More drivers using winter tires in BC than in Alberta, Ontario and some other provinces
Posted November 18, 2017 10:27 am.
Last Updated November 18, 2017 10:32 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) – More British Columbians are using winter tires than drivers in Alberta, Ontario, Saskatchewan or Manitoba, according to the 2017 Canadian Consumer Winter Tire Study.
The results show British Columbians are getting the message, with 60 per cent of drivers here using winter tires.
That’s compared to 57 per cent in Alberta, 59 per cent in Ontario and 48 per cent in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Only Atlantic Canada and Quebec have more drivers using them.
The Tire and Rubber Association of Canada’s Michael Majernik says you don’t need snow.
“As soon as the temperatures drop below seven degrees Celsius, the winter tires already perform better than the standard all seasons.”
The same survey found only 38 per cent of BC drivers used the tires in 2014.
Majernik believes there a couple reasons numbers are up.
“I think the main ones were that last season’s snowfall was quite strong in BC. Also, the legislation that mandated winter tires for certain highways in mountainous regions.”
“At temperatures just below freezing on dry pavement, winter tires can reduce your stopping distance by as much as 30 per cent, compared to vehicles equipped with all-seasons.”
