Owner of the Integra Tire on the North Shore says it will take longer to order winter tires this year due to COVID-19 (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Chad Klassen

WINTER TIRES

Kamloops tire shops recommending motorists book appointments, purchase tires earlier this year

Oct 13, 2020 | 4:55 PM

KAMLOOPS — Winter hasn’t struck Kamloops just yet, but motorists are already flocking to tire shops for their seasonal changeovers. Integra TIre on the North Shore has been significantly busier in the last week as the temperatures drop.

“We’ve probably booked a couple hundred appointments today for the next week and a half,” said Owner Mike Donaldson. “It’s about average for this time of year, but the little snow that we had in the mountains and the talk of snow on the Coquihalla really brings everyone in.”

Winter tires have been mandatory to drive B.C. highways since Oct. 1, but this year is different. Integra Tire is recommending that people looking to travel Interior highways soon, especially those needing a new set of tires, place orders right away with delays on product due to COVID-19.

“In the spring time, that’s when they manufacture the winter tires. There’s going to be shortages coming up this fall here, so it’s probably better to do it sooner rather than later,” noted Donaldson.

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Donaldson says the same goes for booking appointments. The demand is still there, as it is every year, but Integra, like most shops, is allowing more time for appointments around COVID safety protocols.

“We don’t do as many. We have more people spread out and the same amount of cars, so we try our best. It’s fairly difficult to get it all perfect, but we’re following the guidelines.”

When it comes to purchasing a new set of tires, Donaldson recommends buying a true winter tire with the mountain-snowflake logo versus an all-weather or all-season tire.

“From 7°C and below, the winter tire stays softer, which gives you more traction in the winter time,” he said. “Your stopping distance is shorter than an all-season time on there. It’s not all to do with just snow, but it’s to do with the icy and wet and cold conditions.”