Tire Services · Marpole, Vancouver
Tires in Vancouver: Winter, All-Weather & Seasonal Swaps
Not sure if you need winter tires, all-weathers, or just a seasonal swap? Tell us how and where you drive, and we’ll give you a straight answer. Then we’ll source, mount and balance the right tires for your vehicle.
We’re a family-owned, BCAA-approved shop in Marpole and have been here since 1988. We work on domestic, import and European cars, light trucks, hybrids and EVs.
What we do for tires
- Help choosing tires. We match the tire type and size to your vehicle, your driving and your budget. No hard sell.
- Sourcing tires. We can source and install tires from brands like Michelin, Bridgestone, BFGoodrich, Firestone and Toyo, in the right size for your make and model.
- Mounting and balancing.
- Seasonal tire swaps, whether your second set is on its own rims or needs to be mounted on the rims you have. We do a quick brake check while the wheels are off.
- Flat tire repairs. We’ll check whether the tire can be safely repaired or needs replacing.
- Tire-pressure sensors (TPMS). If your tire-pressure warning light stays on, we can check the sensors and sort out the problem.
- Tire rotations, to help your tires wear evenly.
- Wheel alignments. If your car pulls to one side or your tires are wearing unevenly, an alignment may help.
Winter, all-weather or all-season: which makes sense in Vancouver?
Vancouver winters are usually mild and wet, with the odd snowfall. Conditions change quickly once you head to the mountains or out of the Lower Mainland. Here’s how we explain it:
Two sets: all-season + winter
This is what we recommend for most drivers, especially if you head up to the mountains, drive a lot in winter, or want the most grip in cold, snow and ice. If each set is on its own rims, every swap is quicker and costs less than having tires mounted and balanced onto one set of rims.
All-weather tires
A good fit if you mostly drive in the city, don’t put on a lot of kilometres, and can stay home on the worst snow days. They carry the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol, so they’re legal on BC’s signed winter routes. They won’t match a true winter tire in deep snow or on ice.
All-season tires only
Fine on dry and wet roads, but they lose grip as temperatures drop (a common rule of thumb is below about 7°C) and in snow. Many are marked M+S, which meets BC’s minimum standard, but the province recommends mountain-snowflake tires for cold-weather driving.
Want the longer version? Read Winter vs All-Weather vs All-Season Tires in Vancouver. For tire sizes, types and how to read a sidewall, see All About Tires.
BC winter tire rules, in plain English
- From October 1 to April 30, winter tires (or chains) are required on most designated BC highways. On some routes that don’t go through mountain passes or high-snowfall areas, the requirement ends March 31. These routes are marked with signs.
- A winter tire must have the M+S or three-peak mountain/snowflake symbol and at least 3.5 mm of tread.
- Many Lower Mainland areas don’t require winter tires, but most highways outside the Lower Mainland do. Drivers who aren’t equipped can be turned back and fined.
Source: Province of B.C., Designated Winter Tire & Chain Routes and Passenger Vehicle Tire & Chain Requirements.
When to swap in Vancouver
- Winter tires on: around mid-October, or once it’s regularly below about 7°C, and before October 1 if you’ll be on signed highways.
- Back to all-seasons: late March or April. If you drive signed highways, most routes require winter tires until April 30.
- Book ahead if you can. Fall is when everyone thinks about tires at once.
Quick tire checks we recommend
- Tread: 3.5 mm is the legal minimum for a winter tire in BC.
- Pressure: it drops as the temperature drops, so check monthly when the tires are cold.
- Matching: four matching winter tires is best. BC requires at least two on the drive axle.
- Rotation: regular rotations help tires wear evenly. Your owner’s manual lists the interval for your vehicle.
Tire FAQs
Do I need winter tires in Vancouver?
For driving around the city, BC law doesn’t require them in many Lower Mainland areas. But from October 1, winter tires are required on most signed BC highways, including most routes once you leave the Lower Mainland. If you drive to the mountains or out of town in winter, plan on winter or all-weather tires. Even in town, they give you more grip in cold, wet and snowy weather.
Are all-weather tires legal on BC winter highways?
Yes. All-weather tires carry the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol, which meets BC’s winter tire requirement, as long as they have at least 3.5 mm of tread.
What’s the difference between all-weather and all-season tires?
All-weather tires are built for year-round use, including winter, and carry the mountain snowflake symbol. All-season tires are really “three-season” tires in Canada. They work well in mild weather but lose grip in the cold and snow.
When should I put my winter tires on in Vancouver?
Around mid-October, or once temperatures are regularly below about 7°C. If you’ll be driving signed BC highways, have them on by October 1.
What are the best tires for Vancouver weather?
It depends on how and where you drive. For most people we recommend two sets (all-season plus winter). If you mainly drive in the city and want one set, all-weather tires are a good option. Tell us about your driving and we’ll recommend tires that fit your car and budget. We can source and install brands like Michelin, Bridgestone, BFGoodrich, Firestone and Toyo.
Do you check my brakes during a tire swap?
Yes. While the wheels are off, we do a quick visual brake check and let you know if anything looks like it needs attention.
How do I book a tire swap?
Use the Book Appointment button, or call us at (604) 266-7610, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. We’re at 8865 Osler St in Marpole.
Ready for winter tires or a seasonal swap?
Book online and tell us what you drive, or give us a call. We’ll help you pick the right setup and get it on your car.
8865 Osler St, Vancouver, BC V6P 4G1 (Marpole)
Closed weekends and public holidays