3 London mechanics explain why winter tires remain essential despite warmer weather

It's been a mild fall but with the cold weather coming, some Londoners might be wondering whether it's time to take a spin to the tire shop and get a set of winter tires on their vehicle. 

However, in this age of inflation, with so many struggling to cover essentials such as food and housing, have winter tires become more of a "nice to have" rather than a "must have" item?

CBC London took a spin to three local tire shops to see if milder temperatures and the higher cost of living are cutting down on winter tire sales, and whether or not they're still considered essential equipment.  

Here's what they had to say. 

Richard McMullin: Rickey Ratchets Auto Repair 

Owner and mechanic Richard McMullin said winter tires weren't always considered essential equipment for Canadian drivers. 

"In the 1980s and 1990s, winter tires weren't really a thing," he said. 

He said Quebec's move to make winter tires required by law has since helped steer many customers toward owning a full set of winter tires and swapping them for their summer tires each fall.

He'd prefer to see all drivers get them but said a quality set of all-weather tires is a good second option, particularly for people who don't have to drive during heavy snowfall. 

"If you are going to head out on the highway or you have to work, winter tires are the best option, especially if you can afford it," he said.  

McMullin said with the recent mild temperatures in fall and winter, people are opting to put them on later. 

"We have a sneaking suspicion that January is the new snow tire installation month," he said. 

Doug Box: Maple City Tire

Doug Box said he's noticed some customers —  in particular seniors who don't do a lot of driving — opt for "all weather tires" which can be driven year-round and offer some traction help in the snow. 

"They're a good tire, they're a little bit softer and that makes a huge difference on a cold road with your stopping distance," he said. "You can't beat a snow tire, but these tires are starting to fill that gap."  

He said the advantage of winter tires is that they're softer and provide better grip, not just on ice and snow but even on bare roads in cold temperatures. 

"The analogy I use is that if you look at a hockey puck, how hard it is, it's going to slide forever on ice, but a sponge puck will slow right down," he said. "Your cheapest snow tire is still better than your best all-season." 

As for when to put snow tires on, he uses the "seven-seven" rule. What does that mean? Seven straight days of midday temperatures below 7C means it's time to put the winter tires on. 

Mouda Majeed: Grizzly Auto Centre

Grizzly Auto Centre co-owner Mouda Majeed said winter tires are the best option in southwestern Ontario, where ice and snow are always possible once fall arrives.

"Snow tires are necessary, you're putting your life at risk without them," he said. "If you have a family, you're doubling that risk," he said.  

Majeed believes all provinces should make winter tires mandatory, as Quebec has done. B.C. made them a requirement on most highways starting last month.  And while some of his customers swap out their tires on the same day each fall regardless of the weather, others wait until they see snow to make the change.