Brands & tiers
We're an independent shop. We stock a few tire lines in each tier and can order most others, but we aren't a factory-authorized dealer for any brand. The line names on this page are fictional samples for this demo.
The tiers
All three tiers are certified and safe. The differences are tread life, braking distance on cold and wet roads, and how quiet the ride is.
Budget
$105 / tire
205/55R16 example, before install
Safe, certified, and fine for short in-town driving. Expect a firmer ride, more road noise, and fewer kilometres before the next set.
Example line: Cinder Commuter A/S (fictional sample name)
Mid-range
$150 / tire
205/55R16 example, before install
Where most of our customers land. Quieter, better wet braking, and longer tread life for a modest step up in price.
Example line: Northbench Touring A/S (fictional sample name)
Premium
$195 / tire
205/55R16 example, before install
Usually the shortest braking and best handling in independent tests, the longest tread warranties, and the quietest ride. Worth it for highway kilometres.
Example line: Alpine Grade Pro (fictional sample name)
Tire types
The tier is about quality. The type is about weather. Look for the three-peak mountain snowflake on the sidewall: it's the symbol that means a tire passed a snow traction test.
Good for: Spring, summer and fall, in town and on the highway.
Not for: Kamloops winters. The rubber hardens below about 7 °C, and M+S alone isn't a winter rating.
Good for: One set all year if you mostly drive in town. Carries the mountain-snowflake winter rating.
Not for: Deep snow and mountain passes every week. A true winter tire still stops shorter on ice.
Good for: October to April, the Coquihalla, icy mornings. Soft rubber and dense siping grip below 7 °C.
Not for: Summer. They wear fast and brake longer on hot, dry roads.
Good for: Glare ice and rural roads. Allowed in BC from October 1 to April 30.
Not for: Bare pavement in town most days. Noisier, and illegal outside those dates.
Good for: Warm months on sporty cars. Sharpest steering and dry braking.
Not for: Anything below about 7 °C. They lose grip fast in the cold.
Good for: Pickups that tow, haul or leave the pavement. Stronger sidewalls and higher load ratings.
Not for: Light SUVs that never tow. They ride firmer and use a bit more fuel.
Example lines
A real shop would list the lines it actually stocks here. These names are invented for this demo and don't refer to any real tire or company.
Cinder Commuter A/SBudget
All-season · Tread warranty: None to 60,000 km
Cinder FrostlineBudget
Winter (3PMSF) · Tread warranty: None
Northbench Touring A/SMid-range
All-season · Tread warranty: 70,000 to 100,000 km
Northbench FourwayMid-range
All-weather (3PMSF) · Tread warranty: 60,000 to 80,000 km
Alpine Grade ProPremium
Winter (3PMSF) · Tread warranty: Winter tires rarely carry one
Alpine Grade Ridge ATPremium
Light truck / all-terrain · Tread warranty: 80,000 to 100,000 km
| Tier | Line (fictional) | Type | Typical tread warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Budget | Cinder Commuter A/S | All-season | None to 60,000 km |
| Budget | Cinder Frostline | Winter (3PMSF) | None |
| Mid-range | Northbench Touring A/S | All-season | 70,000 to 100,000 km |
| Mid-range | Northbench Fourway | All-weather (3PMSF) | 60,000 to 80,000 km |
| Premium | Alpine Grade Pro | Winter (3PMSF) | Winter tires rarely carry one |
| Premium | Alpine Grade Ridge AT | Light truck / all-terrain | 80,000 to 100,000 km |
01
Braking on wet and cold roads matters more to us than a brochure. We read published independent tests every season.
02
We track warranty claims and complaints by line in our own shop. A line that keeps coming back gets dropped.
03
A great tire you can't get in 225/65R17 isn't much use in October.
04
We'd rather carry a line whose price doesn't jump twice a season, so our published numbers stay honest.
We can order most brands sold in Canada through our supplier and quote them at the same install price. We just won't call ourselves a dealer for a brand we aren't one for.
Choose budget, mid-range or premium on the booking form. If you'd rather decide at the counter, pick 'Help me choose'.