Chains and snow tires will help (we have both in stock 250-758-7742). We also carry salt for your walk ways and stairs, winter windshield washer fluid, and every kind of windshield wiper needed. Drive safe Nanaimo.

PS. Chains will only work if you put them on the driving tires. Front Wheel Drive cars, like the Toyota Camry in the video, does not get chains on the rear tires!

Consumers should remember that fuel economy is dependant on proper air pressure. Monitoring air pressure regularly, and using proper inflation pressures as directed by the vehicle owner’s manual, is the best route to ensure maximum fuel economy and maximum tire life.

Remember, regardless of temperature, tires lose between 1-2 psi per month. In addition, for every 7 degrees Celsius drop in temperature, a tire will lose another pound of pressure. So a tire left unchecked from the time it was filled in warm June to 35 psi, is down 12psi in cooler November. That under inflation is going to hurt fuel economy, traction, and increase tire wear.

Tread depth is typically measured in 1/32″ increments. Using a recent Canadian penny (the Queen is not wearing a crown) you can quickly and easily check the tread depth yourself.

With the Queen facing you, insert the penny into the tread hair first. Repeat this by placing the coin into several treads across the tire from each side and the middle. Take the lowest reading as the overall tread depth.

The top of her head is approximately 4/32″ of tread depth. If you can see her entire head it is time to find some new Tires!

Quick and Easy!!

Ready to start shopping for tires? Good timing, cause our parts department is selling tires at 99¢ over cost!

For those of us with Quarters jangling in our pockets, the same measurement can be taken using the the moose head (does he have a name?) put him in the tread nose first and if you can see his muzzle it’s time to start looking for new tires!!

The engine and brakes of a vehicle work directly through the tires. Even the most advanced traction and stability control systems are limited by the tire’s ability to hold the road. If a consumer has tires that are worn, under inflated, or not suited to the environment, they put themselves, their vehicle, and others at risk.

Check out how to get the most value and safety from your tires here.

Name Brand tires including Goodyear, Continental, Michelin and tonnes more safe and economical snow or all season tires are all sold here!

If by some chance someone else has a lower price, bring in a their current advertisement on the same tire… and our Parts and Service team will match or beat the price. — Among the list of 10 Reasons to Service at your Ford Store.

Talk about Price Guarantee on all brand of Tires!!! Plus free storage for your Winter and Summer tires during the Nanaimo seasons.

Snow Tires

Snow tires provide ultra grip in those icy conditions. Including that “corner” bridge on the Parkway by College Drive that ices all the time.

How do Snow tires Grip?

To start with they are engineneered differently. Good snow tires look almost like a performance tire, with small close together tread squares and wedge shaped gaps between tread blocks, helping to keep the snow out of the tire grooves. Snow tires are made of a softer rubber compound, softer rubber allows it to cling to ice in the winter when the rubber is cold. Lastly snow tires are deisgned with “siping”. Siping are thousands of tiny cuts made in several direction on the tire that provide thousands of tiny bits (ironic?) of grip going straight and around corners.

How does the regular Joe know they’re looking at a TRUE Snow Tire?

The Rubber Association of Canada has developed a set of performance standards for Severe winter tires and an Icon of either a Snowflake or a Mountain will identify an approved Snow Tire.

All Season Tires

All season tires are cost effective and could provide you with great versatility year round. Including the hot sticky and cold rainy seasons.

They’ll provide you with tires all year long.

What do they mean by All Season?

All Season is just how it sounds. These tires will provide adequate traction on wet and dry road conditions. They will work best during the average condition of all seasons!

They are not engineered specifically for any season or speed. But will work great in minimal rain, even less snow, and maybe a bit of cold. I wouldn’t recommend driving in a snowstorm or when the roads are flooding.

Mainly picture a cozy fall day with the Maple tree leaves still dry enough to rake and jump in…and that sweater grandma knitted you is enough to keep warm. This is the time that all season will provide value.

Here on Vancouver Island, where we don’t normally get to frolic in dry leaves, All Season tires will provide a safe ride at a value you can’t beat for 10 months of the year. Three and a half Seasons for All Season Tires in Nanaimo!!

• You’re looking for signs of uneven wear, both on the tread as well as the sidewall.
• You should complete visual inspections at least once a month to insure safety and drivability of tires.
• You should have your tread depth checked & tires that are under 3/32 should be replaced.

When should I rotate my tires?

• Recommended rotations should be every 8000km (4900miles)

Why should I rotate my tires?

• Its critical to be done in order to insure the extended life of your tires and comply with manufacturer warranty

In Nanaimo, Tires are important not only for traction on the wet Nanaimo roads, proper tires are vital when it snows on Vancouver Island. You want your vehicle to be able to have traction in the rain, slush and ice!

The engine and brakes of a vehicle work directly through the tires. Even the most advanced traction and stability control systems are limited by the tire’s ability to hold the road. If a consumer has tires that are worn, under inflated, or not suited to the environment, they put themselves, their vehicle, and others at risk.

We sell tires for all makes and models, not just Ford and Lincolns any vehicle in Nanaimo can be outfitted with Tires in our shop. Call Kevin, Mitch or Ken 250-758-7742 today to get your tires.

Tires purchases include National Warranty Coverage and a free Multipoint inspection while installed in our shop. Installation costs are $20 Mount & Balance per tire plus, of course, the taxes and enviro fees.

• Recommended tire pressure is clearly marked on the serial plate on the car or truck door; however, each vehicle is different.(i.e. 40psi)

Why is proper tire inflation crucial?

• It provides efficiency and safety while driving
• Insures that there is no overheating of the tires
• On average the life of your tires will be greater
• You will get optimal fuel mileage as well as the handling of your vehicle will be at its highest
• Accurate tire pressure is important to insure the ability of minimum payloads and tow capacities.

38% of all vehicles have at least one Tire under inflated

Consumers should remember that fuel economy is dependant on proper air pressure. Monitoring air pressure regularly, and using proper inflation pressures as directed by the vehicle owner’s manual, is the best route to ensure maximum fuel economy and maximum tire life.

Regardless of Vancouver Island temperature, tires lose between 1-2 psi per month. In addition, for every 7 degrees Celsius drop in temperature, a tire will lose another pound of pressure. So a tire left unchecked from the time it was filled in warm June to 35 psi, is down 12psi in cooler November. That under inflation is going to hurt fuel economy, traction, and increase tire wear.

In Nanaimo, Tires are important not only for traction on the wet Nanaimo roads, proper tires are vital when it snows on Vancouver Island. You want your vehicle to be able to have traction in the rain, slush and ice!

The engine and brakes of a vehicle work directly through the tires. Even the most advanced traction and stability control systems are limited by the tire’s ability to hold the road. If a consumer has tires that are worn, under inflated, or not suited to the environment, they put themselves, their vehicle, and others at risk.

We sell tires for all makes and models, not just Ford and Lincolns any vehicle in Nanaimo can be outfitted with Tires in our shop. Call Kevin, Mitch or Ken 250-758-7742 today to get your tires.

Tires purchases include National Warranty Coverage and a free Multipoint inspection while installed in our shop. Installation costs are $20 Mount & Balance per tire plus, of course, the taxes and enviro fees.

The engine and brakes of a vehicle work directly through the tires. Even the most advanced traction and stability control systems are limited by the tire’s ability to hold the road. If a consumer has tires that are worn, under inflated, or not suited to the environment, they put themselves, their vehicle, and others at risk.

Learn about the differences between All Season and Snow tires here.

Tire Safety

Tires are more important than you thought. Drivers rarely give tires a second thought, but choosing the right tire can be the difference between and a near miss and an accident. Getting the right tire for a vehicle starts with finding a knowledgeable new or used car dealer. One who can help you select the tire best for the intended use. Steve Marshall Ford’s Parts Department is knowledgeable and can find the perfect tire for your driving habits and vehicle, and also point out the pros and cons of each tire brand. There is a right tire for everyone, and it is our job to find the right tire for you.

For some consumers, the choice between tires comes down to price and availability or a decision based on appearance and reputation. When depending upon our Parts Department Staff you can learn how to purchase tires based on safety, quietness, road holding ability, and wear. Regardless of tire choice, it is necessary to understand why tires are so important.

Tires are a vehicle’s only contact with the road. Even the brawniest engine, strongest brakes, or most advanced antiskid system, is at the mercy of the tire’s grip on the road. Every move a driver makes with the steering wheel or brake or gas pedal is transmitted to the road through the four post-it note-sized contact patches of the tires. Selecting the right tires for your driving needs is as important as selecting the right vehicle. Tires that are worn won’t be able to displace enough water to prevent hydroplaning. Performance tires won’t be able to get much grip in snow. All-season tires can’t manage the heat creased in high-speed driving. Passenger-car tires might not be able to carry the heavy load found in a contractor’s pickup.

Think about it.

Four tires would take up a space of over 2 feet by 3 feet. That’s a lot of area.

You can do it.

If you’d like to store your own winter tires start with a dry dark  area, avoid a cold garage or shed where moisture can be an issue. Environmental emissions are a large enemy so avoid storing your seasonal tires near electric motors such as a furnace, welders or pumps.

Clean your tires and make sure any moisture is removed. Place each in a tire storage bag. Even oxegyn is detrimental to tires, be sure the bags are air tight!

While we are trying to get as much drive time with our tires we do not want to sacrifice safety. Once a tire passes the age of six years even if there are no visual signs of deterioration, the problem may be where you cannot see it.

If you have any questions about tires, seasonal, winter or summer tires be sure to give our tire specialists in the Parts Department a call at 250-758-7742.

Order yours today! Tire Order Form Link

Once my rear tire was pulled off, my rear brakes were checked. The cover comes off first, you can see it below my truck on the hoist. Then the technician starts to shine lights and check these little boot things (where he’s pointing is a rubberish boot) for leaks! Free of leaks, he moves on.

He wiggled, jostled and shone more lights and all around made me feel like my rear brakes were thoroughly tested and very safe before giving them the “All Good”.

Then my front tires were moved to where the rear tires were, almost done this tire rotation and repair, and my front brakes were accessible for their check up.

Uh oh!

I tried taking a picture of how little pad I had left, but I’m not sure if you can see it. See that little 2mm indent between the holding cage? That’s bad. On the inspection sheet I got a “Yellow-Red” and a recommendation to get them repaired, as soon as possible.

I can only imagine the bad things that could happen if I couldn’t stop.

The tire rotation continued including balancing of the tires that needed repairs and all my tires had new spots on my truck!

Want to check out more about my tire repairs?

Are you ready to book your service? Is there anything else you’d like to see done in our shop?

We were in for an excellent surprise, the best and safest way to repair a puncture is with a patch plug.

We used 3 tire specific machines: one that deflated my tire while breaking the rim seal, one that removed my tire from the rim and one that balanced my tire with lasers!

LASERS!

The first step was to get my truck on the hoist and put the tire block on so the tires can spin freely, so we can find the hole. To make it easy to find the puncture we grabbed this solution and sprayed the tires. Starting with the valve stem and then the side walls and then finally the tread. I was lucky with where my tire puncture was, very repairable. If it is on the corner between sidewall and tread, not so repairable. See where the bubbles are, if it had been a little bit more to the left, NO repair!!

I then got a mini lesson in independent suspension and the reason for tire rotation. My front tires were “cupping” you couldn’t see it but when you rubbed your hand on the tire you could feel that the tread was tall then short on each tread…caused by not rotating the tires, and not rotating tires causes them to wear much faster.

Once we located the tires that needed repairs, and our lesson on rotation was over, we started to remove and rotate! My rear tires both had punctures so they both came off, then we started the brake checks and completing of the rotation!

See my brake’s being checked over here!

Now we start the fun part of the tire repair, the machines!! Did I mention the lasers?

The machine we first used was this amazing beast that broke the seal of rim to tire with a loud POP! and let out all the air, FAST! The second machine removed the tire from the rim using that little arm thing (see the first picture above) ran it’s way around the edge of the tire until the top was off the rim, then onto the bottom lip. Quick and easy.

(That third picture is just a gratuitous tool shot.)

Now we get to take the rimless tire to it’s “holder” and fix it. First the technician works at getting that nasty giant staple (click the picture to see it up close) out, then he drills a perfect hole for the plug to go in, then grinds the tire to make sure there are no burrs that could make the patch not stick.

Here is the “plug patch”. It gets covered in some glue and put into the hole, pulled out the other side and then burnished from inside of the tire so it sticks. Then we paint the inside of the tire and the patch with some serious tar looking goop.

Almost done with the repair, we trim the length of the plug and we are ready to put the tire back on the rim and back on the truck.

To make it easy to put the tire back on the rim Warren painted it with this slimy stuff from a bucket, it looked like salted lard. Started up the machine that rolled around the rim of the tire before, it now put the tire back on the rim! The valve stem got replaced, just a tiny little piece that got screwed in before we filled the tire up with air!

To the LASER MACHINE!

I was told that it’s a balancing machine (laser’s only got mentioned once). The balancer, with it’s lasers, spins the tire and calculates how thick each area of the tire is, finds any abnormalities and then tells you how much additional weight is needed on the tire to give you a super smooth ride. Once the weights are on the machine spins the tire a little bit and gives you to green arrows indicating each side is balanced! It was truly amazing, I wouldn’t mind seeing it again.

Then my tires were all put back on my truck after the technician finished up my repair, tire rotation and brake inspection plus a Multi Point Inspection… Turns out my oil was low!!

Is there anything else you’d like to see our shop do?