Need winter tires? Ontario tire shops are warning residents to get them early this year
Tire supply shops are warning Ontarians that securing specific types of tires this year may be more difficult than usual due to shortages caused by the pandemic.
“Last year, when COVID-19 started, there was a big pause in production at most of the tire manufacturers," Ron Pierce, Ontario Regional Director with Kal Tire, told CTV News Toronto.
The shortage could be caused by a number of factors — some tire companies had to close down their factories amid the pandemic, there’s been a shortage of rubber due to recent poor rubber tree harvests and some ports have been closed, leading to shipping delays.
Pierce said that, while Kal Tire is well stocked with inventory, he expects some sizes could sell out and be harder to restock this fall and winter.
“I would really recommend shopping early, especially if you are looking for a specific brand or sizing. There will be sizes and tires that will not be available out there.”
At Green Car Tire in Scarborough, they've also been told by suppliers some tires will be harder to source this fall.
“We've heard from all our suppliers that there will be a limited supply of some tires," Corey Stokes with Green Car Tire said.
Stokes said while tire shops may have a good supply now, that could change as the season progresses.
“You’re better off to try and get them sooner than later, especially if your insurance obligates you to have them on your vehicle,” he said.
Frances Ranger was in to get her winter tires switched, as she wanted to get it done before the first snowfall.
“My husband was on the ball and made the appointment nice and early, so we are not caught having to wait longer than we wanted to," Ranger said.
Every year more Canadians are switching to winter tires and, according to the Tire and Rubber Association of Canada, about 69 per cent of drivers use them.
The tire industry expects the supply chain issues won't be resolved for at least another year.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
NEW From yearning for a change to cost of living, why some Canadians have left or may leave the country
For some immigrants, their dreams of permanently settling in Canada have taken an unexpected twist.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
NEW Capital gains tax change 'shortsighted' and 'sows division' business groups tell Freeland
Forging ahead with increasing Canada's capital gains inclusion rate 'sows division,' and is a 'shortsighted' way to improve the deficit, business groups are warning Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Ontario man frustrated after $3,500 paving job leaves driveway in shambles
An Ontario man considering having his driveway paved received a quote from a company for $7,000, but then, another paver in the neighbourhood knocked on his door and offered half that rate.
Defence attacks Stormy Daniels' credibility as she returns to the stand in Trump's hush money trial
Stormy Daniels will return to the witness stand Thursday in Donald Trump's hush money trial as the defence tries to undermine the credibility of the porn actor's salacious testimony about their alleged sexual encounter and the money she was paid to keep quiet.
With contactless screening tech, this Toronto startup hopes to catch breast cancer early — and save lives
Amid evidence of rising breast cancer rates among young women in Canada, one Toronto startup is offering a contactless and radiation-free device that can help doctors identify suspicious changes in breast tissue. The company, Linda Lifetech, says this can lead to earlier detection of breast cancer.
Tornadoes tear through southeastern U.S. as storms leave 3 dead
Forecasters warned a wave of dangerous storms in the U.S. could wash over parts of the South early Thursday, a day after severe weather with damaging tornadoes and large hail killed at least three people in the region.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.