Winter Tires – Don’t Get Caught Out!

January 8th, 2015

At this time of the year the weather can change in a heartbeat and whether you re travelling to, or from, one of our hotels on Vancouver Island, the Lower Mainland, Kelowna, or Kamloops you may well hit bad weather unexpectedly. Here are a few tips to keep you safe.

Here’s something concerning winter tires that many people think is more of a recommendation than regulation. In fact, you could face a fine if under certain situations you have are not using winter tires. This was taken from the BC Government website.

Winter Tires

Drivers must obey Winter Tire and Chain signs throughout the province from October 1 to March 31.

Sections of highways requiring winter tires or chains onboard are marked with roadside signs. For passenger vehicles, chains on summer tires are not an acceptable substitute for winter tires on signed highways.

Should you go beyond the signs without the proper equipment, you may be turned around by RCMP, CVSE, or another policing agency, and be subject to a fine.

For more information click (http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/DownloadAsset?assetId=26B950918B484245BFD43D2F2700A0C4&filename=wintertiresinbc_handout.pdf)

When is a winter tire not a winter tire?

Check your tires have the mountain/snowflake symbol on the side of the tire. These winter tires offer the best traction on snow and ice, and in cold weather.

If you have a mud and snow symbol on the side of the tire they offer better traction than summer tires, but they are less effective than mountain/snowflake tires on snow and ice, and in cold weather.

Did you know? Studded tires are not always classified as winter tires. If they don’t have the mountain/snowflake or M+S symbols they are NOT considered winter tires. Also you cannot use them outside October 1 to April 30, or you will be fined.

Summer Tires with Chains?

Did you know? Chains on summer tires are not an acceptable substitute for winter tires on signed highways. You could still get fined!

Everyone at Accent Inns wishes you safe travelling during the winter season and we look forward to welcoming you at one of our hotels safe and sound.

Mike Wicks
Douglas, YAM and Salt Magazines