularly the Coquihalla and Sea-to-Sky corridors) when chain controls are activated. Signage on these routes specifies when chains are required. Most passenger vehicles with winter tires that carry the 3PMSF symbol are exempt from chain requirements on BC mountain routes—check current signage and your province's transport authority for specifics. If chains are required: practice installing them at home before you need them in the cold. Check clearance between the chain and the wheel well, and between dual tires if applicable. Never exceed 50 km/h with chains installed, and remove them as soon as you're off the required section.

• Use the quarter test: insert a Canadian quarter into the tread groove with the caribou nose pointing down. If the nose tip is visible, your tread is at or below 6/32"—approaching the practical winter performance threshold.

• Tread wear indicators: when tread surface is flush with the wear bars (1.6mm / 2/32"), the tire is at the legal minimum—insufficient for winter use.

• Winter performance indicators: some Michelin winter tires have a secondary indicator at 4/32" (marked with a snowflake). When this appears, replace for winter use.

• Rubber condition: if the compound has hardened noticeably or shows significant cracking, the tire won't deliver cold-weather flexibility regardless of remaining depth.

Book 3–4 weeks before you need the swap done. In Canada, the fall changeover window (October–November) is the busiest time of year for tire shops, and popular shops can book up 2–3 weeks in advance. If you wait until the first snowfall, you may face week-long wait times on all-season tires through some of the most dangerous early-winter driving conditions. Spring changeover (March–April) is also busy. Booking early protects you from driving on the wrong tires while waiting for an appointment.