Tires displaying the 3-peaked mountain/snowflake symbol and M+S (mud and snow) tires both meet the legal requirement as long as they have least 3.5 mm of tread. Winter tires outperform M+S tires in cold and snowy conditions. Black Press file

October’s arrival means it’s time for winter tires

October 1, 2023 // by Carolyn Grant

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The calendar has turned to October and the first dust of snow has fallen over the high country in parts of the Canadian West Coast. That means it’s time for drivers to winterize their vehicles.

First, tires. Provincial law requires winter tires on vehicles as of Oct. 1 in many parts of British Columbia.

Designated highways require winter tires or chains from Oct. 1 to March 31. The timeline extends to April 30 for select highways, including mountain passes and rural routes in high snowfall areas.

The annual Shift into Winter campaign from Road Safety at Work has begun and the advice is that winter tires provide better traction and stopping distances when temperatures drop below 7°C.

Tires displaying the three-peaked mountain/snowflake symbol and M+S (mud and snow) tires both meet the legal requirement as long as they have least 3.5 mm of tread.

Winter tires outperform M+S tires in cold and snowy conditions.

While B.C. and Quebec are the only Canadian provinces that mandate, Alberta Transportation recommends vehicles be equipped with four winter or all-weather tires when driving in severe winter conditions. The Yukon government also offers a variety of useful tips when driving in winter conditions.

Beyond tires

But tires aren’t the only thing that should change for winter conditions. You also need to adjust your driving and prepare your vehicle.

For driving, the most important advice is to slow down. Increase the distance between you and the vehicle ahead to at least four seconds. Accelerate and brake slowly. Make sure your lights are on. If you start to skid, ease off the brake or accelerator and look and steer in the direction you want to go.

In addition to winter tires, winter wiper blades are advised, as is a tune up to top up anti-freeze, check tire pressure, inspect brakes, lights and engine belts. If you drive an electric vehicle, make sure you check the charge level before heading out, as batteries drain more quickly in cold weather.

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