How to Prepare for Your Seasonal Tire Change
Twice a year, Edmonton drivers running winter and summer or all-season tire sets need to swap them over — and the shops that do it well get booked up fast right before the first snowfall and right after the last one. A little preparation gets you in and out faster and avoids the rush.
Book Before the Rush, Not During It
The best time to book your winter swap is once temperatures are trending toward 7°C consistently, typically through October — not after the first snowfall, when every shop in Edmonton gets the same call in the same week. The reverse is true in spring: book your summer/all-season swap as the weather stabilizes, not the first warm weekend, which is when everyone else has the same idea.
What to Check or Bring Before Your Appointment
- Know which set is currently on the vehicle and confirm the other set’s condition if you have not looked at it since the last swap — flag any concerns (a slow leak, a noise, visible damage) when you book so it can be addressed in the same visit.
- Note your current tread depth and any tire pressure warning lights so the technician has context going in.
- If your off-season set is in storage with us, no prep needed on your end — we track and pull the correct set.
- If you are storing your own set, make sure they are accessible and not buried behind six months of garage accumulation — this is a bigger time cost than people expect.
- Know where your wheel lock is, make sure your wheel lock set is in your vehicle and accessible.
Why Tire Storage Is Worth Considering
Storing your own tires means finding clean, temperature-stable space for four tires twice a year, and it means the tires are exposed to whatever conditions your storage space actually offers — a hot garage in summer or a damp one are both harder on rubber than a controlled storage environment. Auto Imports offers tire storage as part of the seasonal swap service, so the off-season set is out of your space and in ours, tracked and ready for the next appointment.
One Thing Worth Confirming at Swap Time
A seasonal swap is also a good moment for a quick tread and pressure check on the incoming set — not just the outgoing one. If a tire has degraded in storage or during the season it sat unused, you want to know before it goes back on the vehicle, not partway through the season it is about to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I book my winter tire swap in Edmonton? As temperatures trend consistently below 7°C, typically mid-to-late October. Booking before the first snowfall avoids the seasonal rush that hits every shop at once.
Do I need an appointment or can I just drop in? An appointment is strongly recommended, especially in the two weeks before and after the first snowfall or first thaw, when demand is highest across Edmonton.
Can Auto Imports store my off-season tires? Yes, tire storage is part of our seasonal tire swap service. We track your set and have it ready for your next appointment.
Call (780) 431-2828 or book online at auto-imports.ca to schedule your seasonal tire swap before the rush.
