Drivers across the province can stay safe this winter by applying to Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI)’s Winter Tire Program.
Manitoba winters come with very cold temperatures and harsh road conditions, including packed snow, blowing snow, slush and ice. Winter tires are designed with rubber compounds that remain flexible in frigid temperatures, allowing the tread to conform to the road rather than becoming hard and losing grip.
“Wintertime in Manitoba means snowy and slippery roads, and as a result we consistently see the highest number of collisions between November and March,” said Maria Campos, MPI’s Vice President and Chief Customer and Product Officer. “Winter tires reduce collisions by 6.3 per cent, and vehicles equipped with winter tires may experience less severe damage in crashes.”
Winter tires should be installed when temperatures stay below +7°C. It’s a common misconception that all-season tires are sufficient for handling winter roads; tests show a full set of winter tires has better traction below -30°C than all-season tires and stop much faster on ice.
“MPI’s Winter Tire Program was created to keep Manitobans safe on the roads in winter,” said Campos. “For the past 12 years, MPI has been providing loans for tires that are engineered to handle these conditions through low-interest financing options that make them a more affordable investment.”
The Winter Tire Program, which provides financing of up to $2,000 for the purchase of eligible winter tires and related equipment, has provided over 287,000 loans to Manitobans worth over $387 million since it began in 2014.
To ensure program funding supports tires that deliver the greatest safety benefits in winter driving conditions, effective October 1, 2026, only manufacturer designated winter tires that display the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol will be eligible under the program.
Customers considering a tire purchase are encouraged to speak with any of the over 670 participating retailers across Manitoba to ensure the tires they select meet program eligibility requirements. 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.
