The Capilano Volkswagen Tire Centre in North Vancouver sells, installs, and stores tires for your Volkswagen, including winter tires from Michelin, Bridgestone, and Continental. From October 1, BC requires winter-rated tires on designated highways such as the Sea to Sky.
Book your changeover early to get the time slot you want.
What does the Tire Centre offer?
| Service | What you get |
|---|---|
| Tire sales | Volkswagen-approved all-season, winter, and performance tires from brands including Michelin, Bridgestone, and Continental |
| Installation | Mounting, balancing, and alignment by certified technicians |
| Seasonal changeover | Swap between summer or all-season tires and winter tires |
| Tire storage | Store your off-season set with us, so it is ready for the next changeover |
| Tire protection | Coverage against road hazards, punctures, and more |
When should I switch to winter tires?
If you drive the Sea to Sky, the Coquihalla, or any other designated BC highway, you need winter-rated tires or chains from October 1 until March 31 or April 30, depending on the route. Metro Vancouver city streets are not designated routes, but North Shore hills see snow and ice most winters, so many local drivers switch in October anyway. A common rule of thumb is to switch once daytime temperatures stay below about 7°C, when all-season rubber starts to lose grip.
For the full details on routes and dates, read Do You Need Winter Tires in BC?
What counts as a legal winter tire in BC?
A tire marked with either the three-peaked mountain and snowflake symbol or the M+S (mud and snow) symbol, with at least 3.5 mm of tread. M+S all-seasons meet the legal minimum, but tires with the mountain and snowflake symbol stop and turn better on snow and ice. Our team can check your current tires and tell you which you have.
Do I still need winter tires if my Volkswagen has 4MOTION?
Yes. 4MOTION all-wheel drive helps you get moving on snow, but braking and cornering grip come from the tires. The BC rule has no exception for AWD. A 4MOTION Tiguan or Taos on worn all-seasons can take longer to stop on snow than a front-wheel-drive car on proper winter tires.
Why buy tires from a Volkswagen dealer?
- The right fit: tires matched to your Volkswagen's size, load, and speed ratings
- Advice for how you drive: our tire experts consider your driving habits, seasonal needs, and model
- Certified technicians: mounting, balancing, and alignment done right, which helps your tires last longer
- One visit: pair your tire changeover with scheduled maintenance
- Regular promotions on tires and tire services. See our current offers.
How do I check my tread depth?
Use a tread depth gauge at several points across each tire, or look for the tread wear bars moulded into the grooves. If your tires are close to 3.5 mm, they are close to the legal limit for designated routes, and their snow performance has already dropped. We can measure them for you at your next visit.
When is the Tire Centre open?
| Day | Service and Parts hours |
|---|---|
| Monday to Friday | 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
Book your tire changeover
The Capilano Volkswagen Tire Centre is at 1151 Marine Drive in North Vancouver. Book your appointment online, request a tire quote, or call us at 1-604-985-0694. October fills up fast, so book before the first snow.
