When the outside temperature consistently drops below +7°C, it’s time to switch to winter tires.

Why it matters:

Rubber performance – All-season or summer tires harden when temperatures fall below +7°C, reducing flexibility and grip. Winter tires are made from softer rubber compounds that stay flexible in cold weather.

Traction and safety – Winter tires have tread patterns designed for snow, slush, and ice, giving better traction, braking, and handling. Even on dry, cold pavement, they outperform all-seasons below +7°C.

Braking distance – Stopping distances are significantly shorter with winter tires in cold conditions, lowering accident risk.

In short, the 7-degree rule ensures you’re switching tires not just for snow and ice, but for cold weather overall—boosting safety, control, and confidence on the road.

Ontario Motor Sales (OMS) offers comprehensive winter tire packages tailored to various Chevrolet and Cadillac models. These packages are designed to provide convenience, safety, and value for customers preparing their vehicles for the colder months. 

What's Included in OMS Winter Tire Packages 

• Tires & Rims. Each package includes winter tires paired with appropriate rims, ensuring optimal fit and performance for your specific vehicle model. 
• Installation & Balancing. Professional installation and balancing are included, ensuring that your tires are properly mounted and aligned for safe driving. 
• Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) Sensors. If your vehicle is equipped with TPMS, the package includes the installation of sensors to maintain proper tire pressure monitoring. 
• Wheel & Tire Storage. OMS offers tire storage services for $85 per season. For an additional $25, customers can opt for a tire and wheel wash, ensuring their off-season tires are clean and ready for storage.  
• Add-Ons. Optional add-ons include services like wheel washes and tire swaps, allowing customers to customize their winter tire package to their needs.  

Technically, you can mix tire brands or tread patterns, but it’s not recommended, especially for winter driving. Here’s why: 

1. Traction & Safety

• • Tires from different brands or with different tread patterns can have different grip, stiffness, and response. 
  • Mixing tires can lead to unpredictable handling, longer stopping distances, and uneven traction in snow or ice. 
  • The worst-case scenario: one axle has better grip than the other, which can cause oversteer or understeer in slippery conditions. 

2. Axle Consistency

• • If you must mix tires temporarily: At minimum, keep tires matched on the same axle. 
  • For example, both front tires should be the same, and both rear tires should be the same. 

Many experts recommend placing the better tires on the rear axle for stability in slippery conditions. 

3. Winter Tires vs All-Season

• • Never mix winter tires with all-season tires on the same axle — the performance differences are too big. 
  • All-season tires in winter can compromise braking and cornering even if the other axle has winter tires. 

4. Tread Wear & Life

• • Tires with different wear rates can cause uneven handling and increase wear on suspension components. 

Best Practice: 

• • All four tires matched for brand, model, size, and tread pattern. 
  • This ensures predictable handling, optimal traction, and safety, especially in ice, snow, or slush. 

Proper storage of your off-season tires is crucial to keep them in good condition and maximize their lifespan. Here’s a clear guide: 

1. Clean & Dry

• • Wash off dirt, salt, and grime before storing. 
  • Let them completely dry — moisture can cause rubber degradation and rust on rims. 

2. Keep Them Cool & Dark

• • Store tires in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, heat sources, or heaters. 
  • UV light and ozone (from appliances or electric motors) can crack the rubber. 

3. Avoid Chemicals

• • Keep tires away from solvents, fuels, and lubricants, which can damage the rubber. 

4. Store Them Properly

Mounted on rims (wheels): 

• • Best option. Store stacked flat or hung on a tire rack. 

Without rims: 

• • Must be stored standing upright, not stacked — stacking can deform the tires over time. 
  • Rotate periodically to prevent flat spots. 

5. Use Tire Bags

• • Place tires in opaque plastic bags or specially made tire storage bags. 
  • Remove as much air as possible to reduce oxidation and moisture buildup. 

6. Temperature & Humidity

• • Ideal: <25°C (77°F) and moderate humidity. 
  • Avoid basements or garages that flood or get very damp. 

7. Short vs Long-Term Storage

• • Short-term (a season): Follow steps above. 
  • Long-term (multiple seasons): Consider tire cradles or keeping them in a tightly sealed bag with silica packets to prevent moisture and ozone damage. 

Pro Tip: Label each tire (FL, FR, RL, RR) to keep track of rotation and positioning for the next season. 

In cold weather, tire pressure drops naturally as temperatures fall, so you need to adjust accordingly. Here’s what to know: 

1. Base Pressure

• • Always follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure (found in your owner’s manual or driver-side door jamb). 
  • Do not inflate based on what’s on the tire sidewall — that’s the maximum, not the recommended pressure. 

2. Temperature Effects

• • Tire pressure decreases about 1 PSI for every 5–6°C drop in temperature. 
  • Example: if your recommended pressure is 35 PSI at 20°C, at -10°C it could drop to ~30 PSI. 

3. Checking & Adjusting

• • Check tire pressure when tires are cold (before driving or after sitting for at least 3 hours). 
  • If low, inflate to the recommended cold pressure. 
  • Avoid overinflating — too much pressure reduces grip, especially important for winter tires. 

4. EV Consideration

• • EVs are heavier, so proper pressure is even more critical for traction, range, and tire wear. 
  • Slightly underinflated tires can hurt range and handling; overinflated can reduce winter grip. 

Quick Rule: 

• Check weekly in winter. 
• Adjust to the manufacturer’s recommended cold PSI, not the sidewall max.