What's the difference between an on-rim and an off-rim tire change?
On-rim means your other set of tires is already mounted on its own wheels, so we just swap the wheels: about 30 minutes and $79.95. Off-rim means the tires have to come off one set of rims and be mounted and balanced on another, which takes longer and is $199.95.
On-rim: swapping complete wheels
Most drivers in Ottawa and the GTA keep their winter tires on a second set of rims. Each tire is already mounted and balanced on its own wheel, so a seasonal change is a straight swap: the car goes up, the wheels come off, the other set goes on, and every lug nut is torqued to the spec for your vehicle.
- About 30 minutes per vehicle
- $79.95
- Includes a rotation, a pressure check and a visual safety inspection
Off-rim: mounting and balancing
If you have one set of rims and two sets of tires, each change means taking the tires off the rims and mounting the other set. That needs a tire machine to mount them and a balancer so the wheel spins true at highway speed. We bring both in the truck, so it still happens in your driveway.
- Takes longer than an on-rim swap
- $199.95, mounting and balancing included
- Same torque, rotation, pressure check and inspection
Which one do I need?
Have a look at the set you are not using. If they are full wheels, rubber and metal together with lug holes, book on-rim. If they are only tires, book off-rim. If you are not sure, send us a photo or call and we will tell you before the appointment.
New tires
Buying new tires? We can source them for you with free driveway delivery and install them the same visit. New tires always need mounting and balancing, so that visit is an off-rim change.
Common follow-up questions
How do I know if my tires are on rims?
Look at the tires you have stored. If each one is a complete wheel, a tire with a metal rim in the middle and lug holes, they are on rims and you need an on-rim swap. If they are just rubber tires with an empty hole in the middle, they need to be mounted, which is an off-rim change.
Is it worth buying a second set of rims?
For most drivers who change tires twice a year, yes. Mounting and balancing every spring and fall costs more over a few seasons than a set of steel or alloy winter rims, and on-rim swaps are faster and easier on the tires.
What is included in both?
Both include torquing the lug nuts to your vehicle's spec, a rotation, a pressure check and a visual safety inspection.