Winter tires Costco Canada: province rules, free installation and when to book

The winter tires Costco sells come with installation at no charge, lifetime rotation, balancing and flat repairs, and a 5-year road hazard warranty, which is what you are comparing when you shop around. Timing matters more than price: Quebec requires winter tires from December 1, and B.C. requires them on most designated routes from October 1, so book your Costco Tire Centre appointment before the rush.

When do you need winter tires in Canada?

It depends on the province. Two have firm rules, and Ontario rewards you with an insurance discount:

In Quebec, drivers without compliant tires face a fine of $200 to $300, and Quebec recommends at least 4.8 mm of tread in winter; the exemptions (such as vehicles registered outside Quebec) are on the Gouvernement du Québec winter tire page. In B.C., non-compliant drivers can be turned back and fined; check which highways on your route need winter tires on the Province of B.C. route map. Elsewhere, winter tires aren't required, but they are the safer choice wherever it snows.

What does Costco include with winter tires?

The same package as any Costco tire: installation at no charge on tires bought from a Costco Tire Centre, nitrogen inflation, lifetime rotation, balancing and flat repairs, and a 5-year road hazard warranty on passenger, performance and light truck tires. TPMS valve stems are extra. The details are in our Costco tires guide.

How far ahead should you book?

Plan backwards from your province's date. If you order tires on Costco.ca, they ship free to your chosen Tire Centre in 5 to 10 business days, and you book the installation at costcotireappointments.ca once Costco emails you that they have arrived. A shipped order can't be cancelled, so confirm the size before you order. For Quebec's December 1 deadline, that means ordering by mid-November at the latest.

Do you need winter tires on separate rims?

It's optional. A second set of wheels makes each seasonal change quicker, because the tires don't have to be remounted. Ask your Tire Centre what it charges for changeovers and storage before you decide, since Costco's included services cover the tires you buy from it.

Do winter tires lower your insurance?

In Ontario, yes: since 2016, insurers must offer a discount on private passenger policies for drivers with a full set of winter tires. The size of the discount, the dates and the proof needed are set by each insurer, so ask yours. In other provinces, ask your insurer whether it offers one.

Which card should you use?

Tires bought in the warehouse earn 1% on the CIBC Costco Mastercard, and 2% when you order on Costco.ca. Track Costco tire prices and sales on our tires page.