If you’re planning any highway driving this weekend, you’re now required to have your winter tires on. From October 1 to March 31, BC requires drivers to have winter-grade tires on their vehicles when driving on provincial highways.
“If you’re going to be driving on the highways now is the time to get your winter tires on, for your safety and to keep your insurance intact,” says Paul Power, owner of Tire Capital. “Winter tires, compared to all season tires, will stop better, have more traction – some have studs.”
While driving without winter tires doesn’t void your insurance, if you’re involved in an accident, you may end up with more liability if you haven’t got the proper tires on your vehicle.
If you’ve been planning to book an appointment to make the switch but haven’t done so yet, you might want to do it sooner than later.
“We’re getting busier every week so now is the time. We’re planning on ramping up every week from now on. People tend to leave it til last minute or until they need to leave town so they need it down that day.”
Your winter tires need a tread of at least 3.5 mm to be effective. Look a mountain and snowflake or M+S symbol on the outside edge of the tire. All season tires with the M+S symbol are also acceptable but are not considered as effective as actual winter tires.
The government recommends at least 2 matching types of winter tires on each driving axle but says 4 matching tires are a better bet.