Seasonal tire changeover near you

When temperatures settle around 7 °C or colder, which in much of Canada means late October or early November. Winter rubber grips better than all-season rubber below that point, and changing before the first snowfall avoids the rush, because freezing rain can arrive overnight. Switch back in April, when winter tires start wearing quickly on warm, dry roads.

Not when both sets sit on their own rims and were balanced when mounted; a swap of complete wheels needs only a torque wrench. Balancing is required when tires move to different rims, and it is worth asking for if a vibration appeared last season. Wheel weights can fall off during a winter of potholes, so a quick check costs little.

For most drivers who keep a vehicle several years, yes. A set of basic steel wheels usually pays for itself within a few seasons in saved mounting fees, the tire beads and pressure sensors are not disturbed twice a year, and each swap takes about half the time. Alloy winter wheels cost more, but they keep salt off your good ones.

You can, but it is a poor idea. Winter rubber is a softer compound, so in summer heat it wears out quickly, lengthens braking distances on dry pavement, adds road noise and uses a little more gas. A winter set that would last several seasons on the November-to-April schedule can be worn out in a fraction of that time.

Yes, a re-check after about 50 to 100 km is a good habit. Nuts can settle a little after a wheel is refitted, and some shops will re-torque at no charge if you drop in, so ask what yours does. A loose wheel usually announces itself with a clunk or a wobble from one corner and needs attention at once.