THUNDER BAY — The icy and snowy weather making an early appearance this week has served as a reminder to many drivers that it’s also time to get those winter tires installed.
“The phones have been ringing off the hook today,” said Darian Vanschie, service advisor at Done-Rite Tire and Auto. “If you haven’t made an appointment yet, I would definitely call around and make an appointment. It is getting dicey out there.”
It’s around this time of year that most people start thinking about making an appointment to install their winter tires, but the arrival of freezing rain and expected snow on Thursday and Friday has many booking appointments now.
But even if the roads are looking a little slick at the moment, motorists should be aware that they may not get their tires on immediately.
“Right now we have reached near the end of November and beginning of December,” Vanschie said about appointment bookings as of Thursday. “So we definitely recommend getting on it.”
Luckily, Done-Rite Tire and Auto has not run into any issues with the number of winter tires they have ready to go this season, but Vanschie noted ongoing supply chain issues are causing some problems.
“We have definitely had many supply chain issues. Luckily, we are set up in advance with all our winter tire orders and rims, so we were pretty set for this winter season,” she said. “But now ordering more is where we are running into trouble because supply chain issues are affecting everyone.”
Winter tires generally last four to six seasons if they are switched out in the summer with all-season tires. But as most drivers in Northwestern Ontario know, the added traction winter tires offer during the long months ahead is definitely a benefit.
“Winter tires are recommended up here in Northwestern Ontario,” Vanschie said. “It’s extra traction and extra traction keeps us all safe. If your winter tires are not gripping, we recommend getting some new ones. Winter tires are just built different and they are just made for it.”
