Quebec winter tires mandatory as of Dec. 15

While many Montrealers may be enjoying the unexpectedly warm weather this week, therealities of winter aren'tfar away for drivers.

Quebec'sauto insurance board, the SAAQ,requiresall taxi and passenger vehicles, as well as mopeds, motorized scooters and motorcycles to be equipped withwinter tires from Dec. 15 to March 15 inclusively.

Fail to do so, and you'll faceup to $300 in fines.

Get your tires before the first snow

Though the deadline is Dec. 15, the best time to put on your tires is now, according toTed MacKay, owner of MacKay Auto in Kirkland.

• 5 things you should know about winter tires

He's owned the garage for 10 years, and he sayspeople tend to wait until the first sign of snow to change their tires. The ensuing rush to the garage means more demand and longer waits.

MacKay says hiscustomers usually start calling by Thanksgiving.

Another reason to put on your winter tires is for insurance claims.MacKaywarns that if drivers get into an accident without the right tires on their car, their insurance company may give them grief.

How old is too old?

Regardless of the weather,Mackaysays winter tires typically last fiveyears before they begin to degrade.

He says drivers who don't have a snowflake marking on their winter tires may be in need of a new set. The snowflake logo was introduced in 2014to make it easierfor drivers to know iftheir vehicle's winter tires are on.

Buying south of the border?

MacKay says buying tires down south could save drivers as much as 20 per cent,depending on the size of the tire.

However, the exchange rate is not as favourable this year, and he says it's hard to say how much people will save, if anything.

Winter checklist

Before taking your winter wheels for their first spin of the winter, MacKay says there are a few more things to check off your list.

Aside from changing your tires, MacKay recommendsdoingwinter maintenance:changing your oil, checking your car's antifreeze and fluidsand looking at the condition of the vehicle'sbattery.