After a winter marked by dramatic regional weather differences, drivers from the West Coast to the Atlantic provinces are now entering peak pothole season.
Canadians are being reminded that a few simple tire-safety steps during early spring can help prevent blowouts, flats, alignment issues, and costly repairs, especially as temperatures rise and winter tires come off, says Kal Tire.
“Before the spring thaw takes hold, take two minutes to check your tire pressure,” says Mike Butcher, senior vice president, stores, Kal Tire. “And if you’re planning to switch out your winter tires, use the seven-degree recommendation as your guide.
Drivers should continue using winter tires where required by law or where winter conditions persist.”
Why Potholes Peak in Spring Across Canada
As temperatures rise across the country, winter-worn roads begin to break down. Freeze–thaw cycles, lingering moisture, and early spring weather patterns all contribute to the formation of potholes.
- Ontario & Quebec: Heavy snowfall, pooling water and repeated freezing and thawing weakens asphalt, creating deep cavities as temperatures warm.
- Prairies: Long cold snaps followed by sudden warming lead to cracking and clusters of potholes across major commuter routes.
- British Columbia: Freeze–thaw cycles and heavy traffic over interior and northern mountain passes accelerate pothole formation, while coastal rain saturates and weakens road surfaces, causing potholes to appear and expand quickly.
- Atlantic Canada: Coastal moisture and dramatic temperature swings compound the pothole problem every spring.
How Low Tire Pressure Increases Risk of Vehicle Damage
Cold weather, followed by rapid warming, frequently causes tire pressure to drop—and an under-inflated tire is far more vulnerable to pothole impacts. “Low tire pressure reduces a tire’s ability to absorb impact,” says Butcher. “That’s when blowouts, rim damage, and suspension issues become most common.”
Drivers should:
- Check tire pressure when tires are cold
- Compare pressure to the placard on the driver’s door or door jamb
- Top up air if needed
- Pull over to inspect the tire if a warning light appears
Drivers in colder regions such as; Northern Ontario, the Prairies, Newfoundland & Labrador, and the Maritimes may see bigger pressure swings, making regular checks especially important.
What Canadians Need to Know About Removing Winter Tires This Spring
As winter driving conditions fade, many Canadians are preparing to remove winter tires. However, timing isn’t the same across the country.
- British Columbia: according to BC’s Ministry of Transportation & Infrastructure, winter tires remain required well into spring on many mountain passes and designated highways.
- Quebec: According to the Government of Quebec, drivers typically begin switching to all- season or summer tires after March 15, when the provincial winter tire requirement ends.
- Prairies & Atlantic Canada: Extended cold snaps may make winter tires the safer choice even without legal mandates.
- Northern regions: Late-season snow or prolonged cold means winter tires may need to remain on longer.
Across all regions, Kal Tire recommends switching out of winter tires once average daily temperatures remain above 7° Celsius.
Above this threshold, winter tire rubber softens and wears faster, while all-season or summer tires deliver better handling and performance. Some provinces and insurers also tie winter tire discounts to specific dates, so drivers should confirm regional requirements before making the switch.