【Sapporo】Winter Tire installation fees & Recommended Shop!
As happens every year, once November hits in Sapporo, booking a tire change appointment becomes a battle. “By the time I realized, they were fully booked…” “I went on the weekend and had to wait several hours, wasting my precious day off…” Many of you have likely had this experience.
With the rush already here, booking an appointment can be tough. It’s crucial to plan your swap, perhaps by aiming for a weekday if possible, to avoid the weekend crowds. Getting your tires swapped before the first heavy snowfall is key. This also gives you time for the necessary “break-in driving” (driving on dry asphalt) that new studless tires need to perform at 100%. This preparation is the smartest choice for peace of mind and saving time during the peak winter season.
目次
- [What You’ll Learn from This Article]
- What is the Average Cost for a Tire Change?
- Where Should You Get Them Changed? Sapporo Tire Shop Features
- 3 Tips for a Successful Tire Change in Sapporo
- [Incl. Labor] For Cheap Studless Tire Changes, Try “Tire Ryutsu Center”
- [By Ward] 5 Recommended Tire Change Shops in Sapporo
- Summary
[What You’ll Learn from This Article]
- Tips for getting your studless tires changed in Sapporo
- The estimated cost for a tire change
- 5 recommended shops for Sapporo residents that balance low cost and expertise
What is the Average Cost for a Tire Change?
Studless tires tend to be 10-20% more expensive than summer tires. To choose a shop wisely, let’s first understand the average costs.
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? Sapporo 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 Sapporo
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?
Winter tire changes are directly linked to your safety on packed snow and icy roads. For Sapporo residents who often use major routes like National Route 5, Route 12, or the Sasson Expressway, it’s safest to choose a shop with reliable technicians you can trust with harsh winter conditions.
Point 3: Can They “Recommend” the Right Tire for Your Lifestyle?
“I mostly drive in the city,” “I have a long commute to the suburbs,” “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)
<Total Cost (tax incl.) = “Studless Tire Price (4)” + “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.)
[By Ward] 5 Recommended Tire Change Shops in Sapporo
Sapporo Teine Store (with Shaken no Hayataro / Hokkaido Kei Park)
Located on National Route 5, it’s easily accessible from Teine and Nishi Wards, as well as from the Otaru area.
Shop Information: Address: 2-11-3 Nishi-Miyanosawa 5-jo, Teine-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido Phone: 011-671-8383
Up Garage Sapporo Shin-Hassamu Store
Located on Shimo-Teine-dori, with good access from Shinkawa and Shinkotoni. A local used parts store.
Shop Information: Address: 1-1 Shin-Hassamu 5-jo 3-chome, Teine-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido Phone: 011-695-0047
Up Garage Sapporo Higashi-Kariki Store
Just off the Kariki IC on the Do-o Expressway. A convenient location for a final check before a long drive.
Shop Information: Address: 1-30 Higashi-Kariki 10-jo 4-chome, Higashi-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido Phone: 011-790-1182
Up Garage Sapporo Atsubetsu Store
Along National Route 12, with good access from Ebetsu. Their large inventory is a major draw.
Shop Information: Address: 2-15 Atsubetsu-Higashi 4-jo 1-chome, Atsubetsu-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido Phone: 011-897-2000
Up Garage Sapporo Hiraoka Store
On Atsubetsu-Chuo-dori, with good access from Hitsujigaoka-dori. Convenient for those living in the southern area.
Shop Information: Address: 5-1-1 Hiraoka 1-jo, Kiyota-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido Phone: 011-888-1182
Summary
- Don’t wait! Booking your studless tire change as early as possible is best.
- Choose a shop based on “Total Cost,” “Safety,” and “Recommendation Quality.”
- Get your winter prep done smart and affordably at your local Up Garage!
Choose the shop that fits your car life, and let’s aim for safe winter driving with full preparation!
2025/11/07
