Wait for warmer temperatures to switch out your winter tires: Regina shop

With little snow blanketing Regina this winter season, some people might be wondering if there is still any use for their winter tires as spring approaches.

Josh Gaetz, quick lane assistant manager at Bennett Dunlop Ford in Regina, reassures people even with minimal snow on the ground, winter tires are still effective.

“Winter tires are actually designed for anything below plus seven degrees,” explained Gaetz. “So … below plus seven degrees is when it’s actually optimal for winter tires regardless of snow or not.”

Gaetz told News Talk Radio he recommends people leave their winter tires on their vehicle until the temperature is consistently warmer.

“I would be keeping them on ‘til about that plus seven mark. When the daily low is plus seven is when it’d be ideal just because they are going to perform better than summer tires,” Gaetz said.

Environment Canada’s six-day forecast is calling for normal to slightly above normal temperatures; the normal high for this time of year is 1 C. The Weather Network indicates normal temperatures in Regina until the end of March.

Bennett Dunlop Ford is beginning to see a steady stream of customers asking for their tires to be switched. Gaetz said it started about two weeks ago and each day a few people are making that request.

Gaetz said about the same amount of people put winter tires on their vehicle this winter season, however, it was more spread out than last year. Gaetz also said fewer people bought winter tires but expects that to change if next winter is colder.