First snowfall has winter tires on the minds of Regina drivers

The first snowfall is a sign for a number of people to get done one of their yearly tasks — getting winter tires on their cars.

Regina residents woke up Tuesday to a layer of snow on the ground and slick roads.

Dallas Work is the assistant manager at the McDonald Street Kal Tire and he says people should be looking to get their tires changed before the first taste of winter.

“When the average of the day is about seven degrees (Celsius), that’s when you should change your tires over. If you’re plus-14 to zero, that’s when you should start changing them over. You don’t want to wait until the first snowfall because otherwise you slide around trying to find your way,” Work said.

He said there were some people who kept their winter tires on all summer, but he doesn’t recommend doing that.

“We still have the summer tires in storage for some people who just didn’t bother to change them over and now they’re finding that their winter tires aren’t going to be good enough this winter,” Work said.

Work said he’s unsure how busy his shop will be over the next few weeks as people book their appointments.

Work admits there is a slight shortage in certain tire sizes.

“(That’s true) especially in the light truck range. A lot of the shortages that we’re seeing will be cleared up end of November, middle of December. It’s not like it’s going to be a long-term shortage. Just right now occasionally we really have to outsource to find tires in some sizes,” Work said.

He said there are different types of winter tires to choose from and the best way to know which one is the best fit for a person is to ask for help.

Tyler Bien, manager of roadway seasonal operations for the City of Regina, said employees were busy during the day making roads safe.

“City crews were out early this morning sanding and salting city streets,” Bien said. “The snow fell in a very short span this morning (and) our crews were immediately dispatched.”

Bien added there were 10 pieces of equipment performing winter-road maintenance tasks on Tuesday.

“We are transitioning into our full winter shift. We have crews and equipment available at all times,” Bien said. “There will be lots of additional sanding and salting ahead of drivers’ rush-hour commute.”

Bien is encouraging drivers to be cautious by allowing extra time to get where they need to go, as well as staying at least three car lengths behind snowplows or sanding equipment ensuring they will be able to work efficiently.

“We will be getting ready for rush hour by doing additional sanding and salting in any problematic areas,” he said.

High-speed roads and Category 1 streets such as Albert Street, Broad Street, Victoria Avenue, Lewvan Drive and Ring Road are prioritized first for winter maintenance.

Meanwhile, the Regina Police Service was busy on the first day of winter conditions and started getting calls at around 7 a.m.

Officers responded to more than 15 collisions, including at least two that involved injury.

— With files from 980 CJME’s Logan Stein