Spring & Winter Tire Change Overs at Trail Tire

Get Your Vehicle Winter Ready with an Expert Seasonal Tire Changeover!

Regardless of the weather, Trail Tire Auto Centers can help you get the most out of your tires. We make sure that you have the proper tires for the road conditions ahead of time. Book an expert seasonal tire changeover at your nearest Trail Tire Auto Center near you today!

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Winter Driving Checklist

We offer the following services to ensure you are ready to face the cold weather with confidence:

• Winter Tire Checks: We’ll look over your tires to make sure they’re in good shape for winter driving. During the check, we look at your tread depth and tire pressure.
• Cooling System Check: Trail Tire Auto Centers will inspect your engine hoses and belts and your antifreeze.
• Battery Test: In cold weather, your car’s battery produces less current, so it has to work harder to start your car. We’ll inspect your battery to make sure it’s charged, secured, and winter-ready.
• Windshield Wipers Check: We’ll check the condition of your windshield wipers to make sure they’re up to the task of clearing the windows. If necessary, top up your wiper fluid levels.
• Light Checks: Because there are fewer hours of sunlight in the winter, your car lights will need to be on the majority of the time. A car light assessment will ensure that all lights are working properly.

Call Trail Tire Auto Centers today to book an appointment and get your vehicle in shape for winter driving.

Winter Tires vs Seasonal/Summer Tires

Winter Tires

Winter and all-season tires both have qualities that make them suited for certain seasons but not for others. It’s vital to choose tires that are appropriate for the season to improve your safety and get the most out of both.

Winter tires are constructed of a softer rubber compound that keeps them flexible in cold conditions, allowing the tire to adhere better to the road surface. Winter tires have larger tread depths (2 mm deeper than summer tires), which prevent snow buildup and improve grip and traction on snowy surfaces.

The tread pattern is also designed to channel snow and slush while also expelling water. To improve grip on ice, winter tires have a higher number of biting edges and a higher sipe density. When compared to having all-season tires in the winter, these distinct characteristics allow drivers to easily navigate snow-covered terrain by providing improved grip, controllability, and steering response.

Summer/All-Season Tires

They have natural rubber, which quickly becomes harsh and loses its optimal characteristics for safe circulation when temperatures drop.

The hard rubber is intended for use in much warmer temperatures, where it provides better road grip, handling, and a shorter stopping distance.

Winter tires perform best when the temperatures are below 7⁰ C while summer/all-season tires provide maximum performance at temperatures above 7⁰ C.

Switching between summer and winter tires at the appropriate time will extend tire life, increase vehicle safety, and improve overall vehicle performance.

When to Get Your Expert Seasonal Tire Changeover

Once the temperature dips to 7⁰ C or below, it is time to change to winter tires. At this temperature, winter tires improve vehicle stability and grip in any road condition.

You will need certified winter tires (tires bearing the 3-PMSF symbol) to drive through mountain passes in British Columbia from October 1st to March 31st.

Although it is not required in some provinces, driving with a 3-PMSF certified tire is always preferable for safety and peace of mind.

Tire Changeover Vs. Tire Swap

There are two ways to change your tires for the season: a tire changeover or a tire swap. The service you need is based on whether you have one or two sets of wheels.

• A tire changeover requires the use of one set of wheels and two sets of tires. It entails keeping your existing wheels while only replacing the rubber tires. This is the less expensive option at first because you will not need to purchase a new set of wheels.
• Tire swap necessitates the use of two sets of wheels and two sets of tires. It involves replacing both your vehicle’s wheels and tires. This method saves money in the long run because it requires less labour than changeovers.

To maintain your vehicle’s performance and stability, we recommend replacing all four tires with winter tires.

Trail Tire Auto Centers offers tire swapping as well as expert seasonal tire changeover services. Our certified technicians will change over your tires and inspect them. Lastly, they will advise you on the general condition of your tires.

Beat the rush, call us today to reserve a spot for your tire changeover.