When Do You Need to Put Winter Tires on in the Yukon?
Snow tire season is something we Canadians know all too well, but it takes on a whole other meaning if you live in the Yukon. In a province that can get up to 145 centimetres of snow, it goes without saying that snow tires are a must, despite still not being deemed legally mandatory. The thing with snow tires is how easy they are to forget when we should, in fact, book a service appointment to get them installed as early as possible. For those of you who have some concerns about the rules and regulations surrounding winter tires in the Yukon, this article will give you all the facts.
Yukon Tire Regulations
Firstly, all of your tires, including your spare, should have plenty of tread and no bald spots in order to be considered fully functioning in the Yukon. Each tire must be inflated to the same pressure and both balanced and aligned. Chains aren't required but are highly recommended to have on hand in case of an emergency. You do, however, need there to be minimum clearances between the tires and vehicle’s fenders, suspension, struts, and brake lines to avoid unwanted contact with the chains. You also want to make sure that your tire chains are installed on the drive wheels according to the manufacturer's instructions. Tires typically need more than 4 mm of tire tread for driving during the winter months, with the tire width being at least 445 mm.
When it comes to studded tires, most people expect them to be banned in Canada. In reality, it depends on the province. In Alberta, Saskatchewan, Northwest Territories, Nunavut, and the Yukon, you'll find there are no restrictions on the use of studded tires. Here we can use them freely throughout the winter without worrying about getting a fine.
Transition Your Tires Early at Whitehorse Toyota
Waiting until the first snowflake drops to get your winter tires is less than ideal. Winter service appointments book up fast, and the last thing you need is to be caught in 3 feet of snow with a set of all-seasons. If you want to beat the rush, and help ensure the safety of you, your passengers and others on the road, book a winter tire service with Whitehorse Toyota as soon as the temperature begins to dip below 7 °C.
Not sure which tires you need? We’re here to help. Take advantage of our handy Tire Finder Tool, or simply chat with your technician about brands, sizes and prices. We carry all of Canada’s most popular tire brands, and we’ll make sure you get the right winter tires for your specific vehicle, no matter the make or model. You can even score big savings with our early bird specials and Price Match Promise! Give us a call anytime to book a service appointment, and our expert technicians will ensure you and your ride are well taken care of!
