Skating and sliding are without question two favourite winter activities in these parts. It’s just that most of us prefer to do them on a local rink or toboggan hill, not on a provincial highway. So it comes as no surprise that a healthy number of Manitobans are choosing to take advantage of Manitoba Public Insurance’s Winter Tire Program.

The initiative is designed to make it easier and more economical to outfit your personal vehicles with winter tires. According to Brenda Sawatzky of Sparkline Autoworks in Niverville, the program is making a difference.

“MPI is doing a pretty good job of advertising,” says Sawatzky. “We’ve been impressed.”

The program provides low interest financing, prime plus two percent, to eligible Manitobans toward the purchase of winter tires and associated costs. They will finance you for up to $2,000 per vehicle and you can spread your payments out from 1 to 4 years.

“The program is pretty straightforward,” says Evan Wachtendorf of Sparkline. “All customers have to do is come see us. We’ll give them the options, explain them, and make sure they’re eligible for the program.”
Sawatzky and her husband Al recently sold Sparkline to long-time employee Will Elliot, but she’s seen firsthand the growth in the winter tire market. “We just put winter tires on our vehicle for the first time 10 years ago. It’s quite amazing how far winter tires have come.”

Winter tires give drivers better control in colder climates by providing superior traction.

“Winter tires have softer compound rubber, which in colder weather helps conform to the road to maintain full contact with the road,” explains Wachtendorf.

“No question they make a difference,” adds Sawatzky. “This is an excellent program. A great way to get more people driving winter tires. That makes everybody safer on the road.”

The MPI website lists two eligible retailers in Niverville: McNaughton Mechanical Service at 120 Cedar Drive and Sparkline Autoworks at 20 Cedar Drive.