Common Tire Myths Calgary Drivers Still Believe
Tires attract more bad advice than almost any part of a car. Some of it is harmless; some of it costs you money, grip, or safety. Here are the tire myths we still hear most from Calgary drivers — and what's actually true.
Myth 1: "All-season tires are fine for a Calgary winter"
All-season rubber stiffens below about 7°C and loses grip, which is exactly when our winters get going. For Calgary you want a dedicated winter tire or a 3PMSF all-weather tire. "All-season" really means three-season here.
Myth 2: "New tires belong on the front"
The better tires go on the rear axle — even on a front-wheel-drive car. Rear grip is what keeps the car stable and resists fishtailing and hydroplaning. That's why a shop will mount a new pair on the back, not the front.
Myth 3: "Higher pressure gives better performance"
Follow the number on your door-jamb placard, not the maximum printed on the sidewall. Over-inflation shrinks the contact patch and wears the center of the tread; under-inflation builds heat and wears the edges. The right number is a real number, set cold.
Myth 4: "You only need new tires when they're bald"
Tread depth is only part of it. Age and condition matter too — cracked sidewalls or a tire that's eight or ten years old can need replacing before the tread is gone. The quick home check is the toonie test. And if you damage one tire, whether you replace one, two, or all four depends on tread depth and drivetrain — that's the 20% rule.
Myth 5: "Mismatched tires are fine as long as they hold air"
Mixing tire types, sizes, or badly different tread depths hurts handling and can damage an all-wheel-drive system over time. Here's what "matched" actually means and why it matters.
Myth 6: "Nitrogen in tires is a must-have"
Nitrogen leaks a little slower and is more temperature-stable, but regular air is already about 78% nitrogen and works fine for daily driving. The thing that actually matters is checking your pressure regularly. Our nitrogen vs air breakdown has the details.
Frequently asked questions
Do new tires really go on the back?
Yes, even on front-wheel-drive cars. The better tires on the rear axle keep the vehicle stable and reduce the risk of the back end sliding or hydroplaning.
Are all-season tires safe in Calgary winter?
Not really. They harden and lose grip below about 7°C. For our winters, choose a dedicated winter tire or a 3PMSF-rated all-weather tire.
Should I inflate my tires to the number on the sidewall?
No. The sidewall number is the maximum, not the recommended pressure. Use the figure on the driver's door-jamb placard, set when the tires are cold.
How old is too old for a tire?
Many makers suggest replacing tires at six to ten years regardless of tread, and visible cracking means the rubber is aging. Check the DOT date code on the sidewall.
Is nitrogen worth paying for?
For most daily drivers, the benefit is marginal. Regular pressure checks matter far more than what's in the tire.
Got a tire question you're not sure about? Call or book a visit and we'll give you a straight answer. Prince Tires · 111 42 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2G 0A4 · (403) 452-4283 · Book online.
Posted by the Prince Tires team. Calgary tire specialists since 2021. Last updated: June 2026.
Sources: Transport Canada, Tire and Rubber Association of Canada.
