TIRES
October 14, 2026

When to Put Winter Tires On in Vancouver

When should Vancouver drivers switch to winter tires? What BC's Oct 1 rule covers, when to book your swap, and how our Marpole shop handles it. 604-266-7610.

Every fall the same question comes up: is it time to put the winter tires on? In Vancouver, the answer depends less on the calendar and more on where you drive.

What the Oct 1 rule actually covers

BC requires winter tires or chains on designated highways from October 1 to April 30. On some routes that don't go through mountain passes or high-snowfall areas, the requirement ends March 31. These routes are marked with signs. Many areas of the Lower Mainland, including Vancouver city streets, don't require winter tires. See the province's designated winter tire and chain routes.

If you head up the Sea-to-Sky, over the Coquihalla, or anywhere else with a winter tire sign, you need them on before you go. A legal winter tire has the M+S or three-peak mountain/snowflake symbol and at least 3.5 mm of tread (Province of B.C.).

When to swap if you mostly drive in the city

Winter tires are made for cold. Once temperatures are regularly below about 7°C, usually around mid-October, all-season rubber starts to stiffen and winter tires grip better. That's a sensible time to switch, even before the first snow.

A simple way to decide:

  • Driving a signed route any time after Oct 1: put them on before that trip.
  • City only, and cold mornings are here: now is a good time.
  • City only, and you rarely drive in the cold: you can probably wait, but book before snow is in the forecast, when everyone calls at once.

Not sure whether winter tires, all-weathers, or all-seasons make sense for how you drive? Read Winter vs All-Weather vs All-Season Tires in Vancouver.

What we do for winter tires

At Granville & Avery Automotive in Marpole, we source and install tires, including Michelin, Bridgestone, BFGoodrich, Firestone, and Toyo. We also do:

  • Mounting and balancing
  • Seasonal swaps
  • Flat repairs
  • TPMS (tire pressure sensors)
  • Rotations and alignments

A seasonal swap includes a quick brake check while the wheels are off. It isn't a full inspection, but if something stands out, we'll tell you in plain English.

One thing to know: we don't store tires, so plan to take your off-season set home.

See our tire services for more.

How to book your winter tire swap

Book online at myalp.io/gw268y or call 604-266-7610. We're at 8865 Osler St in Marpole, open Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.

If you've been wondering when to put winter tires on in Vancouver, book before the first cold snap and you'll beat the rush.