The tire work we do
Tire work covers the twice-a-year changeover, mounting and balancing new tires, repairing punctures, rotating tires so they wear evenly and looking after the pressure sensors inside the wheels.
Winter tires are about temperature, not just snow. The rubber in an all-season tire hardens as it gets cold, and winter tires stay soft. The usual guide is to switch when the daily temperature sits at or below 7 degrees Celsius.
When to have your tires looked at
- Tread worn down to the wear bars
- Vibration at highway speed
- Uneven wear on the inside or outside edge
- Tire pressure light on
- A tire that keeps losing air
- Daily temperatures at or below 7 degrees
How a tire visit goes
- 01
Inspect
Tread depth across the tire, age, sidewall damage and how the old set wore.
- 02
Mount and balance
Tires mounted and each wheel balanced so it runs smooth at speed.
- 03
Fit and torque
Wheels torqued to the manufacturer's value by hand, not just with an impact gun.
- 04
Set pressures and sensors
Pressures set to the door-jamb sticker and the monitoring system relearned where the car needs it.
Tire questions, answered
Can my flat tire be repaired?
A small puncture in the tread area can usually be repaired from the inside with a combination plug and patch. Damage in the sidewall or shoulder cannot be repaired safely, and a tire that was driven flat is often damaged inside even when it looks fine.
How do I know when my tires are worn out?
Every tire has raised wear bars in the main grooves. When the tread is level with them, the tire is at 1.6 mm and is finished. Wet and winter grip fall off well before that point, so winter tires in particular are worth replacing earlier.
Why is my tire pressure light on after a changeover?
If your winter wheels have their own sensors, some cars need to learn the new set. If they have no sensors, the light will stay on all season. We can tell you which you have.
Why do my tires wear on one edge?
Edge wear usually means the alignment is out or a suspension part is worn. New tires fitted without fixing the cause will wear the same way.
Where to find us
GTS Auto Repair is at 133 Manville Rd, Unit 32, Scarborough, ON M1L 4J7. We look after drivers from Scarborough and east Toronto.
