Winnipeg drivers know the importance of swapping their car tires when the snow appears and then later disappears. It’s largely about temperature, and the traction properties of the right sort of rubber. You want to get those winter tires on before it gets cold, and reinstall summer tires by the time daytime temperatures are consistently above freezing.
We’ve also learned that mounting those tires on a second set of rims saves you money and time, as the swapping over is much easier.
This work for a vehicle can usually be completed within a half hour to forty-five minutes, if all goes straightforwardly. Occasionally, rusted-on assemblies or small complications require more time.
I charge a flat $75.00 for the straightforward service. Any repairs or replacements prior to doing the work would be added on.
For this service, I can come to your home garage or driveway, but I’ve found the most efficient process is at my place, where I have easier access to the right tools and space. It goes like this: I will offer you a cup of tea if you are waiting, and I’ll be done before you know it. I’m located in Winnipeg’s North River Heights.
While you have a cuppa, I will attend to:
- Removal of tire/rim assembly
- Check brake pad wear (if possible)
- Apply anti-seize compound on studs
- Re-install new tire/rim assembly
- Torque wheel studs to prescribed settings
- Check and replenish tire pressure to manufacturer’s recommendations
- I usually top-up windshield washer fluid with -45º C fluid
- Re-torque wheel studs after two weeks of driving, if desired
Over many years of winter tire replacements, I have seen a few wheel stud breakages due to wheel lug nuts rusting, seizing and fracturing upon attempting their removal. I cannot predict seizing, nor replace wheel threaded studs if they seize and break upon removal. As a preventative measure, I always apply “anti-seize” compound on the wheel studs prior to re-installing a wheel. This will prevent any seizing and breakage for subsequent wheel replacements.
Also, every year, occasionally, tire assemblies are found to be flat, leaking, or to be worn or damaged beyond repair prior to installation. I can have these repaired or replaced for you at your discretion prior to doing the work. In these cases, I would have the tire repaired or replaced by a local shop, and would pass-on their exact repair costs.
Despite our harsh winters, drivers in the prairie provinces have the worst record for winter tire use, at about 59%. Quebec has made winter tires mandatory, so have nearly 100% adherence, and the national average is about 75%, according to the tire people.
Imagine the reduction in collisions, casualties and plain old getting stuck if we had all our drivers using the right tires for our cold winters.
Thanks JL! You have done my seasonal tire swaps twice a year for years. I like your attention to things like the right torque and the anti-seize stuff you apply. It seems like the only time I have trouble removing a wheel is after it has been put on by a garage using heavy duty air tools, where I think they over-torque the wheel nuts.