FIVE THINGS TO CONSIDER

1. Same size or downgrade Check your tire size and speed rating on your current tires before going shopping. A seller may suggest downsizing for winter.

It is a common practice — smaller wheels and tires are cheaper — but remember to include the costs of buying smaller wheels in your budget. Smaller tires can dig down into deep snow better, but if you drive on mostly plowed, cleared roads there isn’t much point.

Your stopping distances on smaller tires will be longer.

2. Downgrading can save money (sometimes) When downsizing, consider the total long-term cost of ownership of the wheel/tire package.

On the plus side, your changeover costs twice a year will be less and you will be in and out of the shop faster.

On the downside, it will take between two and three years to break even for the cost of buying the wheels. Will you keep the car that long? If your car needs tire pressure sensors (TPS) for the new wheels, the break-even point moves to three to four years.

3. All-weather or winter tires? All-weather tires can be cheaper over the long term; one set of tires on one set of wheels and no changeovers lowers costs per kilometre.

If you drive in deep snow or rural icy roads, though, this class of tire is not for you. If roads around you are mostly plowed, are slushy or bare or just moderate snowfall coats the road, all-weather is the way to go.

When deciding on tire purchases, always match the tire to your roads, weather conditions and your own driving habits.

4. Too good to be true? If a shop says it will match an advertised price, make sure you are comparing apples to apples. Generally, independent tire shops will quote one “all-in price.”

Dealerships might say they’ll match that, but pay attention to the details.

When their invoice arrives, it could be for $700 plus $50 for balancing, $40 for new valve stems and $24 for old tire disposal.

Get everything in writing before your car goes on the hoist.

5. Best-before date Tires do go bad over time, so ask to see the date codes on your new rubbers. “New” tires should be less than 18 months old.

The date codes are a raised set of four-digit numbers after the DOT marking. For instance the numbering “0314” would indicate this tire was made in the third week of 2014. John Mahler