Tires are all that separate your vehicle from the road. It’s a good idea to invest in quality tires that will serve you for several years.
But how long, exactly? And how will you know when they need to be replaced? What can you do to extend their lifespan by a season or two? Here’s everything the pros at Docteur du Pare-Brise can teach you on this topic.
How to measure tire wear with a quarter
It’s a good habit to check your tire tread wear once a month, before changing them in spring and fall, and before every long trip.
Even though the law in Quebec allows you to drive with tires worn down to 2/32 inch, it’s strongly recommended to replace them once they reach 5/32 inch.
Here’s how to measure the recommended depth using a quarter:
- Insert the quarter into the tire grooves where the wear seems most pronounced. The caribou’s head should be upright.
- If the caribou’s nose is hidden by the rubber, your tires are still good. But if you can see the caribou’s nose, it’s time to shop for new tires.
When your tires are worn, visit a Docteur du Pare-Brise branch near you. We offer a wide range of tires and rims, and our experts will be happy to help you choose the ideal products for your vehicle.
Lifespan of winter and summer tires
How long should your new tires last? It depends on your driving style, the type of roads you drive on, and your maintenance. But here are some estimates:
Winter tire wear
These tires are designed to provide excellent traction in cold weather and on icy or snowy roads. Their average lifespan is between 30,000 and 50,000 km, which corresponds to three to five winters for most drivers.
Remember: Winter tires are mandatory in Quebec from December 1 to March 15.
Summer tire wear
These tires offer optimal performance in warm weather, whether the road is dry or wet. Good summer tires should last between 40,000 and 80,000 km, averaging between three and six years. They tend to wear out faster than winter tires because they are used for a longer part of the year.
What tire wear can tell you
The pros at Docteur du Pare-Brise can’t see your future by reading your palm, but they can know your vehicle’s past by observing its tire tread. The way the rubber wears out says a lot!
Wear in the middle of the tire
An over-inflated tire wears out faster in the middle of the tread due to uneven contact with the road. Check your tire pressure and adjust it as needed.
Wear on both sides of the tire
The opposite happens with an under-inflated tire—since it lacks pressure, it squashes onto itself, causing premature wear on its sides. Quickly, go inflate it!
Wear on one side of the tire
If only the outside or inside of the tire seems particularly worn, it’s a sign that the alignment is defective. Quickly make an appointment at a nearby shop to fix the problem, as your tires will continue to deteriorate until then.
Tips to prevent tire wear
Drive “gently.”
On average, NASCAR race car tires need to be replaced after 20 to 40 laps—that’s equivalent to just 64 to 128 km! The moral of the story: Rapid accelerations, hard braking, and sharp turns literally eat up the rubber. By adopting a more relaxed driving style, you can add thousands of kilometers to the lifespan of your set of tires.
Regularly check your tire pressure
Over-inflated (or under-inflated) tires wear unevenly. If your vehicle drives like this for a long time, the problem only worsens (in addition to affecting performance, traction, and fuel consumption). Regularly check your tire pressure and ensure it stays within the manufacturer’s recommended range.
Rotate your tires every 10,000 to 12,000 km
Even with impeccable driving, your tires will end up wearing unevenly for reasons beyond your control. For example, if you have a front-wheel-drive or rear-wheel-drive vehicle, or if you turn right more often than left. The difference is minimal… but after thousands of kilometers, it shows.
Approximately every 10,000 to 12,000 km (check your vehicle’s user manual for specifics), plan a tire rotation. This involves switching the wheels from left to right or front to back to even out the wear, so that all four tires are due for replacement at the same time. This is often required by manufacturers to honor the warranty on new tires.
Adjust your wheel alignment annually
Alignment is how all the suspension and steering parts of your vehicle are carefully calibrated with each other. With Quebec’s roads being what they are, it sometimes only takes one big pothole or regularly traveling on a bumpy road to throw everything off.
Defective alignment wears tires very quickly. Have it checked annually (and if you experience a big impact on the road) to ensure everything is in order.
Store your tires properly
Clean your tires before storing them in a cool, dry place like the basement. Wrap them individually in large airtight bags to protect them from dirt and rust.
Winter tire change FAQs
What time of year are winter tires mandatory in Quebec?
Your winter tires must be installed by December 1st. This deadline has been around since 2019, and many don’t seem to be aware of it! In fact, previously, the deadline was set for December 15th. You must keep you winter tires on your vehicle until March 15th inclusively, otherwise you may be fined. Note that this law concerns any motorized road vehicle registered in Quebec, other than a heavy vehicle, a tool vehicle, or an agricultural machine.
These dates are determined by law and therefore represent the minimum period to put install your winter tires. It is recommended to have them installed at the end of October and to remove them by April. This way, you don’t risk a fine, you avoid being at the last minute and you drive more safely. We all know that in Quebec, the weather never ceases to surprise us! Better to be prepared earlier than later!
When the temperature drops below 7 degrees Celsius, winter tires become the best option!
Can you face a fine if you’re caught driving with summer tires in the winter?
The answer is YES! And the fine is steep, ranging from 200$ to 300$. So, don’t delay in planning to change your tires and make an appointment today with the specialists at Docteur du Pare-Brise!
What makes a winter tire?
A winter or studded tire bares this pictogram and is used in accordance with the Regulation respecting the use of non-skid devices on the tires of certain road vehicles.
Stay safe on the road! Don’t wait till the last minute and contact us now to book your appointment!