2021 winter tires: Dedicated teams and busy schedules!
With less than a month to go before December 1 when winter tires are required, many Quebecers have yet to make an appointment to have them installed on their vehicle. What’s the situation on the ground? Here’s a quick look at the 2021 winter tire season.
Labour shortage issues have been in the news extensively in recent weeks. The teams at our Approved Auto Repair Service Locations have been working hard since September, even August in some cases! Their schedules are filling up fast but our mechanics have reassured us that there are still a few spots left, so you should make the call soon.
In Montreal, Francis Thériault of Pneus et mécanique Sylvain Thériault said that he’s been asking a lot of his staff, but the response has been positive. “Our teams are working hard and everyone’s in a good mood, and our customers seem to recognize that, which helps us stay motivated,” said Thériault.
The situation is similar in the five Groupe Charles Turcotte garages in Mauricie, according to Jean-Guy Roy: “The season is off to a good start, we’re doing well, and most people are finding the products they want. Our schedule is filling up but we do still have a few spots available!” He also noted that more people seem to be planning ahead this year than in previous years.
Is the mild fall causing motorists to put off making the call?
However, in Québec City, the mild fall seems to have prompted some people to postpone making their winter tire appointment, according to Benoit Lepage of B. Lepage Auto. As December 1 approaches, he would like to raise awareness among motorists.
“We really need to make sure our customers get the message when it comes to safety and prevention,” Lepage said, pointing out that it’s more important to consider the danger of getting caught in cold or icy weather with summer tires than to worry about premature wear of winter tires at this time of year. In fact, he’d like to see CAA-Quebec’s Winter Tire Appointment Week become Winter Tire Installation Week!
“CAA-Quebec has been committed to improving road safety since its inception, and having winter tires installed is crucial to safe driving,” said Jacques Maheux, director of the Approved Auto Repair Services network. Too many drivers are still waiting until the last minute, at the risk of missing the December 1 deadline and exposing themselves to danger, not to mention fines.”
A national awareness week that has proven its worth
That said, once again this year Quebec motorists answered the call and participated in National Winter Tire Appointment Week in large numbers. Nearly 4,000 members entered the contest this year, an increase of about 35% over last year. This is a great boost for mechanics to help them get through this season, which can be grueling but also has its own rewards in the knowledge they’re helping keep motorists safe this winter.