Winter tires are still top of mind for Canadians: Survey
The Weather Network reports on the findings of a new study that says harsh weather in Canada is prompting more people to invest in winter tires, even in a cost-of-living crisis.
Despite the rising cost of living, 85 per cent of Canadian drivers believe that winter tires are an important investment.
That’s according to a new study released by the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada (TRAC).
Across Canada, the usage now stands at 80 per cent––a two-point increase from last year and a 12-point increase over the last decade, up from only 68 per cent usage in 2016.
But it’s not all positive. The survey found 32 per cent of respondents are now less likely to buy winter tires because of the increased financial burdens with the rising cost of living.
Winter tires. (Daniel Foster/Unsplash)
There is a winter tire calculator at TRACanada.ca, which allows you to input the price of the tire versus driving without winter tires. The calculation considers the extension of the life of your summer tires when you swap them out for winters.
Provinces like British Columbia have mandatory winter tires for mountain roads. Quebec also has legal requirements for winter tires to be on by Dec. 1, with a fine of $200-300 possible for not complying.
Legislation in Ontario, and Newfoundland and Labrador mandates insurance companies to provide incentives for drivers who use winter tires.
Thumbnail courtesy of Pannonia/Getty Images.