What CAA-Quebec says
In Quebec, winter tires are mandatory from December 1, with a fine of $200 to $300 plus costs. CAA-Quebec recommends changing tires when the temperature stays around 7 °C for several days, which can happen as early as October.
Every year, the organization gives drivers the same advice: book early to avoid the rush at the first snowfall. That is exactly when garages get the most calls.
1. Open bookings before the rush
Some shops contact their customers as early as August and start installing tires in early September, according to recommended garages quoted by CAA-Quebec. The earlier you open, the more demand spreads over several weeks instead of a few days.
2. Know your real capacity
The number of vehicles your shop can handle at once, multiplied by the real time a tire change takes, gives you the number of appointments per day. With realistic times per service and a realistic number of bays in your calendar, you never promise more than the shop can deliver.
3. Let customers book without calling
In season, every call from a customer asking "do you have room?" is time taken from the shop. Online booking shows the slots that are actually free at any hour, including evenings, and every appointment arrives complete: name, vehicle, service, contact details.
4. Confirm so you don't lose scarce slots
When slots are scarce, a no-show costs more: another customer would have taken the spot. A confirmation request before the date and a reminder the day before free up, in time, the slots customers won't use.
5. Close what you can't deliver
- Block days or time ranges when the team is short (time off, training).
- Update your opening hours if you extend evenings or open on Saturdays.
- Keep a way to add customers who call anyway to the calendar.
How Garago helps
- Online booking based on your hours, the length of each service and the number of bays.
- Close a day or a time range, with a warning if appointments are already booked.
- Confirmation and reminders, and a calendar that works on your phone.
- Your shop visible by service, make and city, with reviews from real customers.
Frequently asked questions
When do drivers start calling for winter tires?
Mostly from late September, with a peak at the first frost or first snowfall. CAA-Quebec recommends booking early and changing tires when the temperature stays around 7 °C.
What is the winter tire deadline in Quebec?
December 1. After that date, a vehicle without winter tires is subject to a fine of $200 to $300 plus costs, according to CAA-Quebec.
How do I keep the phone from being overloaded in season?
Offer online booking with your real slots, let your customers know ahead of time, and keep the phone for special cases.
How do I avoid overloading the shop?
Set the length of each service and the number of vehicles you can take at once: a slot is only offered if a bay is free.
Get ready before the first frost
Set up your hours, services and bays during the 30-day free trial, then open online booking.