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Recommended Use
Winter Tires* - Recommended use
The winter tire market in Québec represents more than 60% of total Canadian sales, or more than 3 million winter tires per year. The use of winter tires by Québec drivers has increased from 66% in 1995 to 90% in 2005.
The average use of winter tires in 2005 was estimated to be
- 86 % in the greater Montréal area;
- 98 % in the greater Quebec City area;
- 94 % elsewhere in Québec.
| Use of winter tires throughout Québec |
|
1995 |
1996 |
1997 |
1998 |
1999 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
|
Total |
Total |
Total |
Total |
Total |
Total |
Total |
Total |
Total |
Total |
Total |
|
(n=1006) |
(n=1001) |
(n=701) |
(n=603) |
(n=609) |
(n=510) |
(n=510) |
(n=496) |
(n=500) |
(n=505) |
(n=500) |
|
% |
% |
% |
% |
% |
% |
% |
% |
% |
% |
% |
| 2 tires |
9 |
7 |
7 |
4 |
- |
3 |
5 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
3 |
| 4 tires |
57 |
61 |
56 |
59 |
- |
73 |
73 |
83 |
82 |
83 |
87 |
| TOTAL |
66 |
68 |
63 |
63 |
65 |
76 |
78 |
84 |
84 |
86 |
90 |
| All-season tires |
34 |
31 |
36 |
35 |
34 |
22 |
21 |
16 |
16 |
14 |
10 |
Source : Rapport d'évaluation - Ministère des transports
Winter tires should be used between December 1 and March 31. Given the unpredictability of weather conditions, it is not advisable to change tires early in the spring. You should only install all-season tires on your vehicle when there is no longer any risk of a snowfall or frost.
Winter tires should not be used all year long, as they are designed for use in cold temperatures. The rubber compound, which remains flexible when it is cold, can soften during the summer and have a negative impact on traction. Soft tires do not adhere very well to the road, have an adverse affect on braking, and increase the possibility of skidding on wet surfaces.
A helpful tip: To drive safely, use the appropriate tires for each season of the year.
* Information gathered from the following document: Rapport d'évaluation - Comité d'évaluation sur la mise en place de mesures visant à inciter les automobilistes à munir leurs véhicules de pneus d'hiver. For the complete text, click here.