When should I change my winter tires in the Maritimes?
Generally, weather in your area may call for winter tires as early as October 1st until as late as April 30th. Provincial Maritime governments recommend winter tires under severe weather conditions, and it never hurts to be a little early and a little late when it comes to safe driving on winter roads.
If you still aren’t sure, follow the 7 Degrees Celsius Rule: When the temperature stays consistently BELOW 7 degrees celsius in the fall or winter, switch over to your winter tires. When the temperature stays consistently OVER 7 degrees celsius in the spring, switch over to your summer or all-season tires.
What about Studded Tires?
Studded tires are regulated more than traditional winter tires, as their use outside of snowy conditions can damage roadways (and the tires themselves). Here are the legal windows for studded tire use in the Maritimes:
- Nova Scotia: October 15th to May 31st, as long as studs aren’t longer than ⅛ of an inch from the base of the tire or have a diameter of more than ½ an inch
- New Brunswick: October 15th to May 1st
- Prince Edward Island: October 1st to May 31st
No matter what type of tire you choose, always drive safely and slowly in adverse winter road conditions and be mindful of longer stopping times and ice. Enjoy the road!
