OK Tire & Auto Repair in Cranbrook is a reputable tire dealer serving the East Kootenay region

OK Tire was started back in 1953 when a small group of Canadian independent tire shops got together to increase the selection and service they could offer to their customers. Now a nationwide and proudly 100% Canadian–owned brand, the OK Tire company is synonymous with quality and reliable service.

The OK Tire & Auto Service location in Cranbrook is locally-owned and -operated. Because our company specializes in tires, we stock a huge range of brands and sizes. This ensures that when you come into our retail location, we’ll be able to supply the tires you need promptly and at competitive prices. We also supply specialty tires for things like trailers, golf carts, dollies and ATVs.

Our technicians are trained to help you maximize the life of your tires and ensure every drive is a smooth one. Come see us for wheel alignments, tire rotation, balancing and tire repairs.

Dealing with a flat tire? Book an appointment at OK Tire & Auto Service in Cranbrook

Time to get your tires changed? Book your next appointment at OK Tire & Auto Service in Cranbrook using our convenient online booking system. Simply fill out our “Request an Appointment" form, fill in your details and we’ll get back to you right away. As always, customers are also welcome to give us a call at 250-426-2844 to book an appointment.

Five-star customer reviews for OK Tire & Auto Service in Cranbrook:

“Quick, thorough, professional fairly priced service. I had my tires switched and they went beyond and let me know one of my ball joints needed replacement and I had a leak, in my oil pan. Thanks!” ~ Opal, Google reviewer

“Great people. They always offer a ride back to home when someone visits for a oil change or car repair. Thanks, OK Tire.” ~ Sandeep, Google reviewer

“OK Tire has never let me down thanks to Jay and the team for their great customer service and knowledge. Thanks for always fixing the issues with my trucks. Great shop!” ~ Robert, Google reviewer

This is just a sampling. Check out the rest of our stellar Google reviews.

How do winter tires compare to all-season tires in snow and ice?

It’s tempting to stick to all-season tires on your vehicle all year long. But the term “all-season” is a bit of a misnomer. If you live in an area where icy winter roads are the norm, then winter tires are an absolute must. All-season tires lack the specialized features that give winter tires their superior traction and performance on snowy, icy Canadian roads. Here are three important factors about the differences between winter tires and all-season tires:

1. The rubber. In extreme cold temperatures, the tread rubber of all-season tires will stiffen. Winter tires have a compound that allows the rubber to remain flexible, allowing for better traction on slippery roads.

2. Tread depth and patterns. Winter tire tread patterns are specifically designed to channel snow and slush and expel water while driving. Their deeper tread depth reduces snow buildup on the tires.

3. Biting edges. Winter tires feature thousands of tiny slits in the tread that grip the road better in adverse conditions.

Do you have questions about the most suitable tires for your vehicle? Give the experts a call at OK Tire & Auto Service in Cranbrook, 250-426-2844.

Tire rotation and why it’s important—answers from a Cranbrook tire shop

OK Tire & Auto Service in Cranbrook are specialists when it comes to anything tire-related and that includes tire rotation. So what exactly is tire rotation and why is it an important part of your routine upkeep?

Tire rotation means periodically changing the position of each of the tires on your vehicle. Ideally, it should be done every 8,000 kilometres or so. It’s important for several reasons:

• Your tire tread is maximized by spreading wear evenly across all four tires. For example, in a front-wheel drive vehicle the front tires will wear more quickly as they get more friction and torque from braking, accelerating and turning.

• Maintaining even tread keeps the tread depth on all four tires uniform, which can help your vehicle with handling and traction.

• Evenly worn tires reduce the strain on the drivetrain of your vehicle and minimize wear on expensive vehicle components.

How can I tell if I need new tires?

It’s a fact of owning a vehicle—eventually your tires will need to be replaced. Here are four signs that it’s time to book an appointment:

1. Tread depth. The tread depth of your tires should never be below 1.6 mm. Check the depth regularly with a tread depth gauge.

2. Cracks in the sidewall. Cuts, grooves or hairline cracks indicate weakness in the rubber and could cause a tire blowout.

3. Bulges and blisters. If you spot a bulge in your tire, it’s definitely time to get new ones. Bulges indicate weak spots in the tire, potentially causing a sudden tire blowout on the road.

4. Excessive vibration. There’s always a certain amount of vibration with tires, but it shouldn’t be excessive. If issues like misaligned or unbalanced tires have been ruled out, the problem may be an internal issue with the tire itself. Get this checked out by a professional.

Does OK Tire offer other automotive repair services?

We service vehicles of all makes and models! If you need an auto mechanic in Cranbrook, check out our automotive services page.

Services and products offered by OK Tire in Cranbrook:

• Lube, oil and filter changes
• Batteries
• Air conditioning
• Fuel injection and tune-ups
• Drum and rotor turning
• Shocks and shock absorbers
• Wheel alignments
• Brakes—disc-drum brake service
• Mufflers and exhaust systems
• Auto repairs—cars, light trucks, 4x4s, campers and vans
• ICBC-designated inspection facility
• Nationwide warranties
• Free estimates
• Online appointment scheduling