It may seem counterintuitive, but the end of the warm season is actually the best time of year to buy winter tires. Much like the coats, boots and other accessories of our winter life, August and September are a pivotal time for the tire industry. With the arrival of a new cold season, manufacturers launch their new models… and liquidate last year’s models!
Winter is the worst time to buy
Another factor to consider when buying your winter tires is how busy your mechanic is! Starting in October, garages and other mechanical centers are already starting to be overwhelmed with calls. Unfortunately, higher demand often means higher costs…
If you live in Quebec, where winter tires are mandatory from December 1st to March 15th, do not wait until November to change your tires! In other provinces, December will have the highest prices. In any case, waiting too long also means you risk not finding the right size or model of tire. The moral? Think early!
A price increase this year?
In 2021, an unpleasant surprise makes the decision to buy new winter tires even more pressing. It is expected that the prices of several models will increase by the end of the year, starting September 1. This has been announced by manufacturers such as Bridgestone and the Michelin Group, which also owns the BFGoodrich and Uniroyal brands.
It has been known for some time that some of the materials that go into making a tire are becoming more difficult to access, especially natural rubber. Although we have not felt the impact of these supply difficulties for the moment, in a few months, the reality could be quite different. Models produced on our continent will probably be less affected by this inflation, but we will have to keep an eye on those from Asia to see the real impact of this situation.
For tire dealers, like Blackcircles.ca, it will be necessary to be prepared by filling their warehouses before the price increases. Luckily, our wide range of tires ensures that there is a wide variety of tires available at all times, and especially for all wheel sizes. While we are not concerned about major stock-outs, we still recommend that you get a head start on your winter tire purchases this year. You could save a lot of money, even down to the installation!
