Crestview Auto Service and the winter tire advantage in Saskatoon

Let's face it, most of us do not think about  our vehicles until we run into a problem....and that problem may be a major inconvenience at best; an accident at worst. Having your vehicle serviced by people that you trust is an absolute must.   Let our team of highly trained technicians at Crestview Auto Service work with you to make sure your vehicle is ready for the road. 

Crestview Auto Service are your Trusted Saskatoon Auto Repair and service Experts!

Winter tires are more than a gimmick when compared to all season tires. The two biggest differences being the rubber composition stays much softer and pliable from 7 degrees Celsius and colder and the tread pattern will have many small incisions in the tread pattern to allow the tire to squirm and stick to the icy road surface. 

All season tires have compromises built into them that limit traction as temperatures drop below 7 degrees C, on ice and in the snow.  The rubber compound is harder and tread patterns are more solid not allowing the tire to stick to the road surface, this gets worse the colder it gets and happens even if the road is dry. Any tire designated with the Snowflake on the sidewall is much better than an all season tire. But even in the winter tire market we have many differences in traction and longevity.  

Generally you will get what you pay for, the entry level, less expensive tires will have less flexibility and traction the colder it gets while the better winter tires remain flexible even in the deep cold we get on the prairies. When purchasing winter tires it is important to buy all 4 not just 2 for the driving wheels, the reason for this is the traction difference between summer and winter tires will have you out of control with the winter tires sticking to the road and the all season tires losing traction and sliding. 

Having 4 winter tires will have you sticking to the road when others around you are hitting the curb. Crestview Auto Service is here to help you choose the right tire for you needs and budget. Contact Kurt or Matt for all your tire needs. Call 306-244-6522 or email us at crestviewautoservice@sasktel.net

Drop in or give us a call at 24 - 23rd St E
Saskatoon, SK, 306-244-6522

Crestview Auto Service

“We’ll Keep Your Car Young a Long Time”

Tires: What's In a Brand Name?

by Dennis, Cars for Keeps Customer Service Manager

Hi everyone,

I thought given the current weather condition, that tires would be a good subject to discuss.

So about the title, sound sort of silly? Not when you know the full details. So a friend of mine calls me and says hey my wife was at Sam Mart Club ( the names have been changed to protect the innocent) and they had a Michelin tire sale, buy 4 tires for $300.00. I said, "Wow! that sounds like a great price, but what are you looking for?" Michelin tires for a cheap price or good Michelin tires at the right price? He said What’s the difference? Which maybe what some of you are asking.

Here’s the difference…. It is true that Michelin or other big brand name tire manufactures make all different types (and quality) of tires. But just because that brand name is on the side doesn’t make it a great tire. Store brand tires are made to meet a certain price standard. The tires you buy at garages like Cars for Keeps are made to meet a quality standard.

So if price is the only issue then we can get tires that match that. If quality and a fair price is more for you, then we can differently solve that issue.

Anyway enough from me, I hope all of you have a safe and happy holiday season.

Your friendly neighborhood service manager,

Dennis

A Women’s Point of View: Shoes for Cars

by Colette Cooley, Cars For Keeps Office Manager

We finally had our first snowfall. How do you all feel about that? I will remain (yuck) neutral (ugh) about the subject. Anyway, one of the special things we all get to think about in the winter is, “How are the tires on my car?”

Now if you spent last summer “sandblasting” on the beach and did not get stuck, sunk or shucked*, you are probably okay for the snow this winter. However, most of us in the real world consider carefully our high expectations of safety and comfort and dependability for our cars in dangerous driving conditions. Tires. There are three facts that we can’t escape. Every car has to have them. They are not cheap. And, very few of us know which ones to get for our car. At Cars For Keeps you can be sure of three things.

Every car has to have tires. Dennis, our service manager, will get the best price that he can find for you. Yes, he price shops. And, he is knowledgeable about which tires are best for your car. Your safety is our main concern. Have you ever wondered why tires are always black?

Let us look at this area of concern for women by comparing tires to shoes. Are they always dressed for dinner? Black is beautiful, but sometimes you just need pink. Wouldn’t red and white strips be eye-catching? Or perhaps purple polka dots on a yellow background? Or…............. Neon!

*Shucked is the term used when you get your car stuck up to it’s (ummm)……trunk, and the tires are spinning out of control, and you had to crawl out the window because the door won’t open and it is sinking like a stone in quicksand and you are standing beside the car saying, “Aw, Shucks”.

Thanks, Colette. I enjoyed my 30 mile commute in the blizzard belt as well. It wasn't as much "fun" (no white knuckles) because I had snow tires. Stay warm, everybody!

Snow Tire FAQs: Michigan Winter Driving Essentials

by Marjorie, Cars for Keeps Social Media Manager

If you've lived in Michigan your entire life, like me, you understand how easy it is to become helpless to the winter elements. If you're new to the area, then you're in for a treat; Michigan's legendary lake effect snow is beautiful, unpredictable and an absolute horror for unprepared winter travelers. While there's not much we can do about keeping our cars from being buried in snow drifts or coated in ice every morning, we can do something about making sure our cars remain on the road - once we've managed to get there.

Here are a few basic facts you should know about snow tires. Check out the YouTube video at the end of this post if you don't believe tread really makes a difference. Which car will you be?

Aren't all-weather tires good enough for winter?

No. Again, I refer you to the video in this post for proof. All-weather tires are designed for dry and wet conditions in warm weather, but they're in no way prepared to give tread on black ice, packed snow and sandy slush. Snow tires are specially made with softer rubber and carefully placed grooves which quickly wear down on dry pavement - which is why you should never leave your snow tires on past spring...unless you like buying new snow tires every year.

When should I put on my snow tires?

Well, how brave are you? If you're a daredevil like me, you may intentionally wait until after the first snowfall just to test your ice-racing skills. For the rest of you, who value your and your family's safety above thrill, it's best to have snow tires put on before the first snowfall, which, in Michigan, could be anytime between October 15th and December 30th. Typically, having snow tires put on a few weeks before Thanksgiving is plenty early enough, and it ensures safe holiday travel.

Should I get studded tires?

This question is best directed to your tire dealer or auto repair shop (I'm sure Dennis has a strong opinion), but there aren't very many situations where studded tires help you more than regular snow tires - in some environments, studded tires can actually give you less traction. Studs are only good for packed snow and ice, and they will hinder traction in thick snow, slush and dry pavement. So unless you're commuting across the tundra in Alaska, sticking to unstudded snow tires is a safe bet.

Should I get two snow tires or four?

Tire dealers and some mechanics have a strong opinion on this question, too. But for those of us who would prefer not to spend an extra $250 on two superfluous snow tires, here are the bare facts: front wheel drive cars should at least have both front wheels equipped with snow tires, and likewise, rear wheel drive cars should at least have snow tires on both rear wheels. All wheel drive automobiles, of course, should have four snow tires. It's true that having snow tires on all four wheels, even on front and rear wheel drive cars, provides ideal traction, but having only powered wheels fitted with snow tires will still provide far more traction than regular summer or all-weather tires.

For rear wheel drive owners, remember to throw some weight in the back. Keeping your summer tires or some bricks in the trunk - or bed - will give you an extra boost in traction.

Safe driving!