Tire Centre
If you need new tires for your vehicle, come see us today. Tires are the most important part of your vehicle and should not be neglected regardless of the season.
Newfoundland doesn't give much warning. One weekend it's fall, and by Wednesday you're looking at a six-inch snowfall warning and your all-season tires. At Hickman Chevrolet's tire centre on Kenmount Road, we see the November rush every year — and we always recommend the same thing: book early.
We carry and install all major winter tire brands for every vehicle in our service centre. Whether you bought your vehicle from us or not, our GM-certified technicians will have your seasonal tires installed, balanced, and ready in about an hour.
We have a wide selection of tires in stock to offer from the best brands. Meet our experts and let us know your budget and needs. We can then advise you on the best tires for your Chevrolet.
We also have a Tire Centre that will handle the installation of your tires quickly. For the best tires for your Chevrolet rely on our Tire Centre and the expertise of our representatives. They know how to find the best tires for your Chevrolet. We also offer you discounts and promotions when you buy your tires to help you save money. Come meet us now, it is our pleasure to advise you on the purchase of your next tires.
When Should You Switch To Winter Tires in Newfoundland and Labrador?
The standard rule — used across Canada and backed by tire manufacturers — is to install winter tires when daily temperatures consistently fall below +7°C. At this temperature, the rubber compound in all-season tires begins to harden and lose grip, even on dry pavement.
In St. John's, that threshold typically arrives in mid-to-late October. Our recommendation: book your tire changeover appointment in September or early October to guarantee a slot before the rush. The busiest weeks in our tire centre are the last week of October and the first two weeks of November — often with 2–3 week waits.
What's the difference bewtween Winter Tires and All Season Tires?
A common misconception is that all-season tires are adequate for NL winters. Here's the key difference:
| Feature | Winter tires | All-season tires |
| Rubber compound | Stays soft below 7°C for grip | Hardens in cold, reducing grip |
| Tread pattern | Deep, aggressive — channels slush/snow | Moderate — designed for varied conditions |
| Braking distance (ice) | Up to 25% shorter | Baseline |
| Braking distance (snow) | Up to 30% shorter | Baseline |
| NL winter recommendation | Strongly recommended | Adequate for mild shoulder-season only |
Winter tire brands we carry
Our tire centre carries all major brands including Michelin X-Ice, Bridgestone Blizzak, Nokian Hakkapeliitta, Continental IceContact, and others. Our service advisors can recommend the best fit for your specific vehicle, driving pattern, and budget.
Tire storage at Hickman Chevrolet
We offer seasonal tire storage so you don't need to find space at home for a set of tires. Ask about our storage programme when you book your changeover appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need winter tires if I have AWD?
A: Yes. AWD helps you accelerate on slippery surfaces but does not improve your ability to stop or steer on ice. Braking is governed entirely by tire grip — and a winter tire stops 25-30% shorter than an all-season on ice. AWD + winter tires is the correct combination; AWD alone on all-seasons is not a substitute.
Q: When should I switch back to summer/all-season tires in NL?
A: Wait until temperatures consistently stay above +7°C — typically late April in St. John's, though the Avalon can get late-season snowfalls into May. Running winter tires too long into spring wears them faster and reduces fuel economy on warm dry pavement.
Q: Should I buy a second set of rims for winter tires?
A: It's worth it for most drivers. Having winter tires mounted on a dedicated set of steel rims (less expensive than alloys) means changeovers cost less (no mounting and balancing — just a swap and torque check), and you avoid the risk of damaging alloy rims during changeovers. Over 5-6 years, the savings typically offset the cost of the extra rims.
Q: How much does a winter tire changeover cost at Hickman?
A: Pricing depends on vehicle type and whether tires need to be mounted or just swapped. Contact our service department at 709-726-6990 for current pricing. If you're also purchasing tires, we can include installation in the package.