Tire FAQs in Cambridge, ON

Have a question about tires, wheels or tire service? Here are answers to the questions drivers ask most at SVS Tires & Wheels in Cambridge, ON, from winter tires and seasonal swaps to installation, TPMS and flat tires.

 

Don't see your question? Call us at 519-267-4200 or book an appointment online.

 

Buying Tires

 

How do I find tires that fit my vehicle?

 

Use the Find Tires by Size search on our Tires page to see options for your tire size. If you don't see what you need, call us at 519-267-4200. We can help with options that may not be listed or with special orders.

 

Which tire brands do you carry?

 

We supply and install many brands, including Michelin, Bridgestone, Continental, Goodyear, Pirelli, Hankook, Yokohama, Toyo, BFGoodrich, Cooper, Firestone, Falken, Nexen, Kumho, Nitto, General and Uniroyal, plus value brands like Sailun, Westlake and GT Radial.

 

Are your economy tires new or used?

 

They're new. We don't sell used tires. Our economy tires are brand-new tires from value brands, installed at our shop in Cambridge, ON.

 

Which economy tire brands do you carry?

 

We carry value brands like Sailun, Westlake and GT Radial, along with premium brands. Use our Find Tires by Size search to see the options for your size, or contact us about options that aren't listed and special orders.

 

How much do economy tires cost?

 

It depends on your tire size and the tire you choose. Use our Find Tires by Size search to see the options for your vehicle, or call us at 519-267-4200 and we'll help you find a tire that fits your budget.

 

Why choose new economy tires over used tires?

 

A new tire starts with its full original tread, has no unknown history of repairs, use or storage, and has a known manufacturing date on the sidewall. Used tires can have damage that isn't visible from the outside.

 

Learn more on our Tires and New Economy Tires pages.

 

Winter Tires

 

When should I put winter tires on in Cambridge?

 

Once temperatures consistently fall below 7°C. Below that temperature, all-season tires start to lose grip, while winter tires stay flexible. Try to book before the first snowfall, when options can be limited.

 

What's the difference between winter, all-weather and all-season tires?

 

Winter and all-weather tires both carry the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol, but winter tires are designed specifically for winter conditions, while all-weather tires are made to be driven all year. All-season tires don't carry the symbol and aren't the same as winter tires.

 

Do I need four winter tires?

 

Yes. Install a matching set of four winter tires. The Ontario government advises never mixing different types of tires on one vehicle.

 

Will winter tires lower my car insurance in Ontario?

 

They can. Ontario requires auto insurers to offer a discount for vehicles equipped with winter tires, but the amount and the rules for qualifying vary by insurer. Ask your insurance company or broker how to qualify.

 

How long do winter tires last?

 

With proper care, winter tires typically last 3 to 5 winter seasons, depending on how and how much you drive. Switching back in the spring and storing them in a cool, dry place helps them last.

 

Learn more on our Winter Tires page.

 

Seasonal Tire Swaps & Tire Storage

 

When should I switch back to all-season or summer tires?

 

Once temperatures rise again in the spring. Using winter tires all year isn't ideal, because warmer conditions can make them wear down faster and reduce their performance.

 

How do I book a seasonal tire swap?

 

You can book your seasonal tire swap online or call us at 519-267-4200 to set a time.

 

Do you offer tire storage in Cambridge?

 

Yes. SVS Tires & Wheels offers seasonal tire storage at our shop at 990 Bishop St N, Unit 7-8, Cambridge, ON, so you don't have to store your off-season tires at home. Just ask about storage when you book your seasonal tire swap.

 

How much does tire storage cost?

 

Seasonal tire storage is $80 per season. Ask about storage when you book your swap, or call us at 519-267-4200. You can also ask us about storing tires that are on wheels.

 

How should I store tires at home?

 

Store them in a cool, dry place to help them last. The tire industry also recommends keeping stored tires indoors, out of direct sunlight, raised off the floor, and away from petroleum products, solvents and ozone sources like electric motors, battery chargers and generators.

 

Learn more on our Seasonal Tire Swap page.

 

Tire Installation, Balancing & TPMS

 

Do you install and balance tires?

 

Yes. We install tires with a touchless tire machine and balance them with Road Force balancing equipment. We also service tire pressure monitoring (TPMS) sensors when we install your tires.

 

What is Road Force balancing?

 

It's how we balance every set of tires we install, for a precise, vibration-free ride. Properly balanced tires wear evenly and give you a quieter, more comfortable ride.

 

How often should tires be balanced?

 

For the best performance, we recommend having your tires balanced every 24,000 kilometres, or sooner if you notice shaking or vibration in the steering wheel or seats, or uneven tire wear.

 

What does the TPMS warning light mean?

 

Your Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) tracks the air pressure in your tires in real time. When the pressure drops below a safe level, it alerts you with a warning light or message on your dashboard. If your dashboard warning comes on, check your tires, and if a tire is low or flat, stop in a safe place as soon as you can.

 

Why does my tire pressure drop in winter?

 

Cold temperatures can reduce the air pressure in your tires, so it's important to keep an eye on it and make sure it matches the recommended level for your vehicle.

 

Do you service TPMS sensors when you install winter tires?

 

Yes. We service TPMS sensors as part of every tire installation, and we service and reset them when we install new wheels, such as a winter wheel and tire package.

 

Learn more about Road Force balancing and TPMS sensor service.

 

Flat Tires

 

Why do tires lose air?

 

The most common causes include a puncture, a corroded rim, a leaky valve stem or a cracked wheel. Depending on the cause, your tire may be repaired or may need to be replaced. Our team will let you know your options.

 

What should I do if I get a flat tire?

 

Stop as quickly as possible in a safe place. If you are stranded on the roadside, turn on your hazard lights and raise your hood to signal for assistance. Avoid driving on a deflated tire: driving even a short distance on a flat can cause permanent damage, and a tire that could have been repaired may need a full replacement instead.

 

What if my tire can't be repaired?

 

We have a wide selection of tires for cars, SUVs, trucks and crossovers from trusted brands. You can search tires by size on our website, and if you don't see what you need, call us about options that may not be listed or special orders.

 

Learn more on our Flat Tire Repair page.

 

Wheels & Wheel and Tire Packages

 

Do you sell custom wheels and wheel and tire packages?

 

Yes. We carry alloy, steel, chrome, forged and off-road wheels. We check bolt pattern, offset and hub bore for your vehicle, and we can bundle wheels with tires so they arrive mounted and balanced.

 

Should I put my winter tires on their own wheels?

 

Putting your winter tires on their own set of wheels makes every seasonal swap simpler: the wheels come off and on, and your tires don't need to be remounted each season.

 

Steel or alloy wheels for winter?

 

We stock both. Steel wheels are a practical, budget-friendly choice for a winter set, while alloy wheels are lighter and come in more styles and finishes.

 

Learn more on our Wheel & Tire Packages and Wheels pages.

 

Visiting, Booking & Payment

 

Where is SVS Tires & Wheels located?

 

We're at 990 Bishop St N, Unit 7-8, Cambridge, ON N3H 4V7. Drivers come to us from across Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo and Guelph.

 

What are your hours?

 

We're open Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM. We're closed Saturday and Sunday.

 

How do I book an appointment?

 

Book online with the Book Appointment button on our website, or call us at 519-267-4200 to book tire installation, a seasonal tire swap or other service.

 

Do you take credit and debit cards?

 

Yes. We take credit and debit cards.

 

Can I finance new tires or wheels?

 

Yes. We offer financing through WippyPay, so you can spread the cost of new tires or wheels over flexible payments. See our Financing page to apply.

 

Still Have a Question?

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Visit SVS Tires & Wheels at 990 Bishop St N, Unit 7-8, Cambridge, ON N3H 4V7. We're open Monday to Friday, 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM, and closed Saturday and Sunday. Drivers from Kitchener, Waterloo and Guelph make the short drive to our Cambridge shop for new tires and tire service.

 

Shop tires by size, call 519-267-4200, contact us or book your appointment online.