Winter Tire Change Over Season
It's winter tire change over season in Canada! With the flurries approaching, its important to prepare for whatever might slide your way. Driving in Canada during the winter means learning to safely navigate behind a wheel while understanding and dealing with the elements.
Being one step ahead and ready for all possibilities is what we (here at LubeVan) strongly recommend. It is essential to have tires designed for our unique weather conditions. We're driving through snowdrifts, ice, snow-plowed streets, and highways during the long winter months in Canada. We need the proper equipment, specifically tires, to keep us out of harm's way.
Winter tires give you not only peace of mind but also the much-needed grip, stability, and control on those snowy, icy roads.
What are winter tires?
Winter tires, also referred to as snow tires, are designed to perform best within the winter season. The tires are manufactured with big, blocky treads, which help to move water and slush more efficiently while decreasing build-up. Winter tires are constructed of a softer rubber compound that maintains flexibility in cold temperatures. In warmer temperatures, the softness of the rubber causes premature tire wear and other handling challenges. It's imperative to swap out winter tires once the spring has sprung.
When should you get winter tires installed?
The best time to install your winter tires is before the temperature will regularly be at, or drop below 7°C, and before the first snowfall of the season. In Ontario, the most optimal time for most motorists to install their winter tires is between October and November.
Two types of winter tire change overs
- On-Rim Tire Change Over
- Off-Rim Tire Change Over
An on-rim tire changeover, also known as a tire swap, is when you have two sets of rims (the steel or alloy center of the wheel that bolts to the vehicle) and two sets of tires. In this situation, tires are already mounted onto rims, and folks usually have a set of 'summer' and 'winter' wheels (rim+tire). An On-Rim tire changeover involves replacing both wheels and tires on your vehicle.
An off-rim tire changeover, is when you have one set of rims and two sets of tires. It involves removing the rubber tire from the steel or alloy rims, then mounting a different set of rubber tires.
Wondering how much a winter tire change over costs? There are many seasonal tire change services, and their prices range considerably. An on-rim tire swap done by LubeVan takes only 40 minutes to complete, and costs $79. An off-rim tire swap takes only 1 hour and 20 minutes to complete, for $159.
What are the best winter tires in Canada?
We prefer Michelin tires and recommend them to each of our customers. Not only that, we also install Michelin tires on all of our service vehicles.
Michelin winter tires boast 'exclusive tire tread designed with exceptional tire grip, that improves braking performance and decreases risk of hydroplaning all while increasing the life of your tires'.
We back that up with warranty and service as a Michelin winter tire dealer!
When you have winter tires installed on your vehicle, you are guaranteed maximum traction, enhanced braking, control, and most importantly safety. Here at LubeVan, whether it be at the office or at home, we work with your schedule to make the transition into the winter season as smooth as possible.
