Tire shortage could put pressure on winter drivers
Check your tires. It's not too soon to get a jump on winter driving because tire dealers are afraid of running out of some tires.
"It's a difficult year, this year. The tire industry halted production for about two months," said Victor Badillo, manager of Fountain Tire on Marine Drive in Vancouver.
And it's all across the country.
Frances Ranger wasted no time in getting her winter tires put on at an Ontario Kal Tire store.
"My husband was on the ball and made the appointment nice and early," she said.
It is always a good idea, because at this time of the year, you never know when the snow will fall and you could be turned around on some B.C. mountain roads without winter tires. You could also risk getting a $121 fine for not having winter tires.
Winter tires with the mountain and snowflake symbol are the best for snow and cold. Although in B.C., the M + S are good in many areas off mountains.
According to the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada, 72 per cent of Canadians chose winter tires in 2020. However, that number was lower in B.C. at 60 per cent.
No matter which tires you choose, get it done soon.
"I would really recommend shopping early. Especially if you're looking for a specific brand or sizing," said Ron Pierce of Kal Tire.
Kal Tire says it's well stocked but that could change with supply shortage issues.
"I carry a number of tires in stock. At least the most popular sizes," added Badillo.
He also expects some delays and shortages and recommends calling ahead to book your appointment and to make sure your tires are in stock. New orders could take time to deliver.
There could also be a 10 to 15 per cent increase on the price of tires coming from Asia because of pandemic shipping problems.
Now is also a good time to check your tire pressure and measure the amount of tread you have left. If your vehicle has a tire pressure monitoring system, make sure to reset it after switching out your tires.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW Keeping these exotic pets is 'cruel' and 'dangerous,' Canadian animal advocates say
Canadian pet owners are finding companionship beyond dogs and cats. Tigers, alligators, scorpions and tarantulas are among some of the exotic pets they are keeping in private homes, which pose risks to public safety and animal welfare, advocates say.
NEW Life got in the way of one woman's reunion with her father, but a DNA test gained her a family
Anne Marie Cavner was the closest she'd ever been to meeting her biological father, but then life dealt her a blow. From an unexpected loss to a host of new relationships, a DNA test changed her life, and she doesn't regret a thing.
Doctors ask Liberal government to reconsider capital gains tax change
The Canadian Medical Association is asking the federal government to reconsider its proposed changes to capital gains taxation, arguing it will affect doctors' retirement savings.
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Quebec farmers have been protesting since December. Is anyone listening?
Upset about high interest rates, growing paperwork and heavy regulatory burdens, protesting farmers have become a familiar sight across Quebec since December.
'Catch-and-kill' strategy to be a focus as testimony resumes in Trump hush money case
A veteran tabloid publisher was expected to return to the witness stand Tuesday in Donald Trump's historic hush money trial.
Quebec Health Department reports 28 cases of eye damage linked to solar eclipse
Quebec's Health Department says it has received 28 reports of eye damage related to the April 8 total solar eclipse that passed over southern parts of the province.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.