Need New Tires? What to Check During a Spring Change

Spring in Calgary means it is time to swap out your winter tires — but it is also the perfect time to check whether your all-season or summer tires are still in good shape. The truth is, many drivers do not realize their tires are worn out until it is too late.

So how can you tell if your tires are still safe for the road?

This guide walks you through how to check for wear, age, and damage — and explains how TireSwaps makes the process easy, honest, and stress-free with every tire change appointment.

Why Spring Is the Best Time to Check Your Tires

After a long Calgary winter, your tires have likely gone through:

• Freeze-thaw cycles
• Road salt exposure
• Potholes and uneven surfaces
• Constant temperature swings

All of these contribute to tire aging and damage, even if the tread looks okay on the surface.

When you book your spring tire change with TireSwaps, our technicians inspect your tires during your appointment. It’s a great opportunity to catch any issues before the summer driving season begins — especially if you’re planning road trips or frequent highway travel.

What to Look for: Signs You Might Need New Tires

Here is what you should check when evaluating whether your tires are still good to go.

1. Tread Depth

Tread depth affects how well your tires grip the road — especially on wet pavement. In Alberta, the legal minimum is 1.6 mm, but tire experts recommend changing your tires when the tread reaches 3 mm for safety.

How to check tread depth:

• Use a tread depth gauge (available at any auto store)
• Or try the “quarter test” — insert a Canadian quarter into the tread. If the caribou’s nose is visible, it’s time for new tires

2. Cracks, Bulges, or Uneven Wear

Visual inspection matters. Look for:

• Sidewall cracks or dry rot — usually from aging rubber
• Bulges or bubbles — often caused by pothole damage
• Feathering or cupping — signs of poor alignment or suspension issues

These issues can lead to tire failure and should not be ignored.

3. Tire Age

Even if your tires look fine, rubber breaks down over time. Most tire manufacturers recommend replacing tires after 6–10 years, even if they have not reached the tread limit.

Where to find the date:

Check the DOT code on the sidewall. The last four digits indicate the week and year of manufacture (e.g., “2620” = 26th week of 2020).

4. Tire Performance or Handling Feels Off

Have you noticed:

• Your car pulling to one side?
• More road noise or vibration?
• Longer braking distances?

These subtle signs can point to uneven wear, imbalance, or internal tire damage — all of which reduce safety.

Calgary-Specific Risks That Accelerate Tire Wear

Tire wear in Calgary can be sneaky due to:

• Chinooks causing rapid temperature shifts
• Gravel, salt, and debris from snow clearing
• Unmaintained side roads that create alignment problems
• Long commutes on Deerfoot, Glenmore, or Stoney Trail

That is why it is smart to not only change your tires but also inspect them carefully each season — especially if you are driving year-round in all conditions.

What TireSwaps Includes With Every Appointment

At TireSwaps, we believe tire changes should go beyond swapping rubber. Every appointment includes:

• Tread depth and wear inspection
• Sidewall and surface checks for damage
• Torque and safety checks
• Friendly, professional technicians
• Mobile payment and digital receipts
• Booking reminders before and after your service

We will not try to upsell you. If your tires are still in good condition — great. If they are not, we will let you know with honest, transparent advice.

Why TireSwaps Is Calgary’s Smartest Tire Change Option

Calgarians are busy — and our city is big. Going to a shop often means traffic, long waits, and coordinating pickups or shuttles. TireSwaps was built specifically to serve modern Calgary drivers with a better experience.

Here is what makes us different:

Mobile Tire Change Services in Calgary

We come to your home, office, or wherever you are. You stay productive or relaxed — and we handle everything in under 60 minutes.

Clean, Modern Booking Experience

Our 24/7 online booking system is fast, easy, and built for convenience. Just pick your time, and we will be there.

Calgary-Focused, Hyper-Local Service

Our team knows Calgary’s roads, weather, and driving habits. You get timely reminders and tire change advice based on real local conditions.

Transparent, No-Hassle Service

No hidden fees. No upselling. Just professional, friendly technicians and everything clearly included.

When Should I Replace My Tires?

Here is a quick checklist. If you answer “yes” to any of these, it may be time for new tires:

• Is your tread depth below 3 mm?
• Are your tires more than 6 years old?
• Do you see cracks, bulges, or uneven wear?
• Is your vehicle vibrating, pulling, or not braking well?

Still unsure? Do not worry — our technicians will help you check during your spring tire change appointment.

Final Thoughts

Your tires are the only part of your car that touches the road — and spring is the best time to make sure they are ready for the season ahead.

With TireSwaps, you do not just get a convenient tire change — you get peace of mind from a local Calgary team that knows what to look for and puts your safety first.

Book your tire service and repairwith TireSwaps today, and take the guesswork out of spring maintenance. Book online 24/7 at tireswaps.com/booking or call/text us at +1 (587) 602-7934 with any questions!