The winter tire requirement for vehicles is coming to an end for the season, but it might be wise not to remove them too soon as the weather in March could hold a few surprises.
“Spring conditions can be variable, so it is recommended that you wait a few weeks after the end of this period before fitting your all-season tires or your summer tires,” the Quebec government advised.
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Winter tires are compulsory from December 1st to March 15th and must bear the pictogram and be fitted with studs.
The obligation applies to all motorized road vehicles registered in Québec and carries a fine of $200 to $300.
Winter tires, how do they work?
Winter tires are designed to prevent snow from accumulating in their grooves, which serve to reduce braking distances and, in particular, to facilitate snow evacuation while driving.
The groove depth of your tires should not be less than 1.6 mm. A minimum of 4.8mm is recommended during the winter season.
The Karibu trick for measuring your grooves:
To measure depth, place a $.25 coin in one of the grooves with the caribou’s nose pointing toward the bottom of the groove. If you see the muzzle of the animal, then the grip in deep snow is bad. Check several grooves in different places to determine the wear of your tire.