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Photo: iStockWhether your region requires you to install snow-rated tires during the cold months or you simply want to sport them for added safety, you should know how much a winter tire costs. Many car owners just don’t install winter tires because they believe they’re unaffordable.
While winter tires are typically known to be more expensive, affordable options from growing tire brands like Sailun Tire don’t compromise on the quality and performance drivers expect on the icy roads.
But even the pricer ones are more affordable than your rising insurance premium, likely medical bills, and automotive repairs (not covered in the insurance policy) that you must endure due to an accident in harsh winter conditions.
Here, we will explain the cost of different winter tires and the additional expenses associated with them. If you’re in the market for new winter tires — from value-based to premium — check out our full buying guide here.
Many factors affect the price of winter tires, including brand, type, quality, and size. Since every brand has its own criteria to evaluate the price for its rubber, we would avoid commenting on it. However, we will specifically discuss type, quality and size to give you a fair idea of winter or snow tires.
For a compact car with a famous 205/55R16 size, below are approximate prices.
The three main types of winters you find in the market include studless, studded, and winter performance.
Studdless Tires
For most people, studdless winter tires are a perfect companion in cold conditions. These incorporate biting edges and soft rubber compounds, making them flexible for winter. A standard studdless tire will cost you anywhere between $60 and $550, each.
On average, for a typical compact car, expect to pay around $100-$150 per tire or $400-$600 for all four. For an SUV or light-duty pickup, the price goes up to $200-$400 each or $800-$1,200 for a set of four.
Studded Tires
For extreme weather conditions like freezing rain, sleet and wet ice, studded tires are ideal for a safe driving experience. The metal studs fixed on these tires bite into ice, giving you improved grip and handling. A studded rubber would cost you around $75-$550 or more per tire. For two pairs, you can expect to pay between $300 and $2,200.
There are also studdable options, like the Sailun Iceblazer WST1 studdable performance winter tire trusted by over 1-million drivers in Canada alone, which won’t break the bank yet designed for drivers that demand maximum traction in severe weather conditions.
Sailun IceBlazer WST1 studdable winter tireSailun IceBlazer WST1 studdable winter tireWinter Performance Tires
For guys who do not want to leave their sports cars or performance sedans in their garage in winters, they should put on winter performance tires.
They are designed to offer excellent traction at high speeds on wet and dry roads. However, they are not your perfect companion for ice or snow-packed roads. A regular high performer is available at around $100-$500 each or $400-$2,000 for all four.
For all the prices we mentioned above, the smaller the size, the lower the cost. However, the price variation also depends on the tire brand, with American tires selling higher than Chinese-made tires.
The prices we shared above are purely for snow tires; they do not include installation charges. For installation, you have two choices. You can either mount the winter rubber on the existing wheels or buy a new set of wheels for all tires.
On the other hand, you can buy new wheels for all tires, making it effortless to put on winters when the snow, ice, and slush appear. The four new wheels will set you back $120-$500 or more. You can always try secondhand wheels; they may cost as low as $40-$80.
Some retailers provide direct discounts, while others may give you mail-in rebates. You may find them in the shape of gift cards or prepaid cards. The discount amount may vary as per size and model. Consumer Reports says that winters tires increase the snow traction by 34%, thus making it easy for you to stop and maneuver the vehicle. These tires actually cut the braking distance by around six feet. That six feet distance is often the gap between you rear-ending a car or drifting into a crossing against carefully coming to a halt without causing a mishap.
Buying the snow tires also enables you to enjoy insurance savings as well as better fuel mileage (if you maintain them well).
Of note, 76% of all Canadians change their all-season tires with snow tires to enjoy better traction and control. Most car owners say that these tires have saved them a possibly dangerous condition.
When temperatures drop below 7°C in Canada at the end of fall, it is time to switch to winter tires. When it rises above 7°C in the spring, it’s time to switch them back to the regular, typically all-season tires.
While this gives you the best gives you the best traction and control year-round, the cost of changing winter tires twice a year adds up.
Changing tires that are on rims (basic swap) costs $40 to $60 for a set of 4 – or about $10 per tire.
For tires that are not on rims, it costs an average of $80 to $120 for a set of 4 – or about $20 to $30 per tire.
In this short guide we’ll summarize how much service providers are charging and how much people are paying to change, mount, balance and store tires and outline how keeping your winter tires on a separate set of steel rims can save you an average of $150 over their lifetime.
Changing a set of 4 tires that are already mounted on rims (basic swap) costs an average of $40 to $60 or about $10 to $15 per wheel, not including balancing.
Balancing costs an extra $32 to $48 per set of 4 or $8 to $12 per wheel and should be done every 1 to 2 years or if you notice signs such as vibration at high speeds, increased fuel consumption or uneven treadwear.
Pricing from service providers:
| Service Provider | Cost |
|---|---|
| Canadian Tire | $75 |
| Tirecraft | $55 |
| Kal Tire | $52 |
| Mr Lube | $55 |
| Jiffy Lube | $55 |
| Costco | $40 |
| CAA Mobile | $80 to $120 |
| Tire Changers | $60 |
| SimplyTire | $60 to $100 |
| 1010Tires | $50 |
| BMW dealership | $85 |
Prices reported by vehicle owners across Canada:
| Service Provider | Location | Price Paid |
|---|---|---|
| Independent | Markham, ON | $45 |
| Independent | Cannifton, ON | $45 |
| Independent | Belleville, ON | $40 |
Having a set of 4 winter tires mounted on rims, balanced and installed costs an average of $80 to $120 or about $20 to $30 per wheel, based on prices we collected from service providers:
| Service Provider | Cost |
|---|---|
| Canadian Tire | $150 |
| Tirecraft | $105 |
| Kal Tire | $152 |
| JoyCity Tires | $75 to $105 |
| Genuine Auto | $125 |
| Fountain Tire | $139 |
| Tires23 | $80 |
| 1010Tires | $160 |
| Costco | $80 |
| SimplyTire | $140 to $240 |
Prices reported by vehicle owners across Canada:
| Location | Price Paid |
|---|---|
| Vancouver, BC | $120 |
| Winnipeg, MB | $140 |
Tirecraft) or first-come-first-served while you wait (longer wait, cheaper – eg. independent shop)If you live in an apartment or condo, you may not have space to store the set of tires that aren’t on your vehicle. The average cost to store your tires is $60 to $100 per season (6 to 9 months). Fall/winter counts as 1 season, spring/summer is another.
| Provider | Location | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Kal Tire | Winnipeg, MB | $90 to $100 |
| JoyCity Tires | Markham, ON | $75 |
| Dealerships | $100 | |
| #10 Storage | Brampton, ON | $40 |
| Genuine Auto | Nepean, ON | $60 |
| Canadian Tire | Ottawa, ON | $70 |
| Waterloo, ON | $80 |
$100 per change x 2 changes per year x 5 years = $1000
To have the tires removed and swapped onto the same rims twice a year for an average of a 5 year tire lifespan, costs $60 to $80.
This comes out to $160 a year on average just on the swap. If you consider that price over the span of 5 years, it amounts to a stunning $800.
$240 for 4 steel rims ($50 to $80 per rim)
+ $80 to have winter tires mounted onto the new rims and balanced
+ $80 to have summer tires mounted onto existing rims and balanced
+ $50 per change x 2 swaps per year x next 4 years = $400
= $800
The average cost to have the wheel (tire and rim) switched is half as much ($50 vs $100), but if you factor in a couple of tire balances ($50) over 5 years your maintenance costs are from about equal to $100 less.
However, using a second set of rims means it takes much less time to change tires, you can change them yourself, you own 2 sets of rims instead of 1 and limiting the number of times a tire is removed and mounted to a rim reduces the chances of damaging the bead.
If the tires have already been mounted and balanced and you are able, have the space available and can stay warm enough while changing tires, you can save $80+tax or more per year on the labour costs by doing the swap yourself.
You also save the hassle of booking an appointment, dropping it off, waiting or having to go back.
All you need are a few tools and the time and money savings will make up for their initial cost in 3 years or so:
Total startup costs: ~$250
It is highly recommended that you mount one set of tires onto a set of steel rims and keep your main set of tires on its own set.
With aluminum rims, the road salt used to melt snow and ice will eat away at the metal and significantly decrease their stability, structure, and lifespan.
In addition, the process of mounting and unmounting tires onto a set of rims requires applying a considerable amount of stress on the bead and sidewall. Doing this twice annually year after year increases the risk of distorting the sidewall or tearing the bead.
Opting for steel rims will help to preserve your tires and rims and keep them in good condition longer.
Plus, if and when you plan on reselling the vehicle you have an added set of rims and tires that will add to the overall value of the vehicle. If needed you can sell the rim separately, as rims in good condition hold value.
During the summer when you are not using the tires, store them in a clean, dry (away from solvents, lubricants, fuels, chemicals), dark (in tire bags to limit their exposure to UV radiation) and cool (below 15ºC). Basements and temperature-controlled garages are ideal. The temperature and humidity in most garages, sheds and attics fluctuate considerably, which you want to avoid.
Maintain the vehicle manufacturer recommended air pressure and if they are on rims, stack them on each other, no more than 4 high. If they are not on rims, stand them on end and turn them a bit once a month. Maintain the vehicle manufacturer recommended air pressure.
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| Type of service / Type of car tire | 12" | 13" | fourteen" | fifteen"* | 16" * | 17"* | eighteen" | 19"-22" | UAZ, Gazelle, minibus | SUV, crossover, SUV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Removal and installation of the wheel, pcs. | 35 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 55 | 75 | 90 | 100 | 75 |
Technological wheel washing, pcs. | 45 | 45 | 45 | 45 | 45 | 45 | 45 | 45 | 45 | 45 |
| Tire service, pcs. | 75 | 95 | 105 | 105 | 120 | 145 | 175 | 220 | 140 | 130 |
| Treatment of the disk side with sealant, pcs. | 45 | 45 | 45 | 45 | 45 | 45 | 45 | 45 | 45 | 45 |
| Wheel balancing taking into account the cost of goods, pcs | 170 | 185 | 195 | 210 | 230 | 275 | 290 | 345 | 280 | 315 |
| Total 1 wheel | 370 | 410 | 430 | 445 | 480 | 565 | 630 | 745 | 610 | 610 |
Total 1 wheel with reinforced sidewall (Runflat type, etc. or profile ≤45%) | 470 | 510 | 530 | 545 | 580 | 665 | 730 | 845 | 690 | 710 |
| Total 4 wheels | 1480 | 1640 | 1720 | 1780 | 1920 | 2260 | 2520 | 2980 | - | 2440 |
| Total 4 wheels with reinforced sidewall (Runflat type, etc. or profile ≤45%) | 1880 | 2040 | 2120 | 2180 | 2320 | 2660 | 2920 | 3380 | - | 2840 |
| Inflating with nitrogen, pcs. | 70 | 80 | 90 | 110 | 145 | 175 | 220 | 245 | 155 | 245 |
| Seasonal storage, pcs.*** | 450 | 450 | 450 | 600 | 600 | 750 | 800 | 1000 | 1000 | 1000 |
Repair of a car tire using "harness", "mushroom", "patch", pcs. ** | 100 rub. |
| Car tire repair using "reinforced patch", pcs.** | 250r. |
| Repair of a car tire tube, pcs. (1 damage)** | 50r. |
| Car tire vulcanization (1 damage), pcs ** | 200 rub. |
| Installing the valve of the disk of an automobile wheel, pcs ** | 60 rub. |
| Installation of a chrome-plated valve of a car wheel disc, pcs** | 60 rub. |
| Editing the geometry of a steel car disk, pcs** | from 100 rub. |
| Editing the geometry of a light-alloy car disk, pcs** | from 500r. |
| Editing the geometry of a steel car disk by rolling, pcs** | from 200 rub. |
| Processing of the landing surface of the vehicle hub, pcs** | 50r. |
| Replacement of an automobile wheel assembly, piece | 150r. |
| Packing car tires/wheels in a bag, pcs | 15 rubles |
| Utilization of a car tire, pcs | 50r. |
| Winter tire studding, per stud | 30 rub. |
*Car tyre: R15 with profile size ≥ 70; R16 with profile value ≥ 65; R17 with a profile value ≥ 60, the cost of tire fitting a car tire is paid under the category "SUV, crossover, SUV".
** The cost of the operation is indicated without taking into account the service: c / a, tire fitting, car wheel balancing.
***The cost is indicated for a storage period of not more than 7 (seven) months. When storing a set of tires with disks - the price doubles.
| Services / car tire size | 16", hyundai etc., light trucks with ring | 17.5" | 19.5" | 20" GAZ, PAZ, KAMAZ, 9.00 R20 | 20" MAZ, KAMAZ 10.00 R20 12.00 R20 | 20" GAZ-66, ATV, etc. | 20" ZIL-131, Ural etc.  , Bolotniki | Loader | 22.5" | 24" | 25" | 26" |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Removing a car tire | 200 | 150 | 200 | 250 | 300 | 400 | 400 | 200 | 200 | 500 | 600 | 700 |
| Tire mounting | 200 | 150 | 200 | 250 | 300 | 400 | 400 | 200 | 200 | 500 | 600 | 700 |
| Car tire fitting | 440 | 340 | 440 | 540 | 640 | 840 | 840 | 440 | 440 | 1000 | 1200 | 1400 |
| Car wheel balancing* | 200 | 300 | 400 | 400 | 400 | - | - | - | 450 | |||
| Truck tubeless tire repair | 170 | 250 | 550 | 550 | 550 | 550 | 550 | 400 | 550 | 600 | 600 | 600 |
| Removing/installing truck wheel | 100 pair 150 | 100 pair 150 | 100 pair 150 | 100 pair 150 | 100 | 150 pair 200 | 200 pair 250 | 200 pair 250 | 150 | 100 pair 150 | 200 pair 300 | 300 pair 600 |
| Wheel mount torque adjustment | fifty | fifty | fifty | fifty | fifty | fifty | fifty | fifty | fifty | fifty | fifty | fifty |
| Truck inner tube vulcanization (1 puncture) | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 |
| Wheel air pressure adjustment | thirty | thirty | thirty | thirty | thirty | thirty | thirty | thirty | thirty | thirty | thirty | thirty |
| Truck tire vulcanization | 800 | 800 | 1000 | 1000 | 1200 | 1200 | 1300 | 1000 | 1200 | 1500 | 1500 | 1500 |
| Truck Tire Recycling | 250 | 250 | 250 | 250 | 250 | 250 | 250 | 250 | 250 | 250 | 250 | 250 |
When dismantling car wheels from loaded cars, the coefficient = 2 is applied to the cost.
*The cost of balancing works does not include the cost of balancing weights.
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in our time in our time tire services are provided everywhere, almost every 100-200 meters. But not every car repair shop can offer a quality level of service, convenience while waiting. Especially the demand for tire fitting is increased during the seasonal scheduled tire change, and the rest of the time there is a risk of getting a puncture. If you want to make a planned change of rubber, then it is better to take care of this procedure in advance. You can call us at the service center and make an appointment at a convenient time for you. You will not have to wait for any queues, the necessary work will be done at the appointed time, and you will be happy to leave in your car with changed tires.
While the specialists of our auto technical center will carry out tire fitting, this short time can be spent in our waiting room, where you will be offered free tea and coffee, WI-FI, magazines, etc. Also, for convenience, our customers are offered a seasonal tire storage service, which will save them from unnecessary red tape with rubber (bring, take away, store, etc.). For example, a client comes to change winter tires for summer tires, he is provided with a service, he does not even touch this rubber, he leaves on summer tires, and winter tires will be in safekeeping in our warehouse until the next season change.
- Appointment at a convenient time for you.
- All work is carried out on modern professional equipment, using a "third hand", which eliminates damage to discs and rubber.
- High-quality consumables are used in the work, thereby extending the installation life.
- All tire fitting services come with a six (6) month warranty.
- All work can be carried out in front of the client, or the waiting time can be spent comfortably in the client area.
