Winter Tires: Your Guide to Snow and Ice Safety

Winter Tires in London, ON

Why Winter Tires Matter

When winter arrives in London, ON, snow and ice can make driving conditions treacherous. At Vaughan Auto Service, we’re committed to helping you stay safe on the roads during these challenging months. One of the best ways to ensure your vehicle is prepared for winter weather is by equipping it with high-quality winter tires.

Unlike all-season tires, winter tires are designed to handle cold temperatures and slippery conditions. In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits of winter tires, when to switch, and how to choose the right ones for your vehicle.

Understanding Winter Tires

Winter tires are engineered specifically for cold weather conditions. They are built with unique rubber compounds and tread patterns that offer superior performance on snow and ice. Here’s what sets them apart:

Rubber Composition: They use a softer rubber compound that remains flexible even in extremely low temperatures. This flexibility allows the tires to grip the road better than all-season tires, which can become stiff and lose traction in the cold.
Tread Patterns: The tread patterns on winter tires are designed to channel snow and ice away from the tire’s surface. This reduces the risk of hydroplaning and improves traction. Many also feature additional sipes, or small cuts in the tread, which help the tire grip icy surfaces more effectively.
Studded vs. Studless: Studded and studless are two main types of tires. Studded tires have metal studs embedded in the tread, which provide extra grip on icy roads. Studless tires, on the other hand, rely on advanced rubber compounds and tread designs to deliver excellent traction. The choice between studded and studless tires depends on your typical driving conditions and personal preference.

The Benefits of Winter Tires

Investing in winter tires offers several key benefits that can greatly enhance your safety and driving experience during the winter months:

Enhanced Traction: They provide better snow and ice traction than all-season tires. This improved grip helps you maintain control of your vehicle, reducing the likelihood of skidding or sliding.
Shorter Stopping Distances: Their advanced tread designs and flexible rubber compounds allow shorter stopping distances on slippery surfaces. This can be crucial in avoiding accidents and ensuring a safer driving experience.
Better Handling: They offer improved handling on snow-covered and icy roads. They help you navigate turns and curves with greater stability, making driving safely in challenging conditions easier.
Increased Comfort: They can improve ride comfort by reducing vibrations and noise on rough, snowy roads. Even in adverse weather, this makes for a smoother, more enjoyable driving experience.

When to Install Winter Tires

Knowing when to switch to winter tires is important for maximizing their benefits. In London, ON, we recommend switching when temperatures consistently drop below 7°C (45°F). They are designed to perform optimally in cold conditions, and their benefits become most noticeable when the weather turns colder.

We suggest scheduling your winter tire installation at Vaughan Auto Service to ensure you’re ready before the first major snowfall. This allows you to avoid the rush and ensure your vehicle is prepared for winter driving.

How to Choose the Right Winter Tires

Selecting the right winter tires for your vehicle is necessary for optimal performance and safety. Here are some factors to consider when choosing winter tires:

Tire Size: Choose the correct tire size for your vehicle. This information can be found in your vehicle’s owner’s manual or the tire placard on the driver’s side door frame. Using the right size ensures proper handling and performance.
Driving Conditions: Consider the typical driving conditions you’ll encounter. If you frequently drive on icy roads, you might opt for studded winter tires for extra grip. For primarily snowy or slushy conditions, studless winter tires may be sufficient.
Budget: Winter tires come in a range of prices. While finding a tire that fits your budget is important, don’t compromise on quality. Investing in high-quality winter tires can provide better performance and safety.
Brand and Reviews: Research different tire brands and read customer reviews to find a reliable option. Vaughan Auto Service carries a range of top-quality winter tires from trusted manufacturers to meet your needs.

Professional Winter Tire Installation in London, ON

Vaughan Auto Service offers professional winter tire installation in London, ON to ensure your tires are mounted and balanced correctly. Proper installation is essential for maximizing the performance and lifespan of your winter tires. Our experienced technicians use the latest equipment and techniques to provide a precise and efficient installation process.

In addition to tire installation, we also offer tire storage services in London, ON. If you don’t have space to store your winter tires during the off-season, we can keep them safe and secure until you need them again.

Contact Us Today for Winter Tires in London, ON

Winter driving in London requires careful preparation, and equipping your vehicle with high-quality tires is crucial. At Vaughan Auto Service, we’re here to help you navigate the winter months confidently. Our expert team can assist you in selecting the right winter tires, ensure proper installation, and provide ongoing support throughout the season.

Stay safe on the roads this winter with the help of Vaughan Auto Service in London, ON. Contact us today to schedule your winter tire installation and get ready for whatever winter throws your way.

Our Customer Reviews

The folks at Vaughan have always done a great job on my vehicles when I bring them in. I am glad I found them
Blanca Mejia Mar 3, 2024

Gracious ,effective and stayed on top of the problem till it was perfectly fixed.
dan vere Oct 10, 2023

Customer service was perfect, very clear and organized conversations. Vehicle got everything that needed to get done plus more on top of it. They even detailed my Vehicle after the maintenance.
Tyler007 Jan 1, 2026

Great team and Excellent service. I would certainly recommend them to my friends and family.
Bernard Butchey Apr 4, 2020

I was having issue with tire pressure . I took my car to Vaughan Service without an appointment, and left it with them . An hour later i got a call telling me what was wrong, and that the Electrical part was in stock .Another hour later i was picking up my car all done . This business is an asset to the area , , Thier straight forward and Direct advice and service much appreciated . .
Ken Johnston Jan 1, 2026

Efficient. Carried out service as requested, courteous, will use again.
You Tube Jan 1, 2026

Fast and Efficient Service. Definately recommend.
moe Elie Jan 1, 2026

Always thorough and do a great job. Jaimie and Josh are all very helpful .I Always recommend Vaughn to others.
Chris Scott May 5, 2020

Very thorough, courteous, and professional. Highly recommended Joel H.
Joel Herscovitch Dec 12, 2023

Great value and even better experience. I was looking for integrity and professionalism. I found that plus an authentic appreciation for my business and trust. What a great feeling. Our car hasn’t felt and looked this good since we bought it new. Thx Josh, Dave and your entire team. I left my paperwork, for services performed, at the shop. I called and asked if I could pick it up tomorrow for my records. Josh stated he would drop the paperwork off to my address on his way home. By the time I was home my paperwork was in my mailbox. My father told me the difference between good and great is just a little bit more…..all the time. Vaughan Auto Services is exactly that. Moving forward we’ll build friendships. Cheers all.
Brad Nickerson Dec 12, 2025

Great service, friendly and attentive. Very easy to book. Love the detailed service report with photos during the day.
Tanya Ellis Dec 12, 2025

Always great service
David Murphy Dec 12, 2020

Our SUV's engine had an unusual serious issue just before Christmas - we were impressed that Vaughan's had the bays and manpower to take on our vehicle. They provided excellent service above and beyond our expectations! The estimate and invoice was just as we had hoped and without padding or pressure. Friendly, knowledgeable, and trustworthy!
Len Neil Dec 12, 2025

The best service in London, I cant stress how much the sweet lady at the front made my day. Did a quick fix for my car’s underbody panel in just 30 minutes. No hanging panels anymore..!! Definitely recommend, very much better service than dealer. Update : Very accommodating and Happy I found this place.
Anoop Antony Jul 7, 2025

I recently had my brakes and rotors replaced at Vaughan Auto Service, and I’m extremely happy with the entire experience. From start to finish, the customer service was absolutely top-notch. The staff were friendly, knowledgeable, and took the time to explain everything clearly. The work was done quickly, the pricing was fair, and my car feels brand new after the service. It’s rare to find a shop that’s this honest and professional these days, but Vaughan Auto Service truly delivers on quality and trust. Highly recommend them for anyone looking for reliable automotive service. I’ll definitely be coming back for future maintenance!
Jebin Joseph Dec 12, 2025

Jamie is very helpful & knowledgeable, I really trust the service & advice I receive. Love the courtesy vehicle tidying & light cleaning. Always a great interaction!
Emily Schuster Dec 12, 2023

Timing was as promised, and inspections were completed as requested. And I appreciate the thorough report provided afterwards. Thank you for the excellent service experience.
Nazzareno Pisano Dec 12, 2025

Fantastic service. Took my 2010 Honda Accord here for brake and fluid service. You can really feel the difference with a family-owned shop because you get real value for what you spend. I especially appreciate the complimentary inspection and the honest advice from the staff (Jamie). They take the time to look at your vehicle carefully while keeping costs in mind. It’s rare to find a shop that doesn’t try to upsell everything. Highly recommend!
Steve Pham Nov 11, 2025

The staff was very helpful, answering all questions that I had. Overall, I was very pleased.
Larry Walsh Nov 11, 2025

Changed summer wheels/tires to winter. Great service and inspection on my 2020 Audi A5 Sportback.
Don Hughes Mar 3, 2023

We appreciate the thorough work the team does, the fact that the work is always completed in the expected time frame, the costs are reasonable and they deliver your car back to you washed inside and out.
Sandra and Keith Lesarge Nov 11, 2025

Excellent service,. Perfectly organized in many ways, Rare to find company now. Thank you so much.
Larysa P May 5, 2025

Amazing service at Vaughan Auto! They go out of their way to make sure everything is right. The staff are very nice and explain everything to you. The facility is very clean and they have a nice waiting room. They can offer a loaner car if you schedule in advance. Highly recommended!
Darren E Nov 11, 2018

I have been a three-year customer with Vanghan Auto since 2022. I was very happy with the service done on my 2013 RAV 4 with my first visit/appointment. Vanghan Auto provides professional and Knowledgeable service with fair price. They looked after my 2013 RAV 4 well. The technician, Jamie-Lyn never disappointed me, and the front desk staff, Josh and Wendy are always nice and friendly. Now I got a new 2025 RAV 4, I will keep letting Vanghan Auto take card of my car for sure due to the best service they have in town! I'm looking forward to being a loyal customer with Vanghan Auto for more years to come! I would say I found my car home!! Highly recommended!!
TINAFENG WANG Nov 11, 2025

Another great time getting our 2016 Hyundai Sonata worked on. Always a good job and all the people you deal with are great and helpful and knowledgeable. Thank you
Antony Tuljak Jun 6, 2025

You have always taken excellent care of my cars within a friendly and professional atmosphere . Thanks everyone.
Hilda Sampson Nov 11, 2025

The staff was friendly and accommodating, I had no problem getting updates on our vehicle's status, they gave us a loaner car without us having to ask, and the billing was detailed out. I will take my car there again the next time I need service
John Hitchens Nov 11, 2025

Always happy with the service and team at Vaughan Auto. Love the pictures and reports sent to me outlining the issue, recommendations and urgency of Items identified. This allows me to make informed decisions on what and when I need to do the repairs or maintenance on my vehicle.
Wilma McIntyre Apr 4, 2023

I've been looking for a new repair shop and stumble on Vaughan. I was really just wanting a season tire change but ended up getting other repairs done as well. From the time I placed my first call to set an appointment to the time I left with tires changed, inspection completed, other repairs done and being signed up for their road side assistance program... well I could not have been happier. Accommodating (provided a car for my errands as well), courteous, knowledgeable, great report complete with pictures, and a fair price for value recieved.. it was like I stepped into a dream. I will definitely be booking my next maintenance needed in the coming months with Vaughan. So happy!
Jill McGrotty Nov 11, 2025

Always great service
Renee Francis Nov 11, 2023

Great service, completed in a very timely manner and suggested my wipers needed replacing, I had noticed my old ones streaked but never came to mind when getting my winter tires on. Bonus, I now have brand new wipers, appreciate the head's up!
Barb Slater Oct 10, 2025

great friendly service.....
Lois Garland Jun 6, 2025

Service is outstanding. Glad I bring my vehicle here.
Paul Tatomir Oct 10, 2025

Great service, I really like the report they provided
Zenia Lin (Lynn) Sep 9, 2025

My Kia Rondo 2012 needed some front end repairs (ball joint). Like all my other trips to Vaughan, repairs were made, no muss no fuss, professionally done. Thanks to all. You have helped me keep this vehicle on the road for many years. Thanks again. Bob
Robert Campbell Aug 8, 2021

I was referred to Vaughan Auto by a friend. Great work, more than reasonable prices and always love supporting home grown businesses.
Chima Onwubere Sep 9, 2025

Service was done quickly and efficiently. Everyone was their usual Cheerful selves.
Mike Beck Oct 10, 2023

I’ve had the need to visit these folks a few times in the past couple weeks and am so happy I found them. My first appointment they graciously agreed to bend their own rules to help me out, in a big way. I won’t say what they did, as I don’t want them to get bombarded for similar requests, but suffice to say it was very much appreciated. Additionally, they also caught a mistake another mechanic (rhymes with Fanadian Mire) made and pointed it out to me so I could go back to have them remedy. Since the recent appointments I have been having a bit of a weird noise when braking. So I stopped by Vaughan again today to explain what I was hearing. It was a tough thing to explain, so I went in person rather than try to do it over the phone. My intention was to book an appointment to have it diagnosed. However, they took my car right in, put it on the hoist and had it diagnosed in under 5 minutes. It ended up being related to the “work” from the other “mechanic”, of course. But Vaughan was able to assure me it wasn’t unsafe to drive on, as I do have a large driving trip approaching. After taking me right in, diagnosing essentially immediately, and giving me recommendations, they didn’t even charge me. On top of it all, I’m always greeted with friendly, fast, helpful counter service from Josh. Thanks!
G G Sep 9, 2025