Winter tires top of mind as first snowfall hits Saskatoon

Now that Saskatoon had its first blast of winter, people are starting to think about switching tires for the season.
 
Barry Welsh, CEO of Kelvin’s Wheel, Tire and Polish in Saskatoon told 650 CKOM Tuesday there’s been an uptick in business since the snow started to fall.
 
“Phone calls, emails and people just dropping by,” he said. “They’re getting winter tires swapped on, pricing out new winter wheel packages and just getting ready for the season.”
 
Welsh stressed the importance of getting winter tires, especially in Saskatchewan where road conditions can change quickly.
 
“It all comes down to safety,” said Welsh. “(Winter tires) are designed to function a lot better.  It gets below zero and your all season tires will harden up and they’re more like a hockey puck.”

Kate Fast is one of many in the city heeding the warning.
 
“We have five cars in our family, they all have winter tires. I plan on making an appointment this week to get them all done.”
 
Jay Stills said he normally gets winter tires but might wait a little longer.

“They’ll be coming on here sometime…I have hope it’ll get a bit warmer.”