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Importance of Seasonal Tire Change in Calgary

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Calgary’s weather is known for its unpredictability, with sudden shifts between snow, rain, and sunshine. These extreme seasonal changes make it crucial for vehicle owners to switch their tires accordingly. Seasonal tire changes not only enhance safety but also improve vehicle performance and longevity. Here’s why changing your tires with the seasons is essential in Calgary.

Why Seasonal Tire Changes Are Crucial in Calgary

Safety on the Road

One of the primary reasons for seasonal tire changes is safety. Calgary experiences icy, snowy roads in winter and hot, dry conditions in summer. Using the right tires for each season ensures better grip, stability, and braking efficiency.

  • Winter Tires: Designed with deeper treads and softer rubber compounds, winter tires provide enhanced traction on snow and ice.
  • All-Season or Summer Tires: Harder rubber and shallow tread patterns improve handling and fuel efficiency in warmer conditions.

Without the right tires, vehicles are more prone to skidding, longer stopping distances, and reduced overall control.

Extending Tire Lifespan

Switching tires seasonally prevents unnecessary wear and tear. Winter tires wear out quickly on dry pavement, while summer or all-season tires degrade faster on icy roads. By rotating between the two sets, you can prolong the life of both types and avoid premature replacements.

Improved Fuel Efficiency

Tires designed for specific weather conditions reduce rolling resistance, which improves fuel economy. Winter tires, when used in summer, increase friction and fuel consumption, while summer tires used in winter may struggle to maintain traction, leading to more engine effort and fuel usage.

Compliance with Alberta’s Road Safety Recommendations

Although Alberta does not legally mandate winter tires, experts strongly recommend them for safety. In cities like Calgary, where winter road conditions can be severe, having the appropriate tires can significantly reduce accidents and improve road safety for all drivers.

Hot Deals for Cool Rides: Huge Savings On Summer and Winter Tires

Better Handling and Performance

Driving in Calgary’s changing weather can be challenging, but the right tires enhance handling, cornering, and braking capabilities. Winter tires are optimized for cold temperatures, while summer tires perform best in warm conditions. Making the switch ensures a smoother and more responsive driving experience.

Cost-Effectiveness in the Long Run

Many drivers hesitate to invest in an extra set of tires, but seasonal tire changes save money in the long run. By using tires suited for each season, you reduce wear and tear, lower the risk of accidents, and improve fuel efficiency, ultimately cutting down on long-term costs.

When Should You Change Your Tires in Calgary?

  • Winter Tire Change: Install winter tires when temperatures consistently drop below 7°C.
  • Summer or All-Season Tire Change: Switch back when temperatures remain above 7°C (usually from April to October).

Get Your Seasonal Tire Change at Urban Lube Calgary

Urban Lube Calgary provides professional seasonal tire change services to ensure your vehicle is ready for any weather conditions. Our expert technicians ensure quick and efficient tire swaps, keeping you safe on the road.

Contact us now to schedule your Seasonal Tire Change in Calgary and ensure your vehicle is prepared for Calgary’s changing weather!

How Often to Rotate Tires

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Tire rotation is one of the most essential aspects of vehicle maintenance. It helps extend the life of your tires, ensures even wear, and improves the overall performance and safety of your vehicle. At Urban Lube, a professional tire change service in Calgary, we often get asked, “How often should I rotate my tires?” Know the importance of regular tire rotation, how often you should do it, and why it’s crucial, especially for drivers in Calgary’s varied climate.

What is Tire Rotation?

Tire rotation involves moving tires from one position on your vehicle to another. This means switching front tires to the back and rear tires to the front. In some cases, the tires may also be swapped side to side, depending on the vehicle’s drivetrain and tire wear pattern. The goal is to ensure even wear on all four tires, improving safety and extending their lifespan.

How Often Should You Rotate Your Tires?

For most vehicles, tire rotation is recommended every 8,000 to 12,000 kilometers. This typically aligns with oil change intervals, making it convenient to combine both services during your vehicle’s maintenance schedule.

Here are some key factors to consider when determining how often to rotate your tires:

  • Type of Vehicle: Front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive, and all-wheel drive vehicles may experience different wear patterns, affecting how often you should rotate the tires. Front-wheel drive vehicles, for example, put more stress on the front tires, meaning they need more frequent rotation.
  • Driving Conditions: Calgary’s winter conditions, with snow and ice, can cause your tires to wear unevenly, especially if you frequently drive in challenging weather. Regular rotations ensure that no tire experiences excessive wear during the harshest months.
  • Tire Type: All-season tire, winter tire, and performance tires may have different rotation requirements, depending on their wear patterns and tread design.

At Urban Lube, we recommend checking your owner’s manual for specific guidance on your vehicle’s tire rotation schedule. However, sticking to a regular interval of every 8,000 to 12,000 kilometers is a safe and effective guideline.

Benefits of Regular Tire Rotation

1. Even Tire Wear

Without regular tire rotation, certain tires will wear out faster than others. Front tires often carry more weight, especially in front-wheel-drive vehicles, and are more susceptible to wear and tear. By rotating them, you ensure even wear across all tires, which helps maintain balance and traction.

2. Extended Tire Life

Tires are an investment, and rotating them regularly will help you get the most out of them. Even wear means longer-lasting tires, which saves you money in the long run by reducing the need for premature replacements.

3. Improved Fuel Efficiency

Uneven tire wear can cause your engine to work harder, leading to decreased fuel efficiency. Properly rotated tires maintain even tread depth, which helps your vehicle run smoothly and efficiently, saving you money at the pump.

4. Enhanced Safety

Tires with uneven wear can reduce your vehicle’s grip on the road, especially in poor weather conditions like snow, rain, or ice, which are common in Calgary. Regular rotations ensure consistent traction, improving your vehicle’s handling and reducing the risk of accidents.

5. Better Vehicle Performance

Properly maintained tires contribute to a smoother, more comfortable ride. Unevenly worn tires can cause vibrations, noise, and imbalanced handling. Regular tire rotation ensures optimal vehicle performance, providing a quieter and safer driving experience.

Tire Rotation Patterns

At Urban Lube, we follow standard tire rotation patterns based on the type of vehicle and tire. Here are the most common patterns:

  • Front-Wheel Drive: Move the front tires straight to the rear and switch the rear tires diagonally to the front.
  • Rear-Wheel Drive: Move the rear tires straight to the front, and switch the front tires diagonally to the rear.
  • All-Wheel Drive: For all-wheel-drive vehicles, use a cross pattern where all four tires are swapped diagonally.

These patterns ensure even wear and optimize the longevity of your tires.

Signs Your Tires Need Rotation

Even with regular maintenance, you may notice certain signs that indicate it’s time to rotate your tires:

  • Uneven Wear: Check the tread depth on all four tires. If you notice significant differences, it’s time for a rotation.
  • Vibration or Pulling: If you feel vibrations while driving or your car pulls to one side, uneven tire wear may be the cause, and rotating the tires can solve the problem.
  • Visual Inspection: Keep an eye out for signs of uneven tread wear, especially along the edges of the tires.

Why Choose Urban Lube for Tire Rotation in Calgary?

At Urban Lube, we provide expert tire rotation services for cars and trucks in Calgary, ensuring your tires wear evenly and perform optimally. Our team of professionals will help you select the right tire rotation pattern based on your vehicle and driving habits. Whether you’re preparing for Calgary’s harsh winter or maintaining your vehicle during the summer, regular tire rotation is key to extending the life of your tires and enhancing your vehicle’s safety.

Conclusion

Tire rotation is a crucial part of regular vehicle maintenance. Calgary drivers should aim to rotate their tires every 8,000 to 12,000 kilometers to ensure even wear, improve fuel efficiency, and enhance safety. At Urban Lube, we provide top-notch tire rotation services for cars and trucks, helping you get the most out of your tires and ensuring optimal vehicle performance.

Schedule your next tire rotation with Urban Lube Calgary today, and enjoy a safer, smoother ride!

Also read:

Tire Rotation: Everything You Need to Know About It

How Long Does Tire Change Take?

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When it comes to maintaining your vehicle in the bustling city of Calgary, Alberta, ensuring your tires are in top condition is crucial for safe and efficient driving. At Urban Lube Calgary, we understand that your time is valuable, and you might be wondering how long a tire change in Calgary typically takes. Let’s get into the tire change process, factors that can affect the duration, and why choosing Urban Lube Calgary for your tire needs is a smart choice.

Average Time for a Tire Change

A standard tire change for a passenger vehicle, involving all four tires, typically takes about 60 to 90 minutes. This includes removing the old set, mounting and balancing the new set, and performing a basic inspection of the vehicle’s tire-related components.

If you’re planning to replace all four tires, expect the process to take anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour. This timeframe can fluctuate depending on factors like your mechanic’s expertise, the quality of the tires you’ve chosen, and how easily the tires can be balanced, among other things. On the other hand, if you’re just getting a single tire installed, it should take roughly 10 to 15 minutes.

Basics of Tire Change

A tire change involves removing your car’s old tires and replacing them with new ones. This process is essential for maintaining your vehicle’s performance and safety. The time it takes to change a tire can vary depending on several factors, but at Urban Lube Calgary, we pride ourselves on providing quick and efficient service.

Factors Influencing Tire Change Duration

Type of Vehicle: The make and model of your vehicle can affect the time it takes to change your tires. Standard passenger cars usually take less time compared to larger vehicles like SUVs or trucks due to the size and complexity of the tires.

Tire Size and Type: Larger tires or specialty tires can take longer to install. Performance tires, winter tires, and all-season tires might require different handling techniques and adjustments.

Number of Tires Being Changed: Whether you’re getting all four tires changed or just replacing one or two can significantly impact the duration of the service.

Equipment and Expertise: The efficiency of the tire-changing equipment and the expertise of the technicians play a crucial role. At Urban Lube Calgary, our technicians are equipped with state-of-the-art tools and have extensive experience, which helps speed up the process without compromising on quality.

Why Choose Urban Lube Calgary for Your Tire Change?

Expert Technicians: Our team is highly trained and experienced in handling a wide range of vehicles and tire types.

State-of-the-Art Equipment: We use the latest tools and technology to ensure your tire change is done efficiently and effectively.

Customer Convenience: Located in Calgary, Alberta, we understand the needs of our local community. We offer quick and reliable service to get you back on the road as soon as possible.

Competitive Pricing: We provide high-quality service at competitive prices, ensuring you get the best value for your money.

Safety First: Your safety is our top priority. We meticulously check each tire to ensure it meets our high standards before you drive away.

Conclusion

Understanding the duration of a tire change is important for planning and managing your day. At Urban Lube Calgary, we strive to provide efficient, high-quality tire change services in Calgary that meet your needs and exceed your expectations. Next time you need a tire change, trust Urban Lube Calgary to get the job done quickly and efficiently, so you can enjoy a safe and smooth driving experience.

Remember, regular tire maintenance is key to extending the life of your tires and maintaining your vehicle’s performance. Don’t wait until it’s too late; if you notice signs of wear and tear on your tires, contact Urban Lube Calgary for a professional consultation and service.

Drive safely and confidently with tires serviced by Urban Lube Calgary.

Do Pickup Trucks Need Winter Tires?

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As winter approaches, pickup truck owners are often confused that they need Winter tires for pickup trucks or not. Winter tires for pickup Trucks provide good traction and grip on snowy, cold, and icy pavements. We’ll explore the benefits of winter tires, the differences between winter tires and tire chains, when to make the switch to Winter tires, and how to determine when it’s time to replace winter tires.

Benefits of Winter Tires

Winter tires come to the rescue with specialized features:

  • Rubber: Unlike regular tires that harden in colder temperatures, winter tires use a special rubber that remains soft, ensuring optimal grip and flexibility in cold weather.
  • Tread: Winter tires boast full-depth tread, allowing them to disperse snow more efficiently and enhance traction. The addition of tiny slits in the rubber helps maintain a solid grip on wet and icy roads.

Winter Tires vs. Chains

While tire chains might seem like a viable alternative, there are significant differences between the two options. While chains provide traction, winter tires offer more convenience and safety:

  • Installation: Putting chains on your tires can be a cumbersome process, often requiring you to brave the cold and snowy weather, crawling around on the ground under your truck. Winter tires, once installed, eliminate this hassle.
  • Traction: Winter tires generally outperform chains when it comes to traction on snow and ice. They also contribute to more natural braking, a crucial factor in ensuring safety during winter driving.
  • Cost: While winter tires may be a more significant upfront investment, their long-term benefits, convenience, and improved safety make them a preferred choice for many pickup truck owners.

When to Put on Winter Tires:

Timing is key when it comes to transitioning from regular to winter tires. Waiting until the first snowfall might be too late. Instead, consider the following guidelines:

  • Temperature: When the mercury consistently drops below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s time to make the switch. This preemptive approach ensures you’re prepared for icy roads before the snow starts falling.
  • Tire Pressure: When installing winter tires, be mindful of tire pressure. The recommended range for many vehicles is between 32 and 35 PSI. Keep in mind that colder temperatures can cause rubber to contract, resulting in a 3 to 5 PSI difference from warmer seasons. Regularly check tire pressure to maintain optimal performance.

When to Replace Winter Tires:

While winter tires are designed for harsh conditions, they are not immune to wear and tear. Monitoring your tires for signs of damage is crucial:

  • Tread Wear: A quick check using a tire tread tool can help determine if your winter tires need replacement. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head while the penny is in the tread, it’s time for new tires.
  • Uneven Wear: Inspect your winter tires for any signs of uneven wear and tear, as this could indicate alignment issues or other problems that may compromise safety.
  • Carry a Spare: As a best practice, always have a spare winter tire on hand in case of emergencies like flat tires, blowouts, or unforeseen challenges during the winter months.

Conclusion

Ensuring your pickup truck is equipped with winter tires helps to stay safe on snowy and icy roads. While the initial cost and considerations might seem daunting, the benefits of winter tires in terms of safety, convenience, and performance make them a worthwhile investment for pickup truck owners. Don’t know when to make the switch, contact Urban Lube Calgary to prepare your pickup truck for a winter season filled with safe and reliable journeys.

Everything You Need to Know About Winter Tire in Calgary

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Driving in Canadian winters may be challenging, especially in Calgary, where the weather can vary dramatically on a daily basis. With winter tire change in Calgary, you’ll be well-prepared to face whatever ever-changing weather tosses at you.

Purpose of a Winter Tire Changeover in Calgary?

Winter tires are an important safety component of your car in winter driving conditions since they are the only component of your vehicle that comes into contact with the road. Winter tires guarantee that your vehicle has the finest possible road surface contact. Appropriate winter tires assist you to minimize braking distance in slick weather, as well as, improve cornering and turning performance to make it safer for you, your family, and everyone else on the road.

When Should You Get Winter Tires?

Replacing winter tires should be done in advance, rather than in a hurry after the first snowfall or ice that you encounter. When the temperature falls below 7 degrees in the fall, you should consider a winter tire change in Calgary for your car. Because lower temperatures impair the suppleness of rubber in conventional tires, consider the winter tires to be “cold-weather” tires alternatively.

Rubber Compounds in Winter Tires

The latest winter tires that are manufactured contain specialized rubber compounds that are flexible even at low temperatures. This flexibility along with the presence of substances like silica provides better grip and improved traction to help the tires move seamlessly on the road, giving the driver enhanced control in bad weather conditions in Calgary. Also, the small groves present on the winter tires move the water away from the front, thus helping the tires maintain consistent contact with the road.

Studded Winter Tires

If you are looking for a winter tire changeover in Calgary, studded winter tires are the best choice. Studded tires give unmatched control over your car. They increase traction, braking speed, and handling on hard-packed snow or black ice.

How Much Does Winter Tire Changeover Cost?

Winter tires come in a variety of styles, ranging from standard to premium to studded. There are also many different types of cars. Individual tire prices do not include the new rims you’ll need to go with your winter tires. The cost of a winter tire change in Calgary will vary based on many aspects such as brand, the rims, the included package, and offers from your mechanic. There are other aspects that might affect pricing, such as size and custom orders.

You May Like: Advantages of Purchasing a Brand New Tire from Urban Lube

Winter Tires in Calgary are Available from Leading Brands

If you are looking for a winter tire change in Calgary, here are the top brands that you can consider.

  • Goodyear
  • Nexen
  • Cooper
  • Toyo
  • Yokohama
  • Falken
  • Firestone
  • Michelin
  • Continental
  • GT Radial

Your tires should be changed as the seasons change. If the temperature constantly hovers around 7°C, it’s time to go for a winter tire change in Calgary.

Book an appointment for a tire change in Calgary.

Read Next Blog:

When Should You Take Your Winter Tires Off?

Top 5 Driving Habits that Can Damage Your Car

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Vehicle owners in Canada love their cars. Are you one of them? If yes, then you must ensure that it is safe and protected. One way to do it is to maintain it well and go for an oil change to ensure the longevity and seamless functioning of the car. However, this is about preventive maintenance. What about when you are driving the vehicle on the road? When you are self-driving, protecting the vehicle from damage is in your own hands.

Top 5 Driving Habits that Can Damage your Car

1. Making Hard Stops Frequently

Sudden emergency brakes will happen every now and then. Being a responsible driver, you need to avoid hard stops whenever you can. When you slam on the brakes suddenly, it puts a lot of pressure and strain on the brakes, which may cause the brake pads and discs to get worn out faster.

2. Speed Shifting from Reverse to Drive

The most common mistake that drivers make is performing a speed shift from the reverse gear to drive just to save time. However, this speed shifting means a sudden directional change for the vehicle. It has a negative impact on the transmission system and the drivetrain of the vehicle. To prevent damage to the engine and transmission, it is best to halt the vehicle properly and engage the driving gear.

3. Driving with No or Low Engine Oil

Engine oil is the lifeblood of the engine. Your vehicle engine has so many small parts that move rapidly when the car is running. Engine oil keeps the engine parts well lubricated and prevents friction. Driving with no or low engine oil will result in excessive wear and tear of the engine parts. Engine repairs are very expensive. To avoid this, it is best to go for warranty approved oil change and not drive with a low oil level.

4. Overloading the Car

Just like obesity is harmful to the human body, it is to your vehicle, too. An overloaded vehicle consumes a lot of fuel. Not just this, but it puts a lot of stress on the engine, brakes, and suspension too. Hence, it is best to avoid overloading your vehicle unnecessarily.

5. Braking Downhill

When driving downhill, the vehicle becomes too fast, and the first thing that most drivers do is apply the brakes. Downhill braking puts a lot of stress on the brake pads and rotors causing them to get worn out prematurely due to excessive heat. To avoid this, you can switch to a lower gear to let the engine achieve its full capacity.

Wrap up

Apart from following the right driving habits, you must not overlook the maintenance part of your car. Maintaining your car regularly will help prevent sudden breakdowns and increase the longevity of different cart parts.

From oil change to tire change, Urban Lube is a one-stop for car maintenance service providers.

Get in touch with the Urban Lube team to get the best vehicle maintenance and servicing for your vehicle at your doorstep.

Read Next Blog:

Brake Drag – Causes, Effects, and Corrective Actions

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