Regina drivers rush to switch to winter tires

Drivers in Regina are preparing for winter.

Bennett Dunlop Ford is experiencing the rush as people swap out their summer tires for winter ones.

“Until you’ve driven on them you don’t realize the benefits,” said parts and service manager Randy Erick.

He said the business sent out reminders to customers about a month and a half ago. In the last couple of weeks, he estimated crews have been doing between 15 and 20 sets of tires each day. Erick added this year they’re about 20 per cent busier.

He explained drivers are realizing they need to be prepared for that first snowfall.

“More people are getting the message. It’s going up every year, so I think that’s a good thing. It’s good for safety in Saskatchewan and helps you really stop in the winter time.”

Cathy Pana always winterizes her F-150.

“With the snow coming, I thought it was a good idea,” she said. “It makes a big difference. I think it’s a must.”

Although it’s busy now, Erick knows it will get even busier with drivers putting on their winter tires as soon as the snow actually flies.

“Those that are proactive are out there already driving on their winter tires. They’re fine. The rest of them will have to wait a little bit in line just to get it done.”