Possible wait for winter tires around Lower Mainland

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — There might be a bit of a wait to get winter tires switched over, as some shops in the Lower Mainland start to feel the impact of the COVID-19 shutdowns from earlier this year.

“Just going off of the numbers, and the amount of the people coming in, and the database, we’re experiencing some of the busiest days we ever have in the 21 years we’ve had this shop as a family,” says Brett Delaney, co-owner and manager of the OK Tire on Fraser Highway in Langley.

He says they’re seeing a six to eight-week backorder on some tire brands right now.

“I think with everything being halted earlier this year with all the COVID-19 stuff that was happening, a lot of the shipments and stuff were all back ordered and backlogged. Now we’re starting to feel the effects coming into winter, definitely,” Delaney says.

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“A lot of stuff either didn’t get shipped out at proper times, and a lot of stuff got stuck on the water so, of course, by the time it gets off the water, then, obviously, the plants over here have to process, then they send it out to the proper places.”

On a positive note, Delaney says the shop will likely have an ample supply of tires come spring when the regular shipment arrives along with the backorders.

Other tire shops NEWS 1130 contacted Friday say they aren’t seeing anything out of the ordinary right now, so it might help to call around before heading out to switch your tires.

For drivers heading outside the Lower Mainland, winter tires are mandatory.

“Summer tires are not permitted for driving during designated winter months,” the province’s website reads. “Chains on summer tires are not an acceptable substitute for legal winter tires on signed B.C. highways.”

Studded tires are also an option for the winter months.

Anyone caught driving the out-of-town highways with all-season or summer tires could be slapped with a $121 fine. The penalty goes up to $196 for commercial vehicles not carrying chains when and where they are required.

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