Your Step-by-Step Plan for Safe Winter Tires

Switching to winter tires is the key step to ensuring your safety and getting the most out of your Ford’s advanced technologies on snow and ice. At Ford Île-Perrot, we’re here to help maintain your vehicle’s reliability and safety all winter long.

Discover our complete plan to tackle the cold season with total confidence.

Phase 1: Planning and Timing

While Quebec law requires winter tires by December 1st, tire effectiveness depends far more on temperature than on the calendar. The rubber in summer and all-season tires begins to harden and lose grip once the temperature drops below 7°C. That’s why we strongly recommend booking your appointment as soon as the daily average reaches that threshold — often by late October. Your safety shouldn’t wait for the legal deadline.

Phase 2: Inspecting Your Winter Tires

Before installation, our technicians inspect your tires to ensure they deliver the level of performance expected from Ford. Here’s what to check:

• Certification and Sidewall: Make sure your tires display the mountain and snowflake symbol (3PMSF) — the only guarantee of verified performance in extreme winter conditions. Take this opportunity to inspect the sidewalls for cracks or bulges, often caused by autumn potholes.
• Tread Depth: Deep tread is essential for traction and slush evacuation. Our technicians will ensure your tires are well above the legal minimum of 1.6 mm, since winter performance is compromised long before reaching that level. A quick test: insert a 25-cent coin into the tread — if you can see the caribou’s nose, it’s time to replace your tires.
• Tire Age (DOT Code): Rubber loses its properties over time, even if the tires have seen little mileage. If your winter tires are five years old or more, our experts recommend a thorough inspection. You can find the manufacturing date in the four-digit DOT code on the sidewall.

Phase 3: Rely on the Expertise of Ford Île-Perrot

Your Ford deserves the best care. Let our certified technicians handle your winter transition with precision and attention to detail. We’ll conduct a full professional inspection of your tires to ensure they meet winter performance standards, followed by a proper installation that preserves your vehicle’s integrity and safety.

For added convenience, we also offer secure, hassle-free storage for your summer tires — no more worrying about transportation or space.

Don’t wait — book your appointment today and hit the road with confidence this winter!