Purchasing winter tires: CAA-Quebec offers a practical reminder

QUEBEC CITY, Oct. 19 /CNW Telbec/ - It's October already and Halloween is on the horizon. Time to think about buying winter tires so as to beat the crowds and get a wide selection. To help motorists make an informed decision, CAA-Quebec has developed a practical reminder with the main points to consider when buying winter tires.

A practical tool

CAA-Quebec knows it's critical that the winter tires be best suited to a person's vehicle and needs. "Being well informed is crucial," explains Sophie Gagnon , CAA-Quebec's Senior Director, Public and Government Relations. "This is a significant expense and a matter of safety. The reminder is designed so consumers can have a guide at their fingertips when they are making their choice. In fact, it covers the essential questions that have to be answered before the purchase."

The reminder is available at CAA-Quebec's 12 service centres, 10 technical inspection centres and nine outlets offering vehicle registration services. An electronic version is also available to everyone on the organization's website (http://www.caaquebec.com/Accueil/Index.htm?lang=en, or look in the Automobile section).

There are no bad tires, just unsuitable tires

Consumers face a huge choice of winter tires for every taste and budget. The perfect tire does not exist, so it's a question of selecting the most suitable type for a vehicle, taking driving habits into consideration.

Earlier is better than later

Besides the fact that the law in Quebec requires vehicles to be equipped with winter tires by December 15 , specialists agree that as soon as the temperature drops below 7 degrees C, summer or all-season tires no longer deliver the same performance. "Don't wait for the first snowfall that always seems to come as a surprise to many people," Ms. Gagnon warns. Last year, garages and tire centres were mobbed, and some motorists had to wait until after December 15 to install winter tires, thus losing the use of their vehicles or exposing themselves to unnecessary risks and fines from $200 to $300 .

CAA-Quebec, a not-for-profit organization founded in 1904, provides automotive, travel, residential and financial services, benefits and privileges to its one million members.

For further information: Montréal: Brigitte Roussy, [phone], ext. 3210, [email protected]; Québec: Philippe St-Pierre, [phone], ext. 2418, [email protected]