Winter Tires: Your Guide to Snow and Ice Safety

Winter Tires in London, ON

Why Winter Tires Matter

When winter arrives in South 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 South 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 South London, ON

Vaughan Auto Service offers professional winter tire installation in South 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 South 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 South London, ON

Winter driving in South 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 South London, ON. Contact us today to schedule your winter tire installation and get ready for whatever winter throws your way.

Our Customer Reviews

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

I am totally impressed about the service quality and professionalism of the whole team. Definitely they go beyond. I will come back for sure.
Carlos Galvis Sep 9, 2025

What a great place, they contacted me when they saw issues with the vehicle that were safety concerns to check if I was ok with pricing. They were wonderful helping me with everything! They went above and beyond for us! Thank you!
Lori Baldwin Sep 9, 2025

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 Happy with the service I received. They picked up my Vehicle and returned it in a timely manner. I would be sure to refer my Friends and Family to Vaughan Auto Service.
Brenda Cuming May 5, 2020

Service advisor was friendly, professional and actually helped prioritize repairs. Job was done on time and exactly as estimated. Would highly recommend.
Steve Fleming Aug 8, 2025

I took my Ford Fusion to take care of a noise and they fixed it, serviced other parts that needed to be taken care of and replaced some others that were ready to be changed. I have taken my car before and I am always very satisfied with their service. Definitely the best place to take my car. Thank you so much, guys!
Jonathan David Hernandez Barragan Aug 8, 2025

Very thorough and present the customer with a report of up coming areas to be aware of.
David Houle Aug 8, 2025

Jamie-Lyn, Josh, all the staff at Vaughan are the best? They are professional, knowledgeable, compassionate, understanding, friendly and kind. A very expensive repair was needed on my vehicle due to a horrendous speed bump and the team at Vaughan was top notch in handing the situation. I highly recommend Vaughan Auto for all your auto needs. They have become my new go to for my car (previously took my vehicle to the dealer where I purchased my car, not any more). :-)
M. Aug 8, 2025

I'm extremely happy that I checked out Vaughan Auto Service to discuss using them to maintain my 10-year old Mercedes. I can't say enough about how confident I feel after discussing my needs with Josh and experiencing how he and the rest of the team operate. Vaughn Auto treats you the way you wish all--particularly in the auto trade--businesses would.
Paul Lambert Photography Sep 9, 2024

Excellent service. The staff is extremely courteous, friendly and professional.
Jean Devost Dec 12, 2024

Exceeded expectations. Got emergency same day service, in the late afternoon, after my car stopped working. Professional, courteous and streamlined service got my back on the road by the early evening. Will definitely return for all my other car needs. Left impressed and pleasantly surprised.
Wilson Lam Aug 8, 2025

Vaughan’s Auto was everything a professional mechanic shop should aim for. Thank you for helping fix out tricky problems and the speed was amazing!!
Larissa Mills Aug 8, 2025

I always get impeccable service at Vaughn Auto. The work on my vehicles is always fast and efficient, and the complimentary care in and out of the vehicle is amazing!! Josh and Jamie-Lynn are friendly, knowledgeable and very easy to communicate with.
Vanita Butchey Aug 8, 2025

Highly, HIGHLY recommend. From the ease of booking an appointment online as a new customer, to the friendly customer service and fantastic communication by Jamie-Lyn. Loved the suggested items/repairs recommendation report I received after they serviced my daughter’s car. I feel our car was well looked after. Vaughn Auto really sets the bar high for their overall customer service experience, which really sets themselves apart from other auto places. Very pleased overall and already have our other car booked in with them. Thanks again Auto Vaughan!
Jennifer Lapointe Aug 8, 2025

I am extremely pleased with the service done on my classic 1998 Firebird Formula. I am very fussy with her care and Vaughan Auto Service never disappoints me! This great company can handle any year or make of car. I highly recommend them to everyone! Thanks!
Lorrie Bristol Aug 8, 2025

Exceptional service! Needed a lot of work done, dropped my car off and they had it done the next day - even cleaned it up and had it spotless for me. Definitely recommend these guys!!
Chris McGean Jul 7, 2025

Amazing service! Vaughan got my vehicle in promptly for a tire issue and was able to accommodate an oil change at the same time. Jamie-Lyn was fantastic - great communication about required repairs (love the email with the photos and the breakout of costs) and she was very upbeat and kind. She is just an absolute pleasure to work with!! I appreciate the top-notch service, reasonable cost, and everyone makes us feel welcome. If I’m going to spend my hard-earned money, it sure is better to do it with a company that clearly wants and appreciates my business. A+++ guys!!!!
Melanie P Jul 7, 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.
Anoop Antony Jul 7, 2025

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

Jamie-lyn is great! She provided details and pictures on what needed to be done and why along with a quote, including taxes, that was almost exactly what the total came to. Plus they washed my car and dusted/vacuumed the inside too!
Pauline Douglas Jun 6, 2025

I live a few hundred kilometres from London, Ontario but I find Vaughan Auto Services so trustworthy and well-priced that I try to wait for most major car maintenance and repair jobs until one of my quarterly visits to London. The staff are great and the complimentary mini-detail is a treat! Thanks Jamie, Lou and all there! See you in a month or two.
Shelley Boyes Sep 9, 2023

My treatment at the reception desk at Vaughan Auto was courteous and the examination of my car was thorough and clearly explained. The work on my air conditioner was carried out as quickly as possible, particularly as a part had to be brought in from Toronto. Overall I was very pleased with the my experience there. Peter Hyland
Theresa Hyland Jun 6, 2025

Best service I ever had.
S B May 5, 2024

Great, knowledgable, friendly service! Thank you.
Mary-Jane Jun 6, 2025

Thank you very, very much for your exceptional service. I appreciate greatly the respect that you always show me and all your customers.
Ken Fanni Mar 3, 2023

As usual the service provided this week was excellent. Josh is a pleasure to deal with and the follow up maintenance report is greatly appreciated. Moving the servicing of my Murano to Vaughan Auto Service was a smart move on my part.
Doug Laphen Nov 11, 2024

We have always had a good experience with Vaughan Auto. We had our brakes done and everything was great. We appreciate the work and the friendly staff.
Antony Tuljak Jun 6, 2025

Customer of many years. They are very thorough and all round great people to deal with.
Greg F. Jun 6, 2022

Thank you for taking great care of the Blazer, keeping it purring along. The team at Vaughan did a fantastic job keeping the Blazer safe and riding smoothly. Everything was perfect. (hey Jaime.... did I stutter lolol)
john humphrey Apr 4, 2021

Part I: The Pontiac History The Pontiac automobile was introduced by General Motors in 1926. In GM’s hierarchy of ascending vehicles ranging from Chevrolet to Cadillac, Pontiac was slotted above Chevrolet but below Oldsmobile, Buick and Cadillac. This strategy, devised by GM executive Alfred Sloan, meant that the entry level Chevrolet would attract consumers who, over time and increased affluence, might climb up the status “ladder” to Cadillac. Interestingly, Mercedes Benz uses the same approach today with the A-class, C-class, E-class and finally the luxurious S-class. The origin of the Pontiac nomenclature originated from the Odawa chieftain Pontiac who led an indigenous uprising from 1763 around Detroit, Michigan. Of course, today such a name decision would be considered wildly inappropriate. The halcyon years for Pontiac were the 1960s with classy, flowing and attractive designs based on the “Wide Track” concept and performance characteristics resulting in the tag line, “We build excitement”. Facing poor sales in the late 2000s, GM discontinued the Pontiac brand. Part II: My Pontiac History I just acquired a 20008 Pontiac G5 4-door which is really a branded Chevrolet Cobalt. The final Pontiac was a G6 made in 2010. My Pontiac belonged to a dear family member who recently passed. With just 74,000 kilometres, it’s in great shape: no rust (rocker panels are notorious), perfect interior and complete maintenance records since new. It’s surprisingly quiet, smooth and responsive for a 2.2 L 4 cylinder. It may not be “excitement”, but it still retains some of the Pontiac cachet… Part III: My Pontiac and Vaughan Auto Service My dilemma was finding a reliable mechanic for a safety certificate and any necessary repairs. This old blast from the past deserved special treatment! I turned to Vaughan because of my experience with them a few years ago as documented in a Google Review I wrote: caring, professional, friendly, knowledgeable, professional and kind, something I don’t see very often today. I was not disappointed. The G5 exhibited a few obvious problems like the turn signal stalk being kaput and a PW not reliably working, but, given this vehicle’s low mileage over many years, it required deft analysis by Josh and Jamie, the service consultants because often fewer miles is frequently more work, something car owners often don’t get. I found that my input was welcome in the sense that as a customer my general knowledge was both accepted and respected rather than being dismissed as often happens in such discussions. For example, since the brakes were relatively new but rusted from infrequent use, we decided to clean the existing rather than going to the expense of replacing. They allowed me to restore the cloudy headlight lenses myself, something I relished doing What fun! When we did develop a game plan together, Brian their mechanic took on the task, some of it being difficult like changing the rear coils, a failure this car is notorious for. We also developed a next-step protocol together for future work like an antifreeze flush and switch to synthetic oil next change. Maybe new, slippery oil will add some Pontiac excitement! The other consideration for me is Vaughan’s Customer Care Program which gives rewards dollars (I’ve already acquired some), a national warranty component and 24/7 roadside assistance. I’ve also got to say that everyone at Vaughan was kind: Haley the shuttle driver was prompt, friendly and caring. Right now I’ve just completed a paint restoration programme consisting of an iron fallout treatment, a body clay operation, a rubbing compound process and a coat of quality wax. My little Pontiac looks and drives amazingly well. Between my efforts and those of Vaughan Auto Service whom I highly recommend, the G5 looks and runs great! I appreciated the at Vaughan’s honest, caring, thorough, thoughtful and creative approach. I’m fussy. They more than met my high standards.
George Harrod May 5, 2025

Work was done in the specified time. Friendly and knowledgeable service advisors.
Forest City Archers May 5, 2025