As Manitobans pull their winter boots out of the closet and brace for another Prairie winter, Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) is reminding everyone that it is just as important to think about what your vehicle is using when in contact with snow and ice. Winter months show the highest number of collisions reported to MPI, and not enough traction is one of the contributing factors. The MPI Winter Tire Program provides low-interest financing up to $2,000 to help Manitobans purchase winter tires.
“MPI is committed to safety and affordability, and our Winter Tire Program addresses both of these issues,” said Maria Campos, Vice President & Chief Customer and Product Officer. “Winter tires reduce collisions by 6.3% and vehicles with winter tires may experience less damage severity in crashes. Winter tires are a simple step Manitobans can take to be safer on the road in winter months. Since the program started in 2014, we have given out 272,000 loans amounting to $362.9 million.”
Investing in a set of winter tires can be expensive, which MPI aims to make more affordable for Manitobans through the Winter Tire Program. Customers can get started by visiting any of the 655 participating tire retailers across the province to apply for the program. Financing terms are between one and four years. The retailer will confirm eligibility and begin the loan authorization process. Manitobans can check their eligibility and learn more about the program at: mpi.mb.ca/win ter-tire-program.
Winter tires should be installed when temperatures stay below +7°C. They are made with flexible rubber compounds for better grip in winter conditions, and they have better traction at -30°C or -40°C than all-season tires.
Many Manitobans believe that all-season tires are sufficient, but tests show a full set of winter tires stop much faster on ice. All-wheel drive (AWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles should also be equipped with winter tires, as the AWD and 4WD helps with acceleration, not braking or turning corners.