🔄 Quick Answer — Tire Change Costs in Ottawa (2026)
A seasonal tire change in Ottawa costs $40 – $80 for four tires already on rims and $80 – $160 for tires that need mounting and balancing. Mobile services that come to your driveway run $80 – $200. Peak season (October–November and April–May) means 2–4 week wait times at shops — book early or go mobile. Retorque lug nuts after 100 km of driving.
📞 Need roadside tire help now? Call (613) 317-3924
Twice a year, every Ottawa driver faces the same chore: swapping between winter tires and all-seasons. Get it done too late in the fall and you are sliding through the first snowfall on summer rubber. Wait too long in the spring and your winter tires are grinding down on warm pavement, costing you hundreds in premature wear. And every year the tire shops get slammed — with wait times stretching weeks during peak season.
This guide covers everything you need to know about getting a tire change in Ottawa in 2026: how much it costs (shop vs. mobile vs. DIY), when to swap, where to go in every part of the city — Kanata, Barrhaven, Orléans, Gatineau — and what to look for in a quality tire service. Whether you need a quick seasonal swap or are stranded with a flat, Towing Ottawa has you covered with 24/7 flat tire service and roadside tire help across the National Capital Region.
When to Change Your Tires in Ottawa
Timing matters — both for safety and for beating the rush. Here is the seasonal tire change calendar for Ottawa-area drivers:
❄️ Fall → Winter Tires
When: Mid-October to mid-November
Rule of thumb: When daily temps consistently drop below 7°C
Ottawa average: First sub-7°C stretch usually arrives in late October
💡 Book by Thanksgiving weekend to avoid 2–4 week waits
☀️ Spring → All-Season / Summer Tires
When: Mid-April to mid-May
Rule of thumb: When daily temps consistently stay above 7°C
Ottawa average: Usually safe by mid-April, but watch for late-April flurries
💡 Leaving winter tires on warm roads accelerates tread wear and increases braking distances
⚠️ Gatineau / Quebec drivers: Winter tires are legally mandatory from December 1 to March 15 for all passenger vehicles registered in Quebec. Tires must display the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) symbol. Fines for non-compliance are $200 – $300. Ontario has no legal mandate, but insurance providers typically offer a 3–5% winter tire discount.
How Much Does a Tire Change Cost in Ottawa?
Prices vary based on whether your seasonal tires are mounted on their own set of rims (“on-rim”) or need to be dismounted, mounted, and balanced (“off-rim”). Here is what Ottawa drivers can expect in 2026:
💰 Money-saving tip: Buy a second set of steel rims for your winter tires. The upfront cost ($200–$400 for a set) pays for itself within 2–3 years by cutting your seasonal swap cost in half (on-rim vs. off-rim) and eliminating the risk of bead damage from repeated mounting. Most tire shops will mount your new winter tires on the spare rims for free when you buy from them.
On-Rim vs. Off-Rim: What Is the Difference?
This is the single biggest factor that determines your tire change cost and time:
✅ On-Rim Swap
Each set of tires has its own dedicated rims (wheels). The technician simply unbolts the whole wheel and bolts on the other set.
Cost: $40 – $80 (shop) / $80 – $160 (mobile)
Time: 30–45 minutes
No balancing needed. Faster, cheaper, and less wear on the tire bead.
🔧 Off-Rim Swap
Both sets of tires share one set of rims. The technician must break the bead, dismount the old tire, mount the new one, balance, and reset TPMS.
Cost: $80 – $160 (shop) / $120 – $200 (mobile)
Time: 45–60 minutes
Requires tire machine. Each mount/dismount slightly stresses the bead and rim.
For a full breakdown of mobile tire pricing and when mobile makes more sense than a shop visit, see our mobile tire repair guide.
Tire Change by Area: Ottawa, Kanata, Barrhaven, Orléans & Gatineau
Ottawa is a sprawling city and where you live affects your tire change options. Here is a neighbourhood-by-neighbourhood breakdown:
📍 Tire Change in Kanata
Kanata’s suburban layout means most drivers have driveways — ideal for mobile tire service. Several independent shops and chains serve the Kanata–Stittsville corridor along March Road, Hazeldean Road, and the Palladium Drive area. Peak-season wait times here tend to be slightly shorter than downtown, but booking a week or two in advance is still wise. A tire change in Kanata costs the same as Ottawa city rates ($40–$80 on-rim at a shop). Mobile services cover all of Kanata including Bridlewood, Morgan’s Grant, and Kanata Lakes.
📍 Tire Change in Barrhaven
Barrhaven’s rapid growth means more drivers competing for shop appointments each season. The Strandherd Drive and Greenbank Road corridor has several tire shops, but slots fill fast in October and April. Mobile tire services are popular here — a technician can swap all four tires in your Barrhaven driveway without the 30-minute drive to a central Ottawa shop. If you need a tire change in Barrhaven, book at least 10 days ahead during peak months or call a mobile provider for same-week service.
📍 Tire Change in Orléans
Orléans is well-served by shops along St. Joseph Boulevard, Innes Road, and the Trim Road commercial strip. The east-end commute along the 174 makes properly timed tire changes especially important — winter storms hit this corridor hard. Mobile services cover all Orléans neighbourhoods including Avalon, Fallingbrook, and Chapel Hill. A tire change in Orléans is priced in line with the rest of Ottawa, and many shops here offer drop-off evening appointments to accommodate commuters.
📍 Tire Change in Gatineau
If your vehicle is registered in Quebec, winter tires are legally required from December 1 to March 15 — and they must carry the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) symbol. Fines are $200–$300 for non-compliance. This creates a massive rush in late November, making early booking essential. A tire change in Gatineau is typically priced in the same range as Ottawa. Many Ottawa-based mobile services cross the river to serve Hull, Aylmer, and Gatineau proper.
📍 Other Areas We Cover
Flat Tire or Need a Seasonal Swap?
24/7 roadside tire change • Mobile service • All Ottawa areas
Shop vs. Mobile vs. DIY: Which Option Is Best?
Each approach has trade-offs. Here is how they compare for a standard seasonal on-rim swap:
Our recommendation: If time matters more than money, go mobile. If budget is tight and you can book early, a shop is cheapest. DIY is free but requires a floor jack, jack stands, a torque wrench, and physical effort — and you must retorque after 100 km. For a step-by-step DIY guide, see our post on how to change a flat tire.
What to Look for in a Quality Tire Change Service
Not all tire services are created equal. A rushed or sloppy job can leave you with loose lug nuts, damaged TPMS sensors, or unbalanced wheels. Here is what separates a good tire change from a risky one:
✅ Torque wrench, not just an impact gun. Every lug nut should be tightened to your vehicle manufacturer’s spec (typically 80–110 ft-lbs for passenger cars). Over-torqued lugs warp rotors; under-torqued lugs work loose.
✅ Tire pressure check. All four tires should be set to the pressure on your door jamb sticker — not the max pressure printed on the sidewall.
✅ Visual inspection. A good tech checks tread depth, sidewall condition, and tire age (DOT code) while the wheels are off.
✅ Retorque reminder. After 100 km of driving, lug nuts should be retorqued. The best services offer a free follow-up or host retorque clinics.
✅ TPMS reset. If your vehicle has tire pressure monitoring, the sensors should be properly reset after the swap. A persistent TPMS warning light means it was not done.
✅ Proper storage advice. Tires on rims should be stacked flat; tires off rims should stand upright. Both should be kept in a cool, dark place away from solvents and direct sunlight.
Tire Storage Options in Ottawa
No garage? Living in a condo? Tire storage solves the problem of where to keep your off-season set. Here is what to know:
Cost: $60–$100 per season (roughly 6–9 months). Climate-controlled storage is at the higher end, shipping containers at the lower end.
What is included: Most storage services include pickup and delivery of your tires when it is time to swap. Some include a basic tire inspection.
Insurance: Confirm whether your stored tires are insured against theft or damage. Some facilities include basic coverage; others charge extra.
DIY storage: If you have space at home, store tires on rims flat (stacked), tires off rims upright (standing). Keep them in a cool, dry, dark location. Avoid storing near furnaces, electric motors, or chemicals that release ozone — all of which degrade rubber faster.
Other Tire & Roadside Services
Beyond seasonal swaps, Towing Ottawa provides 24/7 roadside help across the region:
Frequently Asked Questions: Tire Change in Ottawa
How much does a seasonal tire change cost in Ottawa?
An on-rim seasonal swap at a tire shop typically costs $40–$80 for four tires. Off-rim swaps (requiring mounting and balancing) run $80–$160. Mobile services cost slightly more ($80–$200) but come to your location and save you time.
When should I switch to winter tires in Ottawa?
When daily temperatures consistently drop below 7°C — usually late October to mid-November in Ottawa. Book your appointment by Thanksgiving weekend to avoid 2–4 week wait times at shops during peak season.
Are winter tires mandatory in Ottawa?
Not in Ontario — there is no legal mandate. However, most insurance companies offer a 3–5% discount for winter tires. In Quebec (including Gatineau), winter tires are legally required from December 1 to March 15, with fines of $200–$300 for non-compliance.
What is the difference between on-rim and off-rim tire change?
On-rim means each set of tires has its own rims — the technician just swaps the whole wheel assembly ($40–$80). Off-rim means the tires share one set of rims and must be dismounted, remounted, and balanced each time ($80–$160). Buying a second set of rims saves money long-term.
How long does a seasonal tire swap take?
An on-rim swap takes about 30–45 minutes. An off-rim swap with mounting and balancing takes 45–60 minutes. Shop wait times during peak season can add hours to your visit, which is why mobile services are becoming more popular.
Do I need to retorque after a tire change?
Yes — always retorque lug nuts after approximately 100 km of driving. Lug nuts can settle and loosen slightly after initial installation. Many tire shops and mobile services offer free retorque clinics. Skipping this step risks a loose wheel, which is extremely dangerous.
Can I get a mobile tire change in Kanata or Barrhaven?
Yes. Mobile tire services cover all Ottawa suburbs including Kanata, Barrhaven, Orléans, Nepean, Stittsville, Gloucester, and Gatineau. A technician comes to your driveway, parking lot, or workplace with all the equipment needed for a full on-rim swap.
How should I store my off-season tires?
Tires on rims should be stacked flat. Tires without rims should stand upright. Store them in a cool, dry, dark area away from heat sources and chemicals. Professional tire storage in Ottawa costs $60–$100 per season and includes pickup and delivery.
Can I drive on winter tires year-round?
Technically yes, but it is not recommended. Winter tires are made from softer rubber compounds that wear much faster in warm weather. They also increase braking distances on dry pavement and reduce fuel efficiency. Swapping to all-seasons or summer tires in spring extends the life of your winter set and keeps you safer.
What happens if I get a flat tire during my seasonal tire swap appointment?
If you get a flat before making it to the shop, call (613) 317-3924 for roadside tire help. We can swap your spare on-site so you can drive safely to your appointment, or we can handle the full seasonal change as a mobile service at your location.
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