Any tradesperson understands the importance of using the right tool for the job. Doing so not only improves performance but also makes completing the task much safer. The same can be said when it comes to driving your vehicle in the winter. If you’re not riding on the right tires for the job, both your safety and the performance of your vehicle will be compromised.
Winter tires are specifically designed for use in conditions well-known to Canadians across the country. These seasonal tires are crafted for use in severe snow, ice, and slush, with deeper treads and more complex patterns than summer or all-season tires. This composition helps winter tires keep their elasticity and grip in the extreme low temperatures that regularly affects large areas of Canada.
“Winter tires are designed to perform best when temperatures are at or below 7 degrees Celsius (around 45 degrees Fahrenheit),” said Vince Klimkosz, owner of the three area locations of Vinnie’s Mr. Fixit. “It is recommended to switch to winter tires from summer tires when the temperature drops below 7°C.”
With the arrival of fall, Klimkosz said all three Vinnie’s Mr. Fixit are already fielding calls from drivers looking to swap out their summer tires for winter or all-weather tires.
“With fall weather coming it is time to think about your tires and winter maintenance,” said Klimkosz. “We find after Thanksgiving is when the tire rebates from manufacturers all start. Warehouses are getting their orders in, filling their warehouses and getting supplies out. Getting $100 off a set of four tires is a typical offer. Usually, all rebates are announced by October 15th. We usually spend a great deal of time in November and December swapping out tires.”
To save money on your tire switch Klimkosz suggests keeping your winter tires on a separate set of rims. That eliminates the added time, effort and cost of pulling summer tires off the rims and putting winter tires back on. While buying an extra set of rims will mean extra cost, Klimkosz said they pay for themselves after two seasons by saving you the additional cost incurred during a tire swap.
“It’s a lot easier on the tire to do it that way,” he said. “If a tire swap on the same rims is done properly it shouldn’t compromise the integrity of the tire. It’s just more of an expense for the consumer. Typically, a good set of winter tires should last you three or four seasons if you do a lot of winter driving. If you’re not typically on the road much in the winter they could last you up to six seasons.”
During the swap out you may consider opting out of the cost of tire sensors. Klimkosz said many drivers choose this option, which would result in your tire pressure light being on over the winter.
“A set of new tire sensors could cost somewhere between $200 and $250,” he said. “Some drivers opt out of the sensors and just drive with the light on for a few months. Having them installed does offer another layer of protection knowing when your tire pressure is low.”
Book your winter tire swap before the snow flies and avoid the rush. Visit any of the three locations of Vinnie’s Mr. Fixit and have the work completed by licenced technicians. Visit Vinnie’s online here.
This article was sponsored by Vinnie's Mr. Fixit, a 2024 GuelphToday Reader Favourite.