Sask. tire shops go full out to handle winter tire rush

The arrival of snow is creating more urgency in drivers who procrastinated about winter tires.

Rod Janzen, the owner of OK Tire on 22nd Street in Saskatoon, says it’s all hands on deck at his shop getting vehicles ready for the winter driving season.

“People are trying to get in as soon as they can. Of course we can only handle so much,” said Janzen.

“On the day the snow comes, we are usually here late. In some years, we’ve been here until 11 p.m. at night and we’ll do that a few days in a row.”

Janzen is used to the winter tire rush, having worked in the tire business for 29 years. With Saskatchewan’s unpredictable weather, Janzen always recommends getting winter tires done by the middle of October.

People who waited until now will have to get in line, said Janzen; his shop doesn’t have an opening until after Nov. 16.

“Same-day won’t happen now,” said Janzen. “There is just so many cars that need to get done, and only so many guys.”

Janzen believes winter tires have become more mainstream over the years and he has been successful winning over a few skeptics, including his own father.

“Once I did convince him, he was probably my biggest fan and told everybody he could about how awesome they are,” Janzen said.

“It’s been proved time and time again winter how tires will actually stop your vehicle faster. You can corner better. You can handle the car much better with a winter tire. People like that.”