SEASONAL TIRE CHANGE SERVICE
At My Neighbourhood Mechanic (MNM), we recognize that as the seasons change, many of our valued customers “rush” to have their seasonal tires installed.
Changing On-Rim vs. Off-Rim Tires
When the temperature consistently stays above 7 degrees Celsius for the first week, it’s a great time to consider removing your winter tires for storage. Conversely, if the temperature drops to 7 degrees or lower, we recommend installing your winter tires. The temperature plays a crucial role as the tread pattern and materials of winter tires are specifically designed for optimal performance in snow, ice, and cold conditions. Warmer spring temperatures can potentially damage winter tires if they remain in contact with the road.
Tire Changeover
If your seasonal tires have their own rims, it’s called an on-rim tire changeover, or tire swap. A rim is the metal center of the wheel (usually made of steel or alloy) that the tire is mounted on, and it bolts to the vehicle. With an on-rim changeover, you have two sets of rims and tires,allowing for a quick replacement of both. At MNM, we offer two options:
Bolt-on: We simply install the tires and check for proper inflation and tread depth.
Balancing & Bolt-on: We can balance your tires before installation to correct uneven weight distribution. This is recommended at every seasonal change, as tire wear can affect balance, leading to premature wear, higher fuel consumption, vibration and poorhandling.
If your seasonal tires share one set of rims, it’s an off-rim tire changeover. This involves removing the tires from the rims and mounting the other set.
Checking the Tire Pressure & Treads
During your tire changeover appointment, we will carefully check the tire pressure and tread condition of both your winter and summer tires. After this assessment, we will provide you with detailed information regarding the current state of your tire treads and their traction capabilities.
Things to Remember
Locknut: Please let your Service Advisor know where the locknut is located in your vehicle.
Auto Insurance Discount: Inform your auto insurance provider that you have installed seasonal tires, as this may qualify you for up to a 5% discount on your premiums.
We understand that tires represent a significant investment in the maintenance of your vehicle, and we are committed to keeping you informed about their condition every step of the way. Whether you leave our Toronto shop in sunny weather or amidst a snowstorm, we take our responsibility seriously and strive to ensure your safety. We encourage you to book your appointment in advance to help us accommodate your schedule.
