Summer Tire Myths Busted
Summer Tire Myths Busted
Posted on March 25, 2025
As the snow melts and southern Ontario roads begin to dry out, many Kitchener-Waterloo drivers start thinking about tire changes—but not everyone’s doing it right. There’s a surprising amount of misinformation floating around about summer tires, what they’re for, and when to install them.
To help set the record straight, we’re busting some of the most common summer tire myths and explaining why switching to summer tires—and doing it with the right service package—matters more than you might think.
Myth #1: “All-Season Tires Are Fine Year-Round”
Busted: While the name all-season suggests they work well in all conditions, the reality is different. In warmer weather—especially the kind we see in Kitchener-Waterloo from May through September—summer tires provide significantly better performance. Their rubber compound is optimized for heat, giving you stronger traction, better cornering stability, and shorter braking distances.
All-season tires are a compromise. They’re built to handle a little bit of everything but don’t truly excel in any one condition. Once we’re consistently above 7°C, your all-seasons begin to show their limits, especially in emergency braking or tight maneuvering.
Why it matters: If you want optimal safety, control, and responsiveness during warm-weather driving on the Expressway or navigating city traffic, summer tires are the smart move.
Pro Tip: Ready to upgrade your summer driving experience? Book your summer tire installation with us.
Myth #2: “If My Tires Still Have Tread, I Don’t Need to Switch”
Busted: Tread depth is only part of the story. It’s easy to assume that if your tires look good, they’re fine—but tire performance has more to do with temperature-appropriate rubber compounds than how much tread is left.
Winter tires, for example, have softer rubber that wears down rapidly once the temperatures rise. On the other hand, summer tires maintain their structure and grip, even during heatwaves or long weekend road trips through southern Ontario.
Why it matters: Continuing to drive on winter tires or skipping summer-specific tires just because your current ones “look okay” could mean more wear and less performance—putting both your fuel efficiency and braking distance at risk.
Smart Swap: Our Summer Tire Installation Package includes a full Multi-Point Vehicle Inspection (MPVI) to assess tire health and get your GM vehicle summer-ready.
Myth #3: “Swapping Tires is Easy—Why Pay for Professional Installation?”
Busted: A quick DIY in your driveway may sound easy, but modern vehicles—especially GM models—require more precision than many people realize. Proper tire installation includes:
- Correct torque specs for wheel lugs
- Wheel balancing to eliminate vibrations
- Inspection for uneven tire wear
- Visual rim checks for cracking or corrosion
Professional installation helps protect your tires, your wheels, and your suspension. It's especially important if your vehicle has advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) that rely on properly aligned wheels and tires.
Why it matters: At Forbes GM, we don’t just install your tires—we ensure your entire system is performing at peak efficiency.
Better Ride, Less Risk: Our installation package includes wheel balancing, alignment check, and fluid top-ups*, so you can hit the road confidently.
Myth #4: “Tire Storage Isn’t Worth It—I Can Keep Them in My Garage”
Busted: Improper storage is one of the fastest ways to shorten the life of your tires. Moisture, heat, UV exposure, and temperature swings in a typical Kitchener-Waterloo garage or shed can degrade the rubber over time.
Additionally, improper stacking or storage positioning can deform tires, especially if they’re left in the same place for months at a time.
Why it matters: At Forbes GM, we take storage seriously. Our facility offers climate-controlled, off-site tire storage designed to protect your investment and free up space in your home, especially useful for condo or townhouse living in the region.
Whether you're in Forest Heights, Doon, Laurelwood, or anywhere in between, our tire storage service takes one more hassle off your seasonal to-do list.
Store Smart: Our Summer Tire Installation Package includes secure seasonal tire storage, so your winter tires stay protected until it’s time to swap again.
Myth #5: “You Don’t Need Summer Tires Unless You Drive a Sports Car”
Busted: Summer tires benefit every kind of driver. Whether you're commuting between Kitchener and Waterloo, running errands across the Tri-City area, or heading to the cottage, summer tires deliver smoother rides, less road noise, and better fuel efficiency.
From compact cars and family SUVs to full-size GM trucks, all vehicles see improved warm-weather traction and cornering stability with the right tires.
Why it matters: Better tires = better performance, and that translates directly to safer driving for you and your passengers.
Upgrade Your Drive: At Forbes GM, our service advisors can recommend the ideal summer tires for your GM model—whether you drive a Silverado, Equinox, or Enclave.
Inside Our Summer Installation Package
We’ve talked about why summer tires matter—now let’s talk about the premium-level service you’ll get when you book with us.
- Tire Swap (on-rims): Fast, safe changeover done by certified pros
- Wheel Balance: Keeps your drive smooth and extends tire life
- Fluid Top-Ups: Engine oil, brake fluid, coolant & washer fluid checked
- Alignment Check*: Catch issues early before they wear down your new tires
- MPVI: Multi-Point Vehicle Inspection to assess overall vehicle health
- Tire Storage: Climate-controlled and secure storage of your off-season set
It’s not just a tire change—it’s a full vehicle check-up, designed to keep you safe, confident, and road-ready for whatever the summer throws your way.
The Forbes GM Advantage
We’re proud to be one of the Kitchener-Waterloo region’s most trusted GM dealerships, offering drivers personalized service with factory-trained technicians, transparent pricing, and unbeatable seasonal value.
Whether you live in Uptown Waterloo, Country Hills, Huron Park, or anywhere in the Tri-Cities, Forbes GM is your go-to destination for certified GM service done right.
Book Your Summer Tire Installation Today
Don't wait until your dashboard tire warning light comes on or the temperatures spike—beat the seasonal rush and book early!
Scheduling your tire installation at Forbes GM is quick and easy. Simply book your appointment online at your convenience, and our team will take care of the rest.
Prefer to stop by in person? You can visit us at Forbes GM, located at 160 Weber Street South in Waterloo, right in the heart of Kitchener-Waterloo.
Have a few questions or need a quote before you book? Our friendly Service Team is just a phone call away at (888) 813-6589—we’re happy to walk you through your options and help you find the right solution for your vehicle.
Make the most of every summer drive—give your vehicle the expert care it deserves and hit the road with confidence, comfort, and complete peace of mind.