As Manitobans pull their winter boots out of the closet and brace for another Prairie winter, Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) is reminding everyone that it is just as important to think about what your vehicle is using when in contact with snow and ice. Winter months show the highest number of collisions reported to MPI, and not enough traction is one of the contributing factors. The MPI Winter Tire Program provides low-interest financing up to $2,000 to help Manitobans purchase winter tires.

“MPI is committed to safety and affordability, and our Winter Tire Program addresses both of these issues,” said Maria Campos, Vice President and Chief Customer and Product Officer. “Winter tires reduce collisions by 6.3% and vehicles with winter tires may experience less damage severity in crashes. Winter tires are a simple step Manitobans can take to be safer on the road in winter months. Since the program started in 2014, we have given out 272,000 loans amounting to $362.9 million.”

Investing in a set of winter tires can be expensive, which MPI aims to make more affordable for Manitobans through the Winter Tire Program. Customers can get started by visiting any of the 655 participating tire retailers across the province to apply for the program. Financing terms are between one and four years. The retailer will confirm eligibility and begin the loan authorization process. Manitobans can check their eligibility and learn more about the program at mpi.mb.ca.

Winter tires should be installed when temperatures stay below +7°C. They are made with flexible rubber compounds for better grip in winter conditions, and they have better traction at -30°C or 40°C than all-season tires.

Many Manitobans believe that all-season tires are sufficient, but tests show a full set of winter tires stop much faster on ice. All-wheel drive (AWD) and four-wheel drive (4WD) vehicles should also be equipped with winter tires, as the AWD and 4WD helps with acceleration, not braking or turning corners.

MPI is dedicated to making roads safer during winter months and offers free 45-minute presentations to help licensed drivers brush up on winter driving skills. These presentations can assist anyone, whether they are new to winter in Manitoba or have lived here their entire life and are looking to be more confident behind the wheel. Interested groups or organizations with 10 or more participants can visit mpi.mb.ca to request an in-person or virtual presentation this season.

Winter Driving Tips

Before you drive:

  • Clear snow, ice, and frost from your vehicle before you drive. This includes the hood, trunk, and roof. You want to see and be seen.
  • Ensure your wheel wells are clear of any snow build-up as that can affect your ability to steer the vehicle.
  • Make sure your windshield washer fluid is topped up and rated for winter use to keep your windows clear of snow and ice and your line of vision clear.
  • Plan ahead. Before you leave, check weather and road conditions by calling 511. If road conditions are unfavourable, the safest strategy is to avoid driving. If you must head out, give yourself extra time to get to your destination safely and advise someone of the route you are taking as well as your estimated arrival time.

While driving:

  • Slow down. Posted speed limits are for ideal travel conditions. Ice is common on winter roads, especially on bridges and overpasses. Slowing down helps maintain traction and decrease your stopping distance.
  • Do not use cruise control. On winter roads, you want to maintain full control of your vehicle.
  • Leave more space. Following distance should be increased on winter roads, especially when travelling at higher speeds or in poor visibility. Traction is reduced when roads are slippery, which means an increase in the time it takes to come to a complete stop.
  • Be aware. Watch for pedestrians, as snowbanks can reduce lines of sight and make it difficult to see a pedestrian step onto the roadway. Snow can also impede your vision at intersections. Advance cautiously and lean forward to improve your view.