Winter tires becoming more difficult to buy

Scott Sibbald, The StarPhoenix
Published: Thursday, November 13, 2008

Mandatory winter tire legislation beginning Dec. 15 in Quebec has limited opportunities for Saskatonians to get a grip on icy roads this winter.

Jeff Fosenier, owner-manager of Integra Tire and Auto Centre on Central Avenue, said people looking to get winter tires this season are going to face some roadblocks.

"It's kind of too little, too late now. People who haven't looked into it are going to be hard-pressed to get winter tires now," said Fosenier. "(Quebec) knew this was coming. They bought a lot of the winter product the previous year."

At Value Tire on Second Avenue, owner-manager Paul Denbrok said his main supplier, Michelin, says winter tire sales are increasing nationwide.

"(Michelin) is not blaming Quebec. . . . But I still think it has a lot to do with it," said Denbrok.

He said motorists are also being better educated on the benefits of having winter tires.

"Moreso than just Quebec, it seems to be the education of the motorists themselves," said Denbrok. "They are being educated on the fact that winter tires are the best route to go."

He said he spoke with the president of Michelin Canada earlier this year and was assured it would have enough stock despite the legislation in Quebec.

However, Denbrok said he orders winter tires in the spring and usually doesn't have a problem with stock, but there were shortages in the order and replenishing stock is problematic this season.

At OK Tire and Auto Service on Eighth Street East, assistant manager Steve Molinelli said the store is not completely sold out this year, but there are slim pickings for some sizes.

"(Quebec) is part of the reason; the other reason is that (winter tires) have become so popular," said Molinelli.

He said stock has become an issue, especially with newer and popular vehicle models. Manufacturers simply don't have any more stock to supply.

"People always wait to the last minute and, unfortunately, that kind of hinders the situation," said Molinelli. "If people need them, get on it 'cause stuff is not hanging around."

Fosenier said in some instances there are alternatives for motorists needing winter tires.

"A lot of what we're trying to do now is if someone has a 15-inch tire maybe get them down into a 14-inch or something," said Fosenier. "Changing up the tire size can sometimes at least get someone some winter tires this year."

He said shortage is also being experienced nationwide because of Tirecraft's bankruptcy earlier this year and the closure of its distributor Remington Tire. Therefore, it limited the brands available at Integra, formerly Tirecraft, said Fosenier.

"(Remington Tire) had branches in Edmonton, Calgary, Saskatoon, Regina, Winnipeg and how many -- who knows -- down east," said Fosenier. "That's also part of why we're feeling more (problems) than, say, normal."

Pointing to a 2005 Leger Marketing report, SGI spokesperson Chris Clemett said Manitoba and Saskatchewan had the lowest rate of winter tire usage at 10 per cent, while Quebec had the highest rate at 84 per cent.

He said legislation of winter tire usage is up to the government.

"SGI continues to promote the use of snow tires through education," said Clemett, noting there are various written publications, radio safety tips and Drive Right television commercials.