Tire Tips for Calgary Drivers
Written by the Shah Tires team, from what we see in the bay
Practical tire tips Calgary drivers can use, written by the Shah Tires team from what we see in the bay every week. Our city throws everything at a set of tires: Chinooks that swing the temperature 30 degrees in a day, snow from September to May, spring potholes on Deerfoot and gravel on every major road. These articles answer the questions we hear most at the counter, from when to put your winter tires on to whether used tires are worth it, how to read a sidewall and why the pressure light comes on in the first cold snap.
Need help with your own vehicle? See our tire services, browse new tires and used tires, check our FAQ, or call (587) 894-3516. We are at 227 41 Ave NE, open Monday to Saturday. Directions are on our contact page.
TPMS Light On in Cold Weather: What It Means and What to Do
Why the tire pressure light comes on during the first cold snap, how to tell a pressure drop from a sensor problem, and what to do.
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All Weather vs Winter Tires: Which Is Right for Calgary?
Both carry the 3PMSF snowflake, but they are built for different drivers. Here is how all-weather and winter tires compare in Calgary.
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Used vs New Tires: How to Choose
Are used tires safe? What to check for tread depth, DOT age and damage, and when new tires are the better buy.
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When to Put Winter Tires On in Calgary
The 7°C rule, Calgary's early first snow and how to time your fall changeover so you are not stuck in the October rush.
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Michelin vs Bridgestone: Which Is Better for Calgary Drivers?
A fair comparison of Michelin and Bridgestone for Calgary: winter, all-weather, all-season and truck lines, and how to choose for the way you drive.
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How Long Do Tires Last in Calgary?
Tread depth, age and kilometres: how long all-season and winter tires really last on Calgary roads, what wears them out early and simple ways to make them last longer.
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Wheel Offset Explained: What the Number Means for Your Car
Wheel offset explained in plain language: positive, negative and zero offset, backspacing, how far you can stray from factory and how offset affects tire fitment.
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How to Read Tire Size and Every Marking on the Sidewall
How to read tire size and the rest of the sidewall: the size code, load and speed tables, the DOT date, M+S vs 3PMSF and UTQG ratings.
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The Best Cheap Tires in Calgary: A Tire Tech's Guide
Which budget tire brands are worth buying in Calgary, when used tires make sense, what to avoid and how to make cheap tires last.
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New to Calgary? Your First-Month Car Checklist
Just moved here? This new to Calgary car checklist covers what to sort out in your first month: tires, paperwork, block heaters, glass and your driveway.
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Tire Installation vs Tire Mounting: What Is the Difference?
Mounting puts a tire on a rim; installation puts the whole wheel on your car. Here is what each includes and which one you actually need.
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How to Find Your Bolt Pattern
Where to look up your bolt pattern, how to measure 4, 5, 6 and 8-lug wheels, and a chart of the common patterns we see in the shop.
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Can You Use Winter Tires in Summer?
What happens when you leave winter tires on through a Calgary summer, and how to time your spring changeover around late snow.
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Can You Drive With a Nail in Your Tire?
Found a nail in your tire? Here is when it is safe to drive to a shop, when to stop right away and how a proper plug-patch repair works.
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Tire Repair Kit: What It Is, How It Works and When to Use One
Plug kits, sealant inflators and compact spares compared, with honest advice on what a tire repair kit can and cannot fix.
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How to Change a Flat Tire in 8 Simple Steps
A step-by-step guide from our NE Calgary bay on how to change a flat tire safely, from wheel wedges to the final lug nut torque.
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