In Quebec, winter tires aren’t optional, and that yearly swap creates a steady local market for buying and selling sets directly. Montreal Daily’s Winter Tires category connects drivers looking to save on a new set with people selling tires that no longer fit their current vehicle, all posted directly with no commission taken on the sale. Since tires are heavy and awkward to ship, buying a set from someone nearby is usually far more practical than ordering online anyway. It also means you can inspect tread and sidewall condition with your own eyes before committing to a set for the season ahead.
What You’ll Find in Winter Tires
Expect full sets of winter tires, often already mounted on steel or alloy rims for a quick seasonal swap, as well as tires sold without rims for those who prefer to have them mounted separately. Listings cover a wide range of sizes and vehicle types, from compact car sets to SUV and truck sizes. Many sellers list tires taken off a vehicle they’ve since sold or upgraded, sometimes with significant tread life remaining.
Because Quebec law requires winter tires on passenger vehicles from December 1 to March 15 each year, this category sees predictable seasonal demand, with the best selection and prices typically found in the weeks before that window opens in the fall. Sets that come already mounted on a spare set of rims are especially popular, since they let drivers swap tires themselves twice a year without paying a shop for mounting and balancing each time. Studded and non-studded winter tire options both circulate in this category, and it’s worth confirming which type you’re getting since the two have different noise levels and wear characteristics.
Rim sizes vary widely between compact cars and larger SUVs, so double-checking bolt pattern and offset remains one of the most important steps before buying a mounted set.
Tips for Buyers
- Check tread depth carefully, ideally with a tread depth gauge or the coin test, since winter tires need adequate tread to grip snow and ice effectively.
- Confirm the tire size (the numbers on the sidewall) matches your vehicle’s required size exactly, and check rim diameter and bolt pattern if buying tires already mounted on rims.
- Ask about the age of the tires, not just tread depth, since rubber hardens over time and older tires can lose grip even with tread remaining.
- Inspect sidewalls for cracking, bulges, or repair patches, which can indicate a tire nearing the end of its safe life.
- Ask whether the tires carry the mountain snowflake symbol confirming they meet winter tire performance standards, rather than assuming all-season tires qualify.
- Buy a few weeks before December 1 rather than waiting, since good sets in your exact size tend to sell out as the deadline approaches.
Tips for Sellers
List the exact tire size from the sidewall, along with the brand, model, and approximate tread depth remaining. Mention whether tires are sold with rims and, if so, the rim size and bolt pattern, since this significantly affects who can use them. Note the manufacture date (found in the DOT code on the sidewall) since buyers increasingly ask about tire age, not just tread. If you’re selling because you sold your vehicle or switched to a different size, mention that context, it reassures buyers the tires weren’t removed due to a defect.
List your winter tires in early fall, ahead of the December 1 requirement, when demand and search interest are highest. Photograph the tread pattern up close and the full sidewall showing the size and DOT code, since serious buyers will ask for exactly this information anyway. If you’re selling two full sets, for both a car and a second vehicle, consider listing them separately so buyers searching for one specific size can find your listing easily. Clear, well-lit photos of the tread pattern from multiple angles also help buyers compare your listing quickly against others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get ready for winter driving season without paying full retail. Post or browse Winter Tires listings free on Montreal Daily and connect directly with someone local. Listings are free to post, making it easy to get equipped for the season without paying full retail.