Every fall, millions of Canadians switch to winter tires. Booking early and knowing what you are paying for saves both money and stress.
Last updated: October 28, 2026
What is winter tire installation?
A seasonal changeover can mean two different jobs. If your winter tires are already mounted on their own rims, the shop simply swaps wheels, checks pressures and torques the lug nuts. If you have only one set of rims, the shop must dismount the summer tires, mount the winter tires and balance each wheel, which takes longer and costs more.
Winter tires should carry the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol. Quebec requires winter tires on passenger vehicles from December 1 to March 15, and British Columbia requires winter-rated tires on many highways from October 1 to March 31 (April 30 on some routes). Ontario does not require them, but insurers must offer a discount to drivers who use them.
Signs you need it
- Temperatures are consistently below about 7°C.
- Your province’s mandatory period is approaching.
- Your current winter tires have less than about 4 to 5 mm of tread, or are more than six to ten years old.
- You see cracks, bulges or uneven wear.
- Your tire pressure warning light comes on as temperatures drop.
How much does it cost in Canada?
| Service | Typical cost range (CAD, estimate) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Changeover, tires on rims | $60 to $120 | Swap, balance check, torque. |
| Mount and balance, one set of rims | $100 to $180 | Four tires. |
| New set of steel rims | $300 to $600 | Saves money on future changeovers. |
| TPMS sensors, each | $50 to $120 | If your winter wheels need them. |
Canadian price guides, including Cansumer’s seasonal changeover estimates, place most changeovers in these ranges. Prices are estimates and vary by vehicle, city, shop and parts quality; always get a written quote.
How to choose a shop
Book two to four weeks before the first snow is forecast, because shops fill up fast. Choose a shop that torques wheels with a torque wrench rather than only an impact gun and reminds you to re-check torque after 50 to 100 km. Ask whether they store tires, which can save space at home.
Questions to ask before you book
- Is balancing included?
- Will you inspect tread depth and tire age?
- Do my winter wheels need TPMS sensors?
- Do you offer tire storage?
- Can I book a spring appointment now?
Read our full guide When should you change to winter tires? for timing by region.
After the changeover
Lug nuts can settle after a wheel swap, especially on alloy wheels. Have the torque re-checked after the first 50 to 100 km; many shops do it free. Check tire pressure monthly through the winter, because pressure drops roughly 1 psi for every 5 to 6°C drop in temperature, and under-inflated tires wear faster and grip less. Keep a note of which corner each tire was on so they can be rotated next season for even wear.
Frequently asked questions
When should I put winter tires on?
When daytime temperatures stay below about 7°C, usually late October to mid-November in much of southern Canada, earlier in the Prairies and the North. In Quebec, they must be on by December 1.
Do I need a second set of rims?
Not required, but a second set of rims makes changeovers cheaper and faster and protects your summer wheels from salt.
Are all-season tires enough for winter?
All-season tires lose grip as temperatures drop. Winter tires use rubber that stays flexible in the cold and treads designed for snow and ice. All-weather tires with the three-peak symbol are a compromise some drivers choose.
Need a quote or run an auto business? Describe your job and we will help you reach local professionals, or apply to list your shop in our upcoming directory.