Ricky Ratchets featured on CBC November 18, 2024.
3 London mechanics explain why winter tires remain essential despite warmer weather
“Owner and mechanic Richard McMullin said winter tires weren’t always considered essential equipment for Canadian drivers.
“In the 1980s and 1990s, winter tires weren’t really a thing,” he said.
He said Quebec’s move to make winter tires required by law has since helped steer many customers toward owning a full set of winter tires and swapping them for their summer tires each fall.
He’d prefer to see all drivers get them but said a quality set of all-weather tires is a good second option, particularly for people who don’t have to drive during heavy snowfall.
“If you are going to head out on the highway or you have to work, winter tires are the best option, especially if you can afford it,” he said.
McMullin said with the recent mild temperatures in fall and winter, people are opting to put them on later.
“We have a sneaking suspicion that January is the new snow tire installation month,” he said.”
