According to The Weather Network forecasting predictions, winter is actually going to show up this December. Unlike in previous years where warming trends have delivered moderate temperatures and light precipitation, winter may bring a fury worthy of the nickname The Great White North. And while it’s too early to predict a White Christmas, one thing is certain: drivers should act quickly to get their vehicles prepared for traditional Sudbury winter conditions.
A good place to do that is at any of the four Sudbury area locations of Canadian Tire, each with multiple service bays ready to accommodate the pre-winter rush for tire swaps and maintenance.
“You just never know when you’re going to be getting snow, ice, and slush,” said Roger VanPutten, General Manager at Canadian Tire in Sudbury. “Having the right tires installed can save your life.”
Unlike all-season or even all-weather tires, dedicated winter tires feature rubber composition and tread designs tested for driving in extreme winter conditions. Their primary benefit is that they remain soft in cold conditions, providing better braking capability on roads covered in snow or ice.
“In northern Ontario you want to definitely be driving on winter tires,” said VanPutten. “They’re made for driving in the snow, ice and slush that come with the type of winters we get up here.”
Tire swap season is underway, and VanPutten said it’s important to book early to ensure you’re driving on winter tires when the weather is consistently below temperatures that reduce the grip of all-season tires. Although the seasonal sales offered by big tire manufacturers are mostly finished, Canadian Tire will still be offering weekly sales on major brands including its own line of Motomaster tires and other major brands.
Completing a tire swap is just one of the steps that drivers need to take to ensure their safety. Having a pre-winter inspection done on your car is also critical to ensure all your important vehicle systems are operating at maximum efficiency. VanPutten said his Canadian Tire store employs three licensed mechanics, two apprentices, a senior tire technician with over 28 years experience, and four staff responsible for oil changes and rustproofing application. It’s a team that can cover all the bases when it comes to pre-winter maintenance.
“When you come in for a tire changeover, we also check your alignment and your suspension,” he said. “Another added bonus is the fact you get a coast-to-coast warranty with any new tire changeover. If anything happens to your tires you can go to any Canadian Tire store from British Columbia to Nova Scotia to have the problem fixed.”
Booking a multipoint inspection is also a good idea. At Canadian Tire that includes checking your heating, your radiator, your alignment, your suspension, and your brakes. Little things like checking your wipers, your dash lights and your vital fluid levels are also part of the service. The trained technicians at Canadian Tire can service all makes and models including hybrid and full EV models of cars and trucks.
Additionally, VanPutten said Canadian Tire is the place to find all the items you need to ensure your winter safety on the road. The store stocks a variety of scrapers, snow brushes, booster cables, car batteries, and windshield fluids.
Drop into Canadian Tire today to book your tire swap and winter maintenance, or visit them online here.