Garages overwhelmed by the installation of winter tires… even after the deadline

The day after the deadline of 1^is December, mechanics are facing an increase in the number of late arrivals for the installation of winter tires, a direct consequence of the mild weather of recent weeks.

“Usually, for the sale of tires, it is until December 20 […] This year, it’s worse,” says the operations director of Nicoletti Tires and Mechanics, Renelle Nicoletti.

Year in and year out, the Lanaudière company sells and installs winter tires after the deadline, but this year the temperature has changed the situation.

“There is a very particular crush of tires because it hasn’t really snowed. People didn’t have a sense of urgency to change their tires. Until Friday, many were still shopping for their winter tires,” she explains.

Nearly a dozen workshops in the metropolitan region paint a similar picture. At the JL Mobile garage in Valleyfield, in Montérégie, installation appointments are on the calendar until December 15.

“There are some who called two days before the deadline to try to get an appointment, the appointments are pushed back to a week, or even two, later,” notes the owner, Jonathan Lecavalier.

Salty fine

Since 2019, in Quebec, motorists must have their winter tires from 1^is December to March 15. Violators face a fine ranging from $200 to $300 without costs. The Montreal City Police Service (SPVM) will also carry out an operation on December 3 and 4 to check, among other things, the “presence of winter tires and their wear,” explains the SPVM communications officer. , Mélanie Bergeron.

Tire installation at home

To meet demand and accommodate latecomers, more and more garages like those at JL Mobile are offering at-home tire installation. Around ten installations were scheduled for December 2. The mechanics, among other things, went to the home of a motorist who had just finished his night shift. “I’m at the last minute […] We made the appointment, so it’s this morning. We didn’t expect that [la neige] neither. Two weeks ago, the weather was still nice,” explains Steve Lambert.

Winter tires all year round, good or bad idea?

To save money and sometimes to avoid heavy traffic, some will keep their winter tires 12 months a year. Even if M^me Nicoletti understands the choice some people make, but that is not what she is suggesting.

“We see it more and more among companies […] to avoid pausing their operation time. Despite the fact that winter tires wear out more quickly in summer, it is less expensive for them. […] But the tire coating is not made for driving in the summer, for longevity, safety, rolling comfort, it is not recommended,” she specifies.