Snow and ice aren’t known for making ideal driving conditions in Manitoba. And getting a set of winter tires, while helpful, isn’t cheap.
Jason Dibartolo, the owner of a Fountain Tire branch in Winnipeg, said on average, a set of winter tires at his shop falls in the $1,500 to $1,700 range.
“The tire industry took a pretty big increase just after COVID and during COVID. So, you know, this is now a couple of years later, and I think everyone’s just kind of used to the norm of what pricing is today on all sides of things, (including) food, (and) gas,” he said.
But just as food and gas are essentials, he also considers winter tires essentials.
“They make a tremendous difference in your ability to stop, your ability to turn, obviously accelerate away from a stop,” he said.
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“But, when you really come down to it, you really appreciate your tires when you need …