Fall is here, which means tire change season is just around the corner. In BC, October 1 is an important date for drivers: winter tires or chains are required on most major routes from Oct 1 through to April 30.

You don’t need to wait for the first snowfall to start thinking about winter tires. In many parts of BC, temperatures can drop quickly in October, and snow, ice, and changing road conditions can arrive before winter officially begins.

Getting your winter tires on early means you’ll be ready when the weather conditions change, and you can beat the seasonal rush at tire shops, too.

Why October 1 matters for BC drivers

Winter tires or chains are required on most major routes in BC between October 1 and April 30. The specific requirements can vary by highway, so it’s a good idea to check your route before heading out.

And while coastal BC may still feel more like fall than winter in October, conditions can be very different once you head into the Interior, Northern BC, or roads at higher elevations.

Winter tires can also make a difference before there’s any snow on the ground. When temperatures drop below 7°C, the rubber compounds used in winter tires remain more flexible than those in many all-season tires, helping provide better traction in cold conditions.

Don’t wait for the first snowfall

One of the easiest mistakes to make is waiting until the weather looks wintry before booking a tire change.

By then, tire shops can be extremely busy, and appointments may be harder to book. Changing your tires early gives you one less thing to worry about when the first cold snap or snowfall arrives.

It also means you’re not caught off guard if you suddenly need to travel over a mountain pass or along a route where winter tire requirements are already in effect.

Have a 4WD or AWD vehicle? You still need winter tires

Four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive can help your vehicle accelerate in slippery conditions, but they don’t replace winter tires.

Winter tires are designed specifically for cold-weather driving, with rubber compounds and tread patterns that provide better traction and handling in cold, snowy, and icy conditions. And remember: your vehicle still needs to stop and turn, not just get moving.

For the best balance and handling, winter tires should be installed on all four wheels.

Changing your tires? Give your old ones a second life.

Tire change season is also a great time to think about what you’ll do with your old tires.

Instead of letting unwanted tires pile up in your garage or end up where they shouldn’t, bring them to a registered return-to-retail location for free recycling. Many retailers will take your old tires when you purchase new ones, making it easy to recycle while you change, but you can also return old tires without making a new purchase. Find out how here.

Your old tires can be turned into useful products that are made and sold right here in BC, helping keep tires out of landfills and the environment.

Get ready for winter driving

October 1 is your reminder to get ahead of the season. Check your tire tread and pressure, book your tire change if you haven’t already, and make sure you know the winter tire requirements for the routes you regularly travel.

A little preparation now can make those first cold, wet, or snowy drives of the season a lot easier.

Ready to change your tires? Find a tire recycling location near you here.