How to Pick the Right Tires Yourself (and Save Money by Bringing Them to a Mechanic or Shop)

Most Canadians simply let the mechanic or dealership pick and install their tires. But did you know you can often save hundreds of dollars by choosing and buying your own tires — then just paying a local shop to mount and balance them?

When you buy tires directly, you can:

• Compare prices easily online
• Choose the exact brand and tread you want
• Avoid markup fees from mechanics and dealerships
• Get installation anywhere, often for $25–$40 per tire

Here’s how to do it step-by-step 👇

🧠 Step-by-Step Guide: How to Pick Tires Yourself

1. Find Your Tire Size

Check:

• The sidewall of your tire (e.g. P215/60R16), or
• The driver’s door jamb sticker, or
• Your owner’s manual

Example:
P215/60R16 94T

• 215 = tire width (mm)
• 60 = aspect ratio (sidewall height %)
• R16 = rim diameter (inches)
• 94T = load & speed rating

2. Decide on the Tire Type

Choosing the right tire depends on how and where you drive. Here are the main types to consider:

• All-Season Tires – Great for everyday city or highway driving in most of Canada. They balance comfort, traction, and longevity.
  Popular brands: Michelin, Goodyear, Firestone.
• Winter / Snow Tires – Essential for icy, snowy, or cold-weather conditions. They’re made with softer rubber that grips better in freezing temperatures.
  Popular brands: Bridgestone Blizzak, Nokian, Toyo Observe.
• All-Terrain Tires – Best for trucks, SUVs, or drivers who mix on-road and off-road driving. They have aggressive tread patterns for extra traction.
  Popular brands: BFGoodrich KO2, Falken Wildpeak, Toyo Open Country.
• Performance / Summer Tires – Designed for warm weather and sporty handling. They deliver better grip, cornering, and braking on dry roads.
  Popular brands: Continental ExtremeContact, Pirelli P Zero, Michelin Pilot Sport.

💡 Tip: If you live in provinces like Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, or British Columbia, it’s a good idea to invest in dedicated winter tires. Not only are they safer, but some insurers even offer discounts for having them installed during winter months.

3. Shop Around Online

Here’s where Canadians can get cheap, high-quality tires online:

🇨🇦 Top Online Tire Stores in Canada

• TireRack.ca – Huge selection, expert reviews, ship to local installers.
• 1010Tires.com – Canadian-based with great prices and tire + wheel packages.
• CanadaWheels.ca – Free shipping across Canada, lots of deals.
• PMC Tire – Quebec-based, fast shipping, competitive pricing.
• Costco.ca – Often includes installation at Costco Tire Centres.
• Canadian Tire – Frequent sales, wide brand variety, and local installs.
• Kaltire.com – Trusted national chain with road hazard warranty.
• SimpleTire.ca – Price comparisons and delivery right to your mechanic.

💡 Pro Tip: Search your tire size in Google Shopping or on Facebook Marketplace — sometimes you’ll find brand-new sets from people who changed vehicles.

4. Compare Prices and Reviews

Look for:

✅ Manufacturer warranties (often 60,000–100,000 km)
✅ Customer reviews (especially for noise and tread life)
✅ Shipping costs
✅ Return policy (in case the fitment is wrong)

You can use a tire price calculator or compare by total cost (tire + tax + shipping + install).

5. Have Them Shipped to Your Mechanic or Shop

Many online retailers let you ship directly to a local installer, saving you hassle.

If not, you can have them shipped to your home, then bring them to a shop like:

• Kal Tire
• Canadian Tire
• Midas
• OK Tire
• Fountain Tire
• Local independent garages

💰 Installation Costs (Typical in Canada)

• Mount & balance: $25–$40 per tire
• Tire disposal: $3–$5 per tire
• TPMS reset (if needed): $10–$15

6. Keep Your Old Tires (If Safe)

If your old tires still have tread left, ask the shop to bag and store them for future use. Some provinces even allow tire storage rebates during the off-season (like winter/summer swaps).

🏁 Bonus: Tire Buying Tips for Canadians

🇨🇦 Seasonal Sales to Watch For

• March–April: Spring tire rebates
• September–November: Winter tire promotions
• Black Friday / Boxing Day: Massive discounts online

🔧 Always Check:

• DOT date code — never buy tires older than 4 years
• Tire load & speed rating matches your vehicle specs
• Warranty registration online after purchase

💬 Final Thoughts

Picking your own tires doesn’t have to be intimidating. Once you know your size, type, and driving needs, you can find the best price online and let a trusted mechanic handle the install.

It’s one of the easiest ways to save money on car ownership in Canada — and you can even finance new tires as part of your auto refinancing with CarRefinancing.ca.