Winter tires on? How to get Ontario's insurance discount and stay legal in Windsor-Essex

Booking your tire swap? Every Ontario insurer must offer a winter tire discount, so ask yours how to qualify. Look for the three-peak mountain snowflake, put on all four, and remember studded tires are not allowed in Windsor-Essex.

Topics: Roads and transit

Get these every Sunday: the free Windsor News weekly digest.

Snow season is coming to Windsor-Essex. If you are booking a tire swap, here is what Ontario says about winter tires, your insurance and checking the roads before you drive.

Winter tires can cut your insurance bill

Since January 1, 2016, every auto insurance company in Ontario must offer a discount to drivers who put winter tires on their vehicle. The province does not set the amount. Each insurer decides how much the discount is and what proof it wants, so call your insurer, agent or broker and ask how to qualify.

Ontario's financial services regulator also says it is worth asking about discounts every year, so check that the winter tire discount is still on your policy at renewal.

How to spot a real winter tire

Look for the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol on the side of the tire. That symbol means the tire was designed for severe snow.

All-season tires are not the same as winter tires. Ontario says they can start to lose grip at 7 degrees Celsius.

Winter tires in good shape can shorten braking distances by as much as 25 per cent, according to the province.

Put on all four

Install winter tires in sets of four and never mix different types of tires on one vehicle. Check your tire pressure regularly, because cold weather lowers it, and replace tires that are worn down.

Studded tires are a no in Windsor-Essex

Studded tires are allowed on vehicles registered in Northern Ontario. They are not allowed in Southern Ontario, which includes Windsor-Essex, unless you are visiting from out of province or live in Northern Ontario.

Check the roads before you go

Ontario 511 shows reported road conditions on provincial highways, where the snowplows are, traffic cameras and closures. You can use the website, the free Ontario 511 app, or dial 511 hands-free.

Windsor News is local, independent and free to read. If this story helped you, you can chip in at windsornewsdesk.ca/support/.