Tires Frequently Asked Questions

What time of the year do I need to switch to winter tires?

 

 At temperatures of 7°C and below, you should switch to winter tires. In British Columbia, the government states that winter tires are required on most highway routes from October 1st to April 30th each year.

 

Do I need winter tires even if my car has all-wheel drive (AWD) or four-wheel drive (4WD)?

 

 While AWD or 4WD offer some benefits, they will not aid in braking or cornering which are vital in ensuring proper control when driving in cold conditions. The rubber compounds and tread patterns in winter tires are designed to remain flexible and offer better grip in cold weather, snow and ice.

 

What is the difference between wheel alignment and wheel balancing?

 

 Wheel alignment refers to adjustments made to a vehicle's suspension system to ensure the angle of the wheel is perpendicular to the road surface. This keeps your car from veering to the right or left. Wheel balancing involves adjusting the weight distribution of tires to avoid wheel vibrations and wear. This is done by installing small weights to specific points on the tire to create a balanced weight distribution. Both lead to a smoother ride and less wear on your tires and the wheel assembly components.

 

Why is proper wheel alignment important?

 

 When wheels are properly aligned, the tires make contact with the road at the most optimal angles. The tires then rotate with less resistance which lessens the wear on them and lowers your vehicle’s fuel consumption.

 

Why is proper wheel balancing important?

 

 When the weight of your vehicle is not evenly distributed on all the tires, it will cause unnecessary wear to the tires, steering, and suspension components. Tire balancing should always be done when replacing tires and when a tire has been removed from a wheel for any reason.

 

What’s the difference between winter and all-season tires?

 

 All-season tires are made to handle different conditions throughout the year. However, their rubber becomes hard in cold environments, which reduces the grip in winter driving. To compare with all-season tires, winter tires use softer rubber and deeper tread designs to stay flexible in cold environments. This gives traction on rain, ice and snow.

 

Can I use winter tires all year round?

 

 Using winter tires all year round is not recommended. Because they are made from softer rubber, they wear down quickly on warm and dry roads, eventually affecting handling and fuel efficiency. Moreover, using winter tires in summer can shorten their lifespan dramatically and reduce overall performance.

 

How do winter tires improve braking and handling in rain and slush?

 

 Winter Tires have deeper tread patterns, extra sipes, and wider grooves. This design helps push water and slush away from the tires. In addition, their soft rubber compound allows the tread to conform to the road and maintain grip. This can improve braking and cornering on wet or slushy winter roads compared to all-season tires.

 

How long do winter tires usually last?

 

 Winter tires are able to last four to six winters with proper care. Regardless of tread depth, most manufacturers would recommend replacing them after six years of use or ten years from the manufacturing date. It is because the rubber compounds would naturally degrade over time.

 

Can I mix winter tires with all-seasons on my car?

 

 It is unsafe and not recommended to mix winter tires with all-season tires. This combination can create a traction imbalance and cause the vehicle to become unstable in slippery conditions. Moreover, it interferes with systems such as ABS and stability control. Mixing winter tires with all-season tires could also lead to uneven wear and warranty coverage voided by tire manufacturers.

 

What tire size should I choose for winter driving?

 

 Most drivers use the same size tire for winter as they do for their all-season tires. We strongly recommend following your vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations for size, load rating, and speed rating to ensure safety and proper handling. Our Service and Parts Advisors can help you select the right size for your specific vehicle and driving conditions.

 

Are winter tires different for EVs and hybrids?

 

 Yes, winter tires for EVs and hybrids are different from those for gas vehicles. As EVs and hybrids are heavier due to their batteries and have instant torque, they place a higher demand on tires. Winter tires for EVs have stronger compounds for durability, optimized tread patterns to preserve driving range, and noise-reducing technologies to keep the ride quiet.

 

How do I read tire sizes?

 

 Tire sizes are usually written on the side of a tire in a format such as 205/55R16 91H. The first number (205) represents the width of the tire in millimeters. The second number (55) is the aspect ratio, which shows the tire’s height as a percentage of its width. The letter (R) represents the radial construction, and the following number (16) is the wheel diameter in inches. Understanding this code ensures you choose the right tire for your vehicle.

 

How do I read tire tread?

 

 Tire tread depth is measured in 32nds of an inch, with new tires usually starting at around 10/32” to 12/32”. As tread wears down, performance in wet and snowy conditions decreases. A simple way to check is with a tread depth gauge.

 

What types of tires are available?

 

 There are several main categories of tires. All-season tires provide year-round usability in moderate climates. All-weather tires combine the versatility of all-seasons with winter certification. Winter tires are designed for snow, ice, and cold temperatures. Performance tires emphasize handling and grip, while touring tires focus on comfort and long tread life. Specialty options like off-road, run-flat, or EV-specific tires are also available depending on driving needs.

 

When is the best time to book a tire appointment to avoid busy times?

 

 The busiest periods for tire appointments are in late fall or early winter, just before the first snow, and in early spring, when drivers switch back to summer or all-season tires. To avoid long waits, the best times to book are early in the season—ideally in September or October for winter tires or April for summer tires. Booking early not only helps you beat the rush but also ensures better selection and availability.