Tire change – better understand and see our tire brands

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Are your tires starting to lose traction or have you noticed wear on their tread? It’s time to think about changing your tires.

When choosing the right summer or winter tires for your needs, there’s another important consideration: the size of your tires. You can find more information on this topic on this page, as well as a complete list of the quality tire brands we carry.

How do I measure the thickness of the tire tread?

When you change your tires, you can rely on the wear indicators located at the bottom of the tread grooves (their position is indicated by an arrow or a pattern on the sidewall of the tire). If the rubber is equal to the indicator, the tires must be changed.

You can also purchase a depth gauge (available in specialty stores and many mass merchandisers), which will allow you to determine whether your tires can withstand another season quickly.

If you don’t have this tool and your tires don’t have a wear indicator, you can always opt for the popular 25-cent technique. To do this, insert the coin into the bottom of the tire where it seems to be the most worn, with the caribou’s snout facing down. If the end of the tire remains fully visible, your tires are too worn.

Remember to check the production date of your tires: over time, rubber dries out and tends to crack. It would help if you never drive with tires that are more than ten years old.

What is the deadline for changing winter tires in Quebec?

By law, in Quebec, it is mandatory to drive with winter tires from December 2nd to March 15th inclusively – note that the rest of the Canadian provinces do not require the use of winter tires during this period, but it is still strongly recommended.

Our advice

By making an appointment in October to have your tires installed, you’ll be properly shod before the first snowfall and avoid the November and December rush to the garage as the deadline approaches.

Good to know: summer tires lose significant grip below 7°C, which is why it is best to wait until at least the beginning of April before installing them, when temperatures become milder and the risk of snowfall lessens.

Can we drive on winter tires during the summer?

In the interest of saving money, some may be tempted to use their old winter tires during the summer season. Although it is legal, this practice is not recommended, as winter tires lose their rubber effectiveness above 7°C, increasing braking distance and compromising handling.

Installing winter tires: at home or in the garage?

If your winter tires are already mounted on rims, it is possible to install them yourself. However, the operation requires a minimum of equipment, such as a jack and a wheel wrench with an extension bar, as well as some muscle power to tighten the bolts.

If you’re not comfortable with this kind of maneuvering or would rather simplify your life, leave the changing of your winter and summer tires to professionals like those at West Island Garage and Tires.

How do you know if your tires are still in good condition?

Although by law, the tread thickness must be a minimum of 2/32″, it is strongly recommended, for increased safety, to change your tires as soon as it reaches 4/32″.

To know when to change your tires, you can rely on the wear indicators located at the bottom of the tread grooves (their position is indicated by an arrow or a drawing on the sidewall of the tire). If the tread is equal to the indicator, the tires should be changed.

You can also buy a depth gauge (available in specialty stores and many department stores), which will allow you to quickly know if your tires can handle another season or not.

If you don’t have this tool and your tires don’t have a wear indicator, you can always opt for the famous 25-cent technique. To do this, insert the coin into the bottom of the tire where it looks most worn, with the snout of the caribou facing down. If the tip of the caribou remains completely visible, your tires are too worn.

Also remember to check the production date of your tires: over time, rubber dries and tends to crack. You should never drive on tires that are more than 10 years old.

Abnormal tire wear

When uneven tire wear is noticed, different causes can be pointed out. For example, excessive wear on the inner or outer edge most likely indicates a tire alignment problem, while central wear often occurs when the tire is over-inflated. Camber and suspension misalignment can also play a role in abnormal tire wear.

Tire rotation: preventing uneven wear

Tire rotation is essential to equalize tire wear. Depending on the type of vehicle and traction (front, rear or four-wheel), your mechanic can, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, invert the front tires with the rear ones, or in an interlocking manner. Ideally, tires should be rotated every 8,000 or 10,000 km or when your winter and summer tires are installed. By doing so, you will extend the life of your tires and improve their performance.

Note that those who have a full size spare tire (not the small rigid ones) must include it in the rotation.

A rule that also applies to vehicles with dual rear wheels

Owners of this type of vehicle should also ensure that their tires are rotated every six months or after driving between 10,000 and 13,000 km.

If you think your tires are wearing abnormally, make an appointment with us today.

Tire comparison / How do I choose tires?

According to the type of vehicle

Winter, summer, or all-season tires are chosen first and foremost according to the type of vehicle you own: some types of tires are designed for cars, small SUVs, crossovers, and minivans, while others are designed for utility vehicles or super sports cars. There are also commercial and off-road tires.

Among all these tires, it’s also possible to find different grades, where the quality (and price) varies.

Depending on the size of the tires

The next step is to determine the appropriate tire size for your vehicle. As a general rule, your tire size requirements (i.e., width in millimeters and sidewall height) can be found on the driver’s door frame, in the fuel door or in the glove box. This information is also available in the manufacturer’s manual that comes with the vehicle.

At these locations, you’ll find other essential tire information, such as the speed rating (the maximum speed the tire can handle) and the load index (the maximum load the tire can handle).

 

www.tireland.ca

Where can I find tire sizes? Directly on them!

  • 245: Width in millimeters
  • 40: Sidewall height in % of tire width

In the example, the flank height is 40 % of 245.

  • ZR: Structure

There are 3 tire structures: R – for the radial structure, D – for the diagonal structure and B – for the “cross belt” structure.

  • Z in this example, it indicates that the tire can withstand speeds above 240 km/h. However, the Z speed rating will disappear and be replaced by the more accurate V (240 km/h), W (270 km/h) and Y (300 km/h).
  • 19: Inner diameter in inches
  • 98: Load Index
  • Y: Speed Index

Is it possible to opt for larger rims?

For example, would you like to choose 17″ wheels when your car has 15″ wheels? It is possible, yes, but under certain conditions. To ensure that your vehicle remains compliant and meets safety standards, you will need to make sure you choose tires of an appropriate size. Remember that fitting larger wheels will raise your vehicle above the ground and that this modification could alter the speedometer readings.

Contact us for more information

Our tire brands

All brands

BFGOODRICH ADVANTAGE A SPORT

BFGOODRICH ALL TERRAIN

BFGOODRICH BRIDGESTONE

BFGOODRICH COMMERCIAL T A

BFGOODRICH G FORCE

BFGOODRICH MUD TERRAIN

BFGOODRICH RADIAL

BFGOODRICH RUGGED TRAIL

BFGOODRICH WINTER T A

BRIDGESTONE ALENZA

BRIDGESTONE B380

BRIDGESTONE BLIZZAK

BRIDGESTONE DRIVEGRARD

BRIDGESTONE DUELER

BRIDGESTONE DURAVIS

BRIDGESTONE ECOPIA

BRIDGESTONE POTENZA

BRIDGESTONE TURANZA

BRIDGESTONE V STEEL

CONTINENTAL CONTI4X10

CONTINENTAL CONTI4X11

CONTINENTAL CONTI4X12

CONTINENTAL CONTI4X13

CONTINENTAL CONTI4X14

CONTINENTAL CONTI4X15

CONTINENTAL CONTI4X4

CONTINENTAL CONTI4X5

CONTINENTAL CONTI4X6

CONTINENTAL CONTI4X7

CONTINENTAL CONTI4X8

CONTINENTAL CONTI4X9

CONTINENTAL CONTICROSSCONTACT

CONTINENTAL CONTIECOCONTACT

CONTINENTAL CONTIPREMIUMCONTACT 

CONTINENTAL CONTIPROCONTACT 

CONTINENTAL CONTITOURINGCONTACT 

CONTINENTAL CONTITRAC 

CONTINENTAL CONTIWINTERCONTACT 

CONTINENTAL EXTREMECONTACT 

CONTINENTAL TERRAINCONTACT 

CONTINENTAL VANCO 

CONTINENTAL VANCOCONTACT 

CONTINENTAL VANCOWINTER

CONTINENTAL VIKINGCONTACT 

FALKEN SINCERA 

FALKEN ZIEX 

FIRESTONE AFFINITY TOURING 

FIRESTONE ALL SEASON BSW

FIRESTONE CHAMPION FUEL FIGHTER 

FIRESTONE DESTINATION 

FIRESTONE FIREHAWK 

FIRESTONE FR710 BSW

FIRESTONE FT140 BSW

FIRESTONE TRANSFORCE 

FIRESTONE WEATHERGRIP BSW

FIRESTONE WINTERFORCE 

GENERAL ALTIMAX ARCTIC 

GENERAL ALTIMAX RT43 BSW

GENERAL AMERITRAC BSW

GENERAL G MAX  

GENERAL GRABBER 

HANKOOK DYNAPRO  

HANKOOK I CEPT EVO2 

HANKOOK I CEPT EVO3

HANKOOK KINERGY  

HANKOOK OPTIMO  

HANKOOK VENTUS  

HANKOOK WINTER  

JK TIRE AMERICAN CARGO  

JK TIRE KUMHO

KUMHO CRUGEN 

KUMHO I ZEN KW31 BSW

KUMHO MAXXIS

KUMHO ROAD VENTURE AT51 BSW

KUMHO SOLUS  

KUMHO WINTER PORTRAN 

KUMHO WINTERCRAFT 

MAXXIS AP2 BSW

MAXXIS ARCTIC TREKKER 

MAXXIS BIGHORN  

MAXXIS BRAVO  

MAXXIS CREEPY CRAWLER  

MAXXIS NP3 BSW  

MAXXIS NP5 BSW 

MAXXIS NS5  

MAXXIS NS6

MAXXIS PRESA  

MAXXIS RAZR 

MAXXIS VICTRA  

MAXXIS WP 05 BSW

MICHELIN 4X4 DIAMARIS  

MICHELIN AGILIS ALPIN  

MICHELIN ALPIN  

MICHELIN CROSSCLIMATE 

MICHELIN DEFENDER 

MICHELIN ENERGY  

MICHELIN LATITUDE 

MICHELIN LTX  

MICHELIN PILOT ALPIN  

MICHELIN PILOT HX  

MICHELIN PILOT SPORT  

MICHELIN PILOT SUPER SPORT  

MICHELIN PREMIER  

MICHELIN PRIMACY  

MICHELIN X ICE  

MICHELIN XPS RIB  

PIRELLI CINTURATO  

PIRELLI P4 FOUR SEASONS  

PIRELLI P6000  

PIRELLI PZERO  

PIRELLI SCORPION 

PIRELLI W210  

PIRELLI WINTER CINTURATO  

PIRELLI WINTER ICE  

PIRELLI WINTER PZERO  

PIRELLI WINTER SOTTOZERO  

ROVELO (blank)

ROVELO EXHAUL  

ROVELO RHP  

ROVELO RIDGETRAK 

ROVELO ROAD QUEST  

ROVELO RPX 

ROVELO RWS 677 BSW STUDDABLE

ROVELO TOYO

TOYO M 55 

TOYO NANO ENERGY  

TOYO OBSERVE  

TOYO OPEN COUNTRY  

TOYO PROXES  

TOYO VERSADO 

UNIROYAL LAREDO  

UNIROYAL TIGER PAW  

YOKOHAMA AC02  

YOKOHAMA AC03

YOKOHAMA ADVAN 

YOKOHAMA AVID  

YOKOHAMA AVS S 

YOKOHAMA BLUEARTH  

YOKOHAMA GEOLANDAR  

YOKOHAMA ICEGUARD

YOKOHAMA PARADA SPEC X 

YOKOHAMA V905 BLUEARTH BSW

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