Top 14 Questions About Winter Tires (Answered by Tire Experts in Saskatoon)
Top 14 Questions About Winter Tires (Answered by Tire Experts in Saskatoon)
Posted on October 27, 2025
As a driver, your tires are the single most important factor for safety and control on the road, especially when temperatures plummet. Deciding on the right tire can be confusing, so we’ve gathered the most frequently asked questions and provided clear, expert-backed answers to help you navigate Saskatoon’s cold-weather driving season with confidence.
Are winter tires really necessary? (vs. All-Season tires)
Yes, absolutely. The simple difference comes down to chemistry and design.
All-Season tires are designed for moderate climates and mild weather. They use a rubber compound that begins to stiffen and lose elasticity when the temperature drops below 7°C (45°F) [1, 3, 5].
Winter tires use a unique, softer rubber compound that remains flexible even in sub-zero conditions (down to -40°C), allowing them to grip the road effectively [6]. Their tread patterns are also deeper and feature thousands of tiny cuts called sipes, which act as biting edges to improve traction on ice and packed snow [8].
When is the best time to put on and take off winter tires?
The golden rule for Canadian drivers is the 7°C temperature mark [1, 5].
Install: You should install your winter tires when daily average temperatures consistently fall below 7°C, typically around mid-late October in Saskatoon.
Remove: Take them off in the spring when daily average temperatures consistently rise above 7°C. Leaving them on when it's warm will cause the soft compound to wear out rapidly [9].
Do I really need four winter tires, or can I just install two?
You must always install four matching winter tires [1].
Installing only two on the drive axle (e.g., the front wheels of a front-wheel-drive car) creates a dangerous imbalance. The rear axle will have significantly less grip, which can lead to:
Loss of control/Skidding: In a braking or turning maneuver, the rear of the vehicle is much more likely to skid, causing you to fishtail [3, 6].
Longer Braking Distances: The braking effectiveness of your entire vehicle is compromised.
How much better are winter tires than all-season tires in cold/snow/ice?
The difference is significant enough to prevent an accident. In comparison tests, vehicles equipped with dedicated winter tires can stop in 25% to 50% shorter distance on icy roads compared to the same vehicle on all-season tires [4, 10]; that’s the difference between hitting an object and stopping just short of it.
Do winter tires work even when there's no snow on the ground?
Yes. The key benefit of a winter tire is not just the aggressive tread for snow, but the flexible rubber compound. When the pavement is cold (below 7°C), even if it's dry, winter tires maintain superior grip compared to stiffened all-season tires, giving you enhanced braking and control [9].
Which are the best winter tires for my car/truck/SUV?
There is no single "best" tire; the ideal choice depends on your specific needs:
Driving Conditions: Do you mostly drive on cleared city roads, or unplowed rural/mountain passes?
Vehicle Type: High-performance cars may require a different tire than a full-size SUV.
Budget: Performance generally correlates with price, but many reliable options exist.
For expert advice tailored to your vehicle and driving style, we highly recommend speaking with one of our certified service technicians.
Should I downsize my tire size for winter?
This can also be called "minus sizing", where you select a smaller diameter wheel (rim) but a taller tire sidewall (higher profile), keeping the overall wheel height the same. A narrower tire increases the pressure on the road, allowing the tread to cut through deep snow and slush more effectively to find traction on the pavement [2, 5]. Smaller rims are often cheaper than larger diameter rims, so there’s an opportunity to save costs as well.
Should I buy winter tires with their own rims?
We strongly recommend mounting your winter tires on dedicated rims. It’s cheaper to swap a complete wheel assembly than it is to pay the labour cost to mount and dismount rubber tires from your original rims twice a year [4, 7]. This also makes the tire changeover process faster and simpler, so if you’re handy and have the right tools, you can even swap your own winter tires at home. Lastly, this approach protects your stop rims from corrosion and wear caused by road salt and other winter hazards.
Do I need a new TPMS sensor for my winter wheels?
If your vehicle is equipped with a Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) that uses sensors inside the wheel, you will need to install sensors in your dedicated winter wheels to ensure the system remains active and reports pressure readings correctly [4, 11].
Are studded tires legal? Are they recommended?
Studded winter tires are legal in Saskatchewan. There are no restrictions on the use of studded tires in the province, so motorists can use them year-round if desired [13, 14]. However, unless you do a lot of driving in remote locations, in the northern parts of the province, or through heavy ice, studded tires may be a bit excessive.
You can always speak with one of our certified service technicians for a free consultation.
How long do winter tires last?
A set of quality winter tires typically last between four to five seasons (approximately 40,000-60,000 KM) [11]. Since you only use them for about half the year, they don't wear out faster than all-season tires; you are simply splitting your yearly mileage between two sets, effectively doubling the overall lifespan of both.
How do I check the tread depth on my winter tires?
While the legal minimum tread depth is 2/32", safety experts recommend a minimum tread depth of 6/32" (about 4mm) at the start of the winter season for adequate snow traction [2, 4].
The Quarter/Toonie Test: A quick check can be done with a Canadian quarter. Insert the caribou's nose into the deepest part of the tread. If the tip of the nose is buried and you can't see it, your tread is deep enough for the season [2].
What is the proper way to store my winter tires in the off-season?
Proper storage is key to extending the life of your tires. When you remove them for the summer:
- Clean Them: Thoroughly wash the tires (and rims) to remove all traces of brake dust, dirt, and corrosive road salt [1].
- Protect Them: Place them in clean plastic bags or tire totes to protect them from UV light and moisture.
- Store Them: Keep them in a cool, dry, dark environment, such as a basement or dedicated storage area. Avoid heat sources or direct sunlight [1, 4].
At Carget, we offer Tire Storage as a part of our EdgeVantage program. Contact us today to learn more!
How often should I check the tire pressure in winter?
You should check your tire pressure at least once a month during the winter season. Cold weather causes tire pressure to drop significantly, approximately 1PSI for every 5.6°C drop in air temperature [4, 9]. Always check the pressure when the tires are cold (before driving) and inflate them to the PSI recommended by your vehicle manufacturer (found on the driver’s side door jamb).
Need Help Choosing or Installing Your Winter Tires?
Carget Automotive & Carget Supercentre are ready to help you find the perfect set of winter tires for your vehicle, and to ensure they are installed correctly and safely.
From purchase & installation to mounting & balancing, we do it all. Contact us today for a free consultation, or to book an appointment.
Citations
- 1010Tires.com. Frequently Asked Winter Tire Questions.
- Automobile Protection Association. What You Need to Know About Winter Tires.
- Tire Rack. Winter Tire FAQs.
- CAA-Quebec. Quick guide to buying winter tires.
- Transports Canada. Using winter tires.
- Bridgestone Tire. Winter and Snow Tires.
- AMA. Everything You Want to Know About Winter Tires.
- Canada Drives. When Should You Put on Winter Tires & Take Them Off? (By Province).
- CAA Magazine. Winter Refresher: 6 Things You Need to Know About Your Tires.
- Traffic Injury Research Foundation. The Cold, Hard Facts About Winter Tires & What Everyone Should Know to Stay Safe While Wintering in Canada.
- Car Medics. Winter Tire Questions Answered!.
- Nothing But Tires. Buying Winter Tires in Alberta: Things to Look For.
- Continental Tires. Winter tire laws in Canada.
- SGI. Winter driving preparations.