【Nagano】Winter Tire installation fees & Recommended Shop!
Visiting Zenkoji Temple in winter, or taking a weekend drive to Togakushi or ski resorts. For your winter car life in Nagano City, surrounded by mountains, high-performance studless tires are essential. “I need to get them changed soon…” “I want to keep costs down, but I’m worried about the winter roads”—For those in Nagano City thinking this, we’ve compiled information on the average cost of a studless tire change and a highly recommended shop.
目次
- [What You’ll Learn from This Article]
- When is the Best Time for a Studless Tire Change in Nagano City?
- What is the Average Cost for a Studless Tire Change?
- Where Should You Get Them Changed? Nagano City Tire Shop Features
- 3 Tips for a Successful Tire Change in Nagano City
- [Incl. Labor] For Cheap Studless Tire Changes, Try “Tire Ryutsu Center”
- Recommended Tire Change Shop in Nagano City
- Summary
[What You’ll Learn from This Article]
- The best time for a studless tire change in Nagano City
- Estimated cost of a tire change by vehicle type
- 3 tips for choosing the right tire shop
- A recommended shop in the Nagano area
When is the Best Time for a Studless Tire Change in Nagano City?
To safely get through Nagano’s early winter, an early tire change is a golden rule. The first snow in the city center is around mid-November, but in Togakushi and surrounding mountain areas, roads can start freezing in late October. Early preparation is especially important for those who use mountain roads.
- When to change: When the forecast shows daily low temperatures consistently around 5°C (41°F), it’s time to change. Even without snow, low temperatures bring the risk of frozen bridges and shaded areas (black ice).
- Recommended Time: In short, late October to early November. From mid-November on, shops get extremely busy, so a planned, early change is the first step to safe winter driving.
What is the Average Cost for a Studless Tire Change?
The first step to smart shopping is knowing the average price. Studless tires tend to be 10-20% more expensive than summer tires.
Estimated Studless Tire Change Cost by Vehicle Type
Kei Car
Typical Models: N-BOX, Tanto, Spacia
Estimated Cost (4 tires, incl. labor): ¥35,000 – ¥70,000
Compact Car
Typical Models: Aqua, Fit, Yaris
Estimated Cost (4 tires, incl. labor): ¥45,000 – ¥90,000
Sedan / Mid-size Minivan
Typical Models: Prius, Serena, Stepwgn
Estimated Cost (4 tires, incl. labor): ¥65,000 – ¥140,000
SUV / Large Minivan
Typical Models: Harrier, Alphard, Voxy
Estimated Cost (4 tires, incl. labor): ¥85,000 – ¥220,000+
Where Should You Get Them Changed? Nagano City Tire Shop Features
Car Dealership
Pros
Meticulous work, high peace of mind, strong with genuine parts.
Cons
Prices are high, fewer tire options.
Auto Parts Superstore
Pros
Wide selection, you can sometimes find items on sale.
Cons
Tends to be crowded on weekends, often involving long waits.
Gas Station
Pros
Convenient, can be done while getting gas.
Cons
Limited stock, and expertise may not be specialized.
Tire Specialty Shop
Pros
Deep expert knowledge, you can expect precise recommendations.
Cons
Often perceived as being expensive.
3 Tips for a Successful Tire Change in Nagano City
Point 1: Is the “Total Cost” Clear and Reasonable?
Don’t judge by the “tire price” alone. It’s dangerous. Be sure to compare the “total cost” which includes labor, balancing, and old tire disposal fees, and choose a shop that explains it clearly.
Point 2: Is the “Work Quality” Reliable for Winter Roads?
A tire change is a crucial task directly related to safety. For Nagano residents who often use major routes like Route 18 (Nagano Bypass) or the Joshin-etsu Expressway, it’s safest to choose a shop that performs service you can trust in harsh winter conditions.
Point 3: Can They “Recommend” the Right Tire for Your Lifestyle?
“I mostly drive in the city,” “I go to mountain roads and ski resorts often,” “I want a studless tire with good fuel economy,” etc. Choose a shop with the knowledge and experience to listen to your needs and recommend the perfect tire for you.
[Incl. Labor] For Cheap Studless Tire Changes, Try “Tire Ryutsu Center”
[Total Cost] Studless Tire Change Price Guide (Incl. installation fees)
| Size | Total Cost (tax incl.) |
|---|---|
| 12 inch | From ¥22,990 |
| 13 inch | From ¥24,090 |
| 14 inch | From ¥26,290 |
| 15 inch | From ¥36,190 |
| 16 inch | From ¥47,410 |
| 17 inch | From ¥54,010 |
Other Options (tax incl.)
Recommended Tire Change Shop in Nagano City
Up Garage Nagano Store
Located on Route 18 (Nagano Bypass), a main artery for Nagano City, this shop has excellent access from all parts of the city. It’s in a prime location just a few minutes by car from the Nagano IC on the Joshin-etsu Expressway, making it easy to stop by before or after a trip on the highway.
Their large inventory of used parts is a major draw, and you can often find high-quality used studless tires. It’s the perfect shop for making a smart tire choice to get through the Nagano winter, which often involves driving on mountain roads. Of course, their professional staff will also handle new tire changes with care.
Shop Information: Address: 1322-2 Kawanakajima-machi Hara, Nagano-shi, Nagano Phone: 026-254-6800
Summary
- The best season for a studless tire change in Nagano is late October to early November.
- It’s important to choose a shop based on “Total Cost,” “Safety,” and “Recommendation Quality.”
- The “Up Garage Nagano Store,” located on the Nagano Bypass and near the Nagano IC, is highly recommended.
Choose the shop that fits your car life, and let’s enjoy the Shinshu-Nagano winter safely with perfect preparation!
2025/11/07
