When is it a good (cheap) time to buy winter tires?

nobb wrote: ↑I have never used winter tires before, but I think I want to get a set for the coming winter. I am mostly interested in the Michelin X-Ice or Blizzak WS-60. Other recommendations would be good too. Ice and snow traction is important of course, but I would also like something that is quiet (like the WS-60).

Tirerack is the cheapest Ive found them (considering the shipping to Calgary and brokerage too). So is there a time of year when winter tires usually go on sale, or should I just buy them a few months before winter hits?

u wont find anywhere cheaper than tirerack. trust me tires are a major rip off in canada like everything else.

nolimtzel wrote: ↑u wont find anywhere cheaper than tirerack. trust me tires are a major rip off in canada like everything else.

almost a total ripoff. you have to know where to go and look. i got tires here the same price I coulda got them in the US.

radeonboy wrote: ↑almost a total ripoff. you have to know where to go and look. i got tires here the same price I coulda got them in the US.

if they were the same price even after duties, shipping i still would of got them from the states.
rather not give my money to the money grubbing businesses here.

nolimtzel wrote: ↑if they were the same price even after duties, shipping i still would of got them from the states.
rather not give my money to the money grubbing businesses here.

What a stupid thing to say.

The best time to buy winter tires is late September/early October. Tire companies have their new stock in, their shops aren't yet busy, and they are often willing to deal. I've bought winter tires in the spring, and got a good deal, but selection is limited. In the summer, they've got very little stock.

The last time I bought winter tires was in mid October just when dealers were starting to receive stock on winter tires. October is not a bad time to buy as most tire stores are not busy during the months just before winter and all popular tire sizes should be in stock.

December is the worst time to buy winter tires as tire stores are so busy they couldn't give a damn.

After winter is a good time to buy cheap however by then most of the popular sizes are sold out so you might have trouble finding ones that fit.

There's good sales on winter tyres in the winter too, I don't think you really need to worry about buying them in the summer. Though if you need them before this winter starts (as in you don't have old winter tyres that you still have mounted on wheels) it's probably a good idea to do it early.

Not sure how much better the sales are in the off-season but I have seen decent sales in winter. TireRack, prices seem to be the same all the time (sales seem to be random) so they're probably your best bet as you can buy from them anytime really and always get a good deal.

nolimtzel wrote: ↑if they were the same price even after duties, shipping i still would of got them from the states.
rather not give my money to the money grubbing businesses here.

That is a very narrow minded thing to say. Businesses here have to charge a priced based on many things, not all for profit. They have many taxes and surcharges that their American counterparts do not have to pay. Don't stop supporting local business because of a few dollars difference. They are the ones that will support you when you need help and they are the ones giving you jobs so you can buy stuff. I am a huge advocate to buy local when you can.
To the OP's primary question, as to when to buy winter tires. My Son is in the automotive business and he has already put in a large order. His costs are higher this year, for rims and tires. He said old stock will be quite a bit cheaper than new stock. The reason...the Province of Quebec has a law that require all cars and trucks on the road to have snow tires installed by 1 November 2008. There will be a very high demand this year. So, you may just get your best deal of the year right now.

Thanks for the replies. I just got a set of Blizzak WS-50s from Tirerack because they are having a closeout sale at $60/tire. I hope they are good...

nobb wrote: ↑Thanks for the replies. I just got a set of Blizzak WS-50s from Tirerack because they are having a closeout sale at $60/tire. I hope they are good...

Should be good regardless. Any snow tire is better than cheap all-seasons and Blizzaks are good ones to choose. Congratulations on your purchase!

So i'm guessing those snow tires that they have on canadiantire isn't an option?

The best that Canadian Tire has are probably the X-Ice. From what I've read, these WS-50s are supposed to be better. I really wanted the WS-60 actually, but at $60/pair for the WS-50s thats a pretty good deal. I am just worried about the poor dry pavement performance that alot of the reviews talk about for the WS-50s.

sannin wrote: ↑So i'm guessing those snow tires that they have on canadiantire isn't an option?

The Goodyear Nordics (you know, the ones they spam commercials for all throughout the winter) are pretty decent and are a great value. I had them last year and they worked wonderfully.

sannin wrote: ↑So i'm guessing those snow tires that they have on canadiantire isn't an option?

Good snow tire. Not much of an ice tire. That's my understanding, anyway. It's a budget tire.

nobb wrote: ↑Thanks for the replies. I just got a set of Blizzak WS-50s from Tirerack because they are having a closeout sale at $60/tire. I hope they are good...

The WS-50 is a very sticky ice tire and decent in the snow. The tradeoff is they are quite poor on dry pavement compared to, well, just about any tire out there. Some reviewers labelled it "dangerous" on dry pavement. I forget about wet pavement performance, but probably not good, for the same reasons. The very small tread blocks with heavy siping are great on ice and snow, but not very reassuring at speed.

Don't put them on your car early in the fall, or leave them on in the spring. They are a dedicated winter tire, and besides the squirminess on dry pavement, they will wear out quickly in warmer weather.

Does anyone have any opinions on the noise level of the WS-50s? I know traction in snow and ice is most important for a winter tire, but a quiet sounding tire to me is also very desireable.

Ask a tire dealer when the best time to buy winter tires is ... before winter tire season!

They get stock based on marketing research for your area (to a large degree). Once they start going through stock you begin to be SOL if you want a specific size.

Your other option is to go Tirerack for closeout deals (which can be very, very good) but the shipping is brutal (very, very bad). There are ways around that but it's not going to help the discussion here.

nobb wrote: ↑Does anyone have any opinions on the noise level of the WS-50s? I know traction in snow and ice is most important for a winter tire, but a quiet sounding tire to me is also very desireable.

It won't be quiet, and as I said before, it's not very stable at high speed. If you already own a set, use them and be aware of their limitations. I don't recommend buying a new set.

If I do ship some tires from TireRack, how much would a shop charge to put them on my wheels? Any estimates?

peeps, winter is far away.

this is summer!!!!!

dundaman wrote: ↑If I do ship some tires from TireRack, how much would a shop charge to put them on my wheels? Any estimates?

Here in Calgary, my last mount and balance cost $80 from OK Tire. Walmart also does it for $15/tire but they dont do it via appointment...you have to leave your car there all day. I wouldnt really trust Walmart with my alloy wheels though.