Snow tires hot seller

An expected shortage of winter tires in the Ottawa-Gatineau region means many motorists could find themselves slip-sliding away if they don't act now.

Mandatory winter tire legislation passed in Quebec is expected to result in a 30% increase in demand, which, says one tire retailer, is just one of many reasons they will be scarce.

"That alone will spill over to the Ottawa market," said Don Frisby, president of Frisby Tire. "As well, winter tires have a limited production run, meaning that once supply runs out on any particular item, they won't be available until the following year. This doesn't contribute to the shortage problem, but it certainly doesn't help it either."

DIFFERENT SIZES

There has been a 400% increase in the number of tire sizes over the past 20 years, Frisby said, which "means that it is very difficult for manufacturers to anticipate demand for all sizes and for tire retailers to keep sufficient inventory quantities in all sizes."

Also expected to boost demand are those motorists who learned their lesson the hard way on all-season tires last winter.

"All-season means summer," Frisby said. "The big thing isn't the tread, as many people believe, but the rubber compound. All-seasons get hard as a rock when it gets cold, while winter tires remain softer and pliable."

Gilles Paquette, communications manager for the Rubber Association of Canada, said that in the past 20 years, technology for snow tires has far surpassed that of all-season tires.

"We have a unique situation in Canada with snow and ice and slush and fluctuating temperatures," he said. "We strongly recommend winter tires to stay safe."

According to Transport Quebec, 38% of all winter crashes involve at least one car equipped with all-season tires.

"We've already run out of some sizes," said Danny Falcone, owner of Danny's OK Tire Auto Service. "This is not a way for us to get customers in the door. There is already a shortage and soon they may be all gone. Quebec stores have been ordering them faster than they can be supplied."

He recommends ice radial tires.

"If you're comfortable doing 40 km/h on a snowy day on your tires, you will feel fine going 80 km/h on these."

Despite the safety benefits, many Ottawa motorists will continue to eschew winter tires. The good news for those who do so and work in Gatineau, is that they're off the legal hook. Gatineau police confirm they won't give them a ticket.