When Should I Switch to Winter Tires?

In regions with real winters, a trusted rule of thumb is the "7-for-7" guideline: wait until there are seven consecutive days with temperatures consistently at or below 7°C before installing your winter tires. The reason is that the swap is about temperature, not just snow on the ground. Below roughly 7°C, the rubber compound in all-season and summer tires hardens and loses grip — even on dry pavement — while winter tires use a softer compound that stays flexible and grips in the cold.

In the Greater Toronto Area, that 7°C threshold typically arrives in late October to mid-November, so booking your changeover early is wise before the seasonal rush. Plan to keep winter tires on until temperatures are reliably back above 7°C in the spring, which is usually sometime in April. Switching back too early exposes you to late-season cold snaps and surprise snowfalls.

Running winter tires when it's cold doesn't just help in snow — it dramatically shortens stopping distances on cold, dry, and wet roads too. Many drivers also store their off-season tires with their installer to save space and keep them in good condition between seasons.