Tire Change Tips: Mistakes to Avoid With Your Winter Tires

By: Garage 2TN

The cold settles in, the snow arrives, and Montreal roads become slippery overnight. That’s when we all remember just how essential winter tires really are. But even though they’re mandatory in Quebec, many drivers still make mistakes during their tire change.

And unfortunately, those errors can be costly: premature wear, reduced grip, increased fuel consumption, and even avoidable accidents.

The good news? With the right guidance and a clear understanding of what not to do, your winter tire change will be safer, more efficient, and more economical.

In this full-length guide, Garage 2TN, your mechanic shop in Montreal, explains the most common mistakes related to winter tires — and how to avoid them like a pro.

1. The most common mistakes when changing to winter tires

Section introduction

The tire change process isn’t always as simple as it seems. Done incorrectly, it can compromise safety and vehicle performance. Here are the mistakes our mechanical workshop sees most often.

1.1 Waiting too long to install winter tires

Some people wait until the very last minute to switch to winter tires, telling themselves: “I’ll wait for the first big snowfall.”

A common — and risky — mistake.

Why is this a problem?

Even without snow:

• Cold weather hardens summer tire rubber

• Braking distances increase

• Grip is reduced below 7°C

Winter tires, on the other hand, stay flexible in the cold.

Recommendation:

Install winter tires as soon as temperatures stay below 7°C.In Montreal, this often means early November.

1.2 Mixing winter tires and summer tires

A surprisingly common error: installing only two winter tires instead of four.

Why is it dangerous?

Your vehicle:

• Loses stability

• Becomes prone to understeer or oversteer

• Reacts unpredictably in curves or emergency braking

Safety advice:

Always use four matching winter tires — same brand, same model, same wear level.

1.3 Not checking tire pressure the tire change.

Cold weather naturally lowers tire pressure. On average:

• You lose 1 PSI for every 5°C drop.

Why does this matter?

Underinflated tires lead to:

• Higher fuel consumption

• Faster wear

• Reduced traction

Solution:

Check your tire pressure every two weeks during winter.

2. Winter tire maintenance mistakes that shorten their lifespan

Section introduction

The tire change is only the first step. Proper maintenance makes the difference between tires that last 2 winters… and tires that last 5.

2.1 Skipping tire rotations

Tire rotation consists of switching the front and rear tires.

Why is it important?

Front tires:

• Support engine weight

• Handle steering

• Wear faster

Consequence:

Without rotation, wear becomes uneven and shortens the lifespan of the entire set.

Recommendation:

Rotate your tires every 8,000–10,000 km.

2.2 Ignoring alignment or wheel geometry

New tires with poor alignment can be ruined in a single winter.

Signs of poor alignment:

• Steering wheel pulling to one side

• Uneven or “sawtooth” wear

• Vibrations at high speed

Why alignment matters:

It ensures:

• Better handling

• Uniform tire wear

• Fuel savings

2.3 Improper storage of summer tires

Summer tires are often forgotten, but poor storage damages them quickly.

Common mistakes:

• Leaving them outside

• Stacking them incorrectly

• Exposing them to sun or moisture

Solution:

Store your tires:

• In a dry place

• Away from UV rays

• Vertically (if mounted on rims)

• Horizontally without excessive weight if not on rims

3. Technical mistakes during tire installation

Section introduction

A poorly executed tire installation can turn perfectly good winter tires into a real hazard. Here are the technical mistakes that your mechanic shop knows to avoid — but that some inexperienced installers often make.

3.1 Over-tightening or under-tightening lug nuts

Tightening must be precise.

• Too tight = broken studs or impossible removal in case of a flat

• Too loose = the risk of a wheel detaching

Solution:

Use a torque wrench set exactly to manufacturer specifications.

3.2 Skipping wheel balancing

Unbalanced wheels create:

• Steering wheel vibrations

• Accelerated tire wear

• Uncomfortable driving

Symptom:

Vibration at 80–100 km/h.

Importance:

Balancing is essential every time you install winter tires.

3.3 Installing tires incompatible with the vehicle

Every vehicle has specific requirements:

• Diameter

• Width

• Load index

• Speed index

Why this matters:

Incorrect tires can affect:

• Braking

• Steering

• ABS and traction control systems

Your mechanic shop can verify all specifications for you.

4. Driving mistakes that damage winter tires

Section introduction

Even after a proper tire change, winter driving habits must be adapted. Here are the most common behavior errors.

4.1 Believing winter tires make the car “invincible”

A very common misconception.Winter tires improve grip, but:

• Ice remains slippery

• Braking distances are still long

• Vigilance is still essential

Advice:

Always adapt your driving:

• Slow down

• Increase following distance

• Anticipate stops and turns

4.2 Braking hard or accelerating aggressively

Even the best winter tires can’t compensate for poor driving habits.

Bad habits include:

• Fast acceleration

• Sudden braking

• Sharp turns

Consequences:

• Loss of traction

• Faster tire wear

• Higher accident risk

4.3 Keeping winter tires on too long in spring

Another frequent error: waiting too long to reinstall summer tires.

Why is this a problem?

• Winter tires wear out 2–3 times faster in warm weather

• Grip becomes poor on dry asphalt

• Braking distances increase

Recommendation:

Switch back to summer tires once temperatures consistently exceed 7°C.

Conclusion: avoid mistakes and drive safely all winter long

The tire change is a crucial step for all Quebec drivers. The wrong practices — often simple but common — can increase wear, reduce safety, and raise maintenance costs.

By avoiding these mistakes and following the right habits, you maximize:

• Tire lifespan

• Vehicle reliability

• Road safety throughout winter

At Garage 2TN, your mechanic shop in Montreal, we offer:

• Professional winter tire installation

• Balancing

• Alignment

• Tire rotation

• Full maintenance services

Your safety on the road is our priority. Book your appointment today — and drive with confidence this winter.