Tire Info for Canadian Winters: Tread Depth and PSI Essentials

Cold, snow, slush, and freeze–thaw cycles change how your vehicle grips the road. In winter, tread depth and tire pressure become decisive for steering response and braking. Enough tread helps channel away slush and bite into packed snow, while correct PSI keeps the contact patch stable. Both factors shift quickly in Canadian conditions, where temperatures can swing by double digits in a day. By checking a few measurements at home and confirming the settings your vehicle specifies, you can maintain predictable handling and reduce wear throughout the season.

Tires info: why tread depth matters in snow

Tread depth influences traction, hydroplaning resistance, and braking on cold, wet, or snowy surfaces. New winter tires often start near 9–12/32 in (about 7–9.5 mm). As tread wears, snow traction drops noticeably before you reach legal minimums. For winter driving, many experts recommend replacing winter tires when tread reaches around 5/32 in (about 4 mm), because deeper blocks and sipes are needed to pack and release snow effectively. Shallow grooves hold less snow, making it harder for the tread to “lock” with the surface and maintain grip. If you drive frequently on slush-covered roads, more depth also helps move water and slush out from under the tire to reduce the risk of slushplaning.

Tires guide: finding the right PSI in cold

Air contracts as temperatures fall, so pressure typically drops about 1 PSI for every 5–6°C decrease. That means a mild afternoon set-and-forget won’t hold once temperatures plunge overnight. Use the vehicle manufacturer’s pressure listed on the door placard or in the owner’s manual, measured when the tires are “cold” (parked for several hours and out of direct sun). Many passenger vehicles specify a range around 30–36 PSI (roughly 205–250 kPa), but your exact target may differ. Avoid inflating to the number on the tire sidewall—that is a maximum rating, not the recommended setting. Check pressures at least monthly and after major cold snaps, including the spare. Proper PSI stabilizes the contact patch, shortens stopping distances, and supports even wear across the tread blocks.

Tires article: measuring depth accurately

A small tread depth gauge gives the most reliable reading and is inexpensive. Measure in multiple grooves across the tread—center and both shoulders—because uneven wear can signal other issues. More wear in the center often points to overinflation, while shoulder wear may indicate underinflation or alignment problems. Compare front and rear readings; front tires on front‑heavy vehicles can wear faster due to steering and braking loads. Record measurements in 32nds of an inch or millimeters so you can track changes over the season. If you don’t have a gauge, a coin test offers a rough visual, but a proper tool is better for winter decisions where a millimeter can make a noticeable difference in grip.

Winter-ready checks in your area

• Inspect tread blocks for cracking, cuts, or embedded stones that can compromise traction.
• Confirm valve caps are present and sealing; cold weather can stiffen seals and increase slow leaks.
• If your vehicle has a TPMS, treat it as a warning system, not a substitute for a gauge. Many systems illuminate only after pressure drops significantly.
• Rotate tires at intervals recommended in your owner’s manual (often around 8,000–10,000 km) to keep wear even through the season.
• If you notice vibration, pulling, or scalloped wear, arrange an alignment and balance check with local services in your area to protect tread depth and steering precision.

Seasonal transitions and storage

Plan your seasonal changeover based on sustained temperatures. Winter compounds stay pliable in cold and typically outperform all‑season rubber near or below about 7°C. When spring arrives and temperatures stabilize above that range, switch back to your non‑winter set to reduce wear. For off‑season storage, wash and dry your wheels, bag them to reduce ozone exposure, and store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or heat sources. If mounted on rims, store them stacked or hung; if unmounted, store them upright and rotate their position periodically. Never mix different seasonal types on the same vehicle, as mismatched grip can destabilize handling during cornering and braking.

Pulling it together: practical winter routine

• Check PSI monthly and after temperature swings, setting to the placard when cold.
• Measure tread depth across the tire; target replacement of winter tires around 4 mm (about 5/32 in) for consistent snow traction.
• Monitor wear patterns to spot underinflation, overinflation, or alignment issues early.
• Keep an eye on TPMS but verify with a quality gauge.
• Use reputable local services in your area for rotation, alignment, and inspections if anything feels off.

Maintaining adequate tread depth and correct PSI works together to preserve traction, reduce stopping distances, and extend tire life through Canadian winters. With a simple monthly routine—measure, inspect, inflate—you can keep handling predictable on snow and slush, avoid premature wear, and help your vehicle perform consistently when temperatures drop.