To buy tires online in Canada, first read the size code on your current tire sidewall or on the tire information label on the driver’s door edge (for example P215/65R15 85H). Then choose the category (all-season, winter or truck/SUV), buy from a store that ships to your province, and budget for shipping, installation and any import taxes.
Key Takeaways
- The tire size code (for example P215/65R15) gives width in millimetres, aspect ratio, radial construction and rim diameter in inches; match it to your vehicle’s tire information label.
- Winter tires marked with the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol meet specific snow traction requirements; Transport Canada says all-season and summer tires lose traction below 7°C.
- Quebec requires winter tires on registered vehicles from December 1 to March 15; most BC routes require winter tires or chains from October 1 to April 30.
- Tires ordered from outside Canada must carry a Canadian National Safety Mark, US DOT or Japanese JIS marking, and GST/HST and other charges can apply.
- Replace a tire when its tread is worn down to the wear indicator, which Transport Canada puts at 1.5 mm (2/32 inch).
Although it might sound challenging, buying tires online in Canada can be easier than going to a physical store, as long as you know your exact tire size and plan for installation.
However, you should ensure you have all the information you need about the store you are buying from. Besides, the brand you need also comes in handy here. So, always decide on the size, the type and the brand of tire you want before you order.
Buying Tires Online Canada
The one thing that might be a bit challenging here is getting the best online store to shop for the new tires for your car. Once you have identified one, we will guide you on the rest of the process. Take a look at some of the important factors to consider when shopping for tires online Canada.
The Size Of The Tire
You don’t want to buy a too big or too small tire, that’s why you need to know the size recommended for your vehicle. Check the numbers on the side of your current tires to know the size of tire you should buy. The size is also written on your car’s owner manual.
Buy A Known Brand
Before ordering the tires online Canada from the online store you have decided to use, research on the available brands and choose the best based on the features you need.
However, we understand that this might also be challenging because there are many brands to choose from. A good way to know which brand is suitable is by comparing their characteristics, pros and cons.
You might see some brands with great offers when you log in to the store’s website. Do not be blinded by the great discounts. You can set a budget for your tire purchase. This will help you narrow down the options you have and ultimately go for the brand that meets your specifications as well as that which is within your budget.
However, don’t worry if your budget is tight when you need new tires. Online stores in Canada list tires across a wide range of prices, so you can compare budget and premium options for the same size.
Although the cheap tires might not have all the good qualities you could find in the pricier ones, they can sustain you for some time. They have some benefits and are a good choice for your budget.
Select A Category
Here you need to know the type of vehicle you drive, and also the terrain. This is because tires are classified into different categories, like passenger tires that are installed on sports cars, CUVs and sedans.
The tires are for on-road driving, and there are many brands producing them. Truck/SUV is the name for tires meant for bigger vehicles like light trucks, Jeeps and SUVs. You will also get wide range of these.
Know The Car Model
If you are not sure of the best tires for your car, you can research on the internet. On the tire website, enter your car’s make, model and year of manufacture, and the site will usually list tire sizes that fit. You can also check your owner’s manual to know the tires that would suit your car best.
Check Customer Reviews Of The Store
Many online stores in Canada offer a wide variety of tires. So, do your homework since you want to buy from the best. You can only know how good a store is by checking its reviews online, or asking your friends who have bought from them. Check what people have to say about the store, and the performance of the tires they get from there.
You can also check the reviews of the specific tire on its manufacture’s website. Check at the tire’s performance, durability and its lifespan. However, when checking the reviews, it is obvious you will see some negative comments. If there are more negative comments than positive ones, there is a reason to be worried.
Check The Payment Options
After finding the right tire brand, size and type to buy, the next thing is to check the store’s payment options. Choose a store whose payment methods suit you and offer buyer protection, such as a credit card. Common payment options include PayPal, credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard, and bank transfers.
Know About Other Extra Costs
If you are buying from an online store that has to ship the tires, you should be prepared for the expenses on or before the arrival of the tire. Shipping costs vary by store and by destination, and some stores offer free shipping. Also budget for mounting, balancing and installation at a local shop, and for any tire recycling or environmental fee shown at checkout.
How Do You Read a Tire Size Code?
A tire size code is printed on the sidewall of every tire. According to the metric format explained on Wikipedia’s tire code page, a code such as P215/65R15 85H breaks down as follows.
| Part of the code | Example | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Prefix | P | Passenger vehicle tire |
| Section width | 215 | Width of the tire in millimetres at its widest point |
| Aspect ratio | 65 | Sidewall height as a percentage of the width |
| Construction | R | Radial construction |
| Rim diameter | 15 | Wheel diameter in inches |
| Load index | 85 | About 515 kg per tire |
| Speed rating | H | Up to 210 km/h |
Always order the size, load index and speed rating your vehicle maker recommends. Transport Canada says the tire information label is usually attached to the edge of the driver’s door, the door post, the glove box or the fuel door, and it lists the recommended pressures for the front, rear and spare tires.
How old is a tire? Check the DOT date code
The last four digits of the DOT code on the sidewall show the week and year the tire was made. For tires made since 2000, the first two digits are the week and the last two are the year, so 0121 means the first week of 2021. Ask an online seller for the manufacture date if the listing does not show it.
Winter, All-Season or Truck/SUV: Which Tires Do You Need in Canada?
Canadian weather makes the choice of tire category more important than in many markets. Transport Canada says that below 7°C, all-season and summer tires begin to lose elasticity and traction, while winter tires keep their grip at much lower temperatures. The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) gives the same 7°C threshold.
- Winter tires: look for the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol. Transport Canada says tires with this symbol meet specific snow traction performance requirements and are designed for severe snow conditions.
- All-season tires: designed for general on-road driving; they do not replace winter tires where a province requires them.
- Truck/SUV tires: built for light trucks, SUVs and similar larger vehicles, as described above.
Transport Canada recommends installing winter tires in sets of four with the same type, size, speed rating and load index. CAA also advises four matching tires, because cars with only two winter tires handle significantly worse.
Provincial Winter Tire Rules to Check Before You Order
| Province | Rule (as of September 2026) | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Quebec | All motor vehicles registered in Quebec, including rentals, must have winter tires bearing the required pictogram, or studded tires, from December 1 to March 15. Studded tires are permitted from October 15 to May 1. Fines are $200 to $300. | Government of Quebec |
| British Columbia | Winter tires or chains are required on most routes from October 1 to April 30; on select highways outside mountain passes and high-snowfall areas the requirement ends March 31. Routes are marked with regulatory signs. | Government of British Columbia |
If you live in Quebec or drive on BC’s designated routes, order winter tires early enough to have them installed before the start date.
Buying Tires From a US or Overseas Website
According to Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) Memorandum D19-12-2, tires imported for personal use must meet Canadian, US or Japanese safety standards and carry the matching mark: the Canadian National Safety Mark, the US DOT symbol or the Japanese JIS symbol. Most used on-road tires from countries other than the US are not admissible, and all used tires must be clean and free of soil.
Imported goods are generally subject to GST and provincial sales tax or HST. CBSA Customs Notice 26-23 also says that from September 8, 2026, certain goods originating in the US are subject to a surtax of 15%, 25% or 50%, and that the surtax can apply to casual imports. Check with CBSA before ordering tires from a US site, because the landed cost can be much higher than the listed price.
Step-by-Step: Ordering Tires Online in Canada
- Read the size, load index and speed rating from your current tires and compare them with the tire information label.
- Choose the category: winter (three-peak mountain snowflake), all-season or truck/SUV.
- Check your province’s winter tire rules and dates.
- Compare brands and prices for the same size, and read reviews of both the tire and the store. Our Nexen tires review shows what to look at in a budget brand.
- Confirm the store ships to your postal code, and check the delivery time, return policy and warranty.
- Arrange installation: book mounting and balancing at a local shop or an installer the store works with, and include that cost in your comparison.
- Pay with a protected payment method and keep the invoice for warranty claims.
When Do Your Tires Need Replacing?
Transport Canada says a tire must be replaced when the tread has worn even with the tread wear indicator, which marks the minimum allowable depth of 1.5 mm (2/32 of an inch). Transport Canada also advises measuring tire pressure at least once a month with a good-quality gauge. The maximum pressure printed on the sidewall is generally not the recommended pressure for your vehicle; use the vehicle label instead. For more on tire care, see ways to extend the life of your tires and our broader car owner’s guide.
Common Mistakes When Buying Tires Online
- Ordering the right width but the wrong rim diameter, load index or speed rating.
- Buying only two winter tires instead of a matching set of four.
- Forgetting installation, balancing and fees when comparing prices.
- Ordering from a foreign site without checking safety markings, taxes and surtaxes.
- Buying from an unfamiliar store without checking its reviews and contact details; see our tips on safe online shopping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to buy tires online in Canada?
Buying tires online in Canada can lower the tire price, but the total cost depends on shipping, installation, balancing and any fees. Compare the full installed price with a local shop before you order.
Where do I find my tire size?
Your tire size is printed on the sidewall of your current tires, for example P215/65R15. Transport Canada says the vehicle’s tire information label is usually on the edge of the driver’s door, the door post, the glove box or the fuel door; the owner’s manual also lists the size.
Are winter tires mandatory in Canada?
Winter tire rules are set by provinces. Quebec requires winter tires on registered vehicles from December 1 to March 15, and British Columbia requires winter tires or chains on most designated routes from October 1 to April 30 (March 31 on some routes).
Can I order tires from a US website and ship them to Canada?
Yes, if the tires carry a Canadian National Safety Mark, US DOT or Japanese JIS marking, according to CBSA. GST or HST and provincial taxes usually apply, and a surtax on certain US-origin goods has applied since September 8, 2026, so check with CBSA first.
What does the mountain snowflake symbol mean?
The three-peak mountain snowflake symbol means the tire meets specific snow traction performance requirements and is designed for severe snow conditions, according to Transport Canada.
How do I know when to replace my tires?
Replace a tire when the tread is worn even with the tread wear indicator, which Transport Canada puts at 1.5 mm (2/32 of an inch).
