Driven by positive response from Manitobans, the province’s winter tire low-interest financing program will once again be offered to vehicle owners. To date, more than 30,000 Manitobans have taken advantage of the program, which was first introduced by the provincial government last fall and administered by Manitoba Public Insurance.
“The safety benefits of winter tires are well documented and this positive response confirms that many Manitoba vehicle owners have made road safety a priority,” said Gord Mackintosh, minister responsible for Manitoba Public Insurance. “The purpose of this low-interest winter tire financing program is to allow Manitobans, who otherwise might not be financially able to do so, to equip their vehicles with winter tires.”
The program provides loans to a maximum of $2,000 per vehicle for up to 48 months at prime plus two per cent.
“Loss prevention programs ultimately benefit all of our customers through reduced claims costs,” said Ward Keith, vice-president, Business Development & Communications and chief product officer, Manitoba Public Insurance. “A vehicle equipped with winter tires helps the driver avoid collisions by reducing braking distances on ice and snow.”
Recently, CAA Manitoba conducted a survey with its membership, asking about the importance of using winter tires.
“Our members consistently agree that winter tires are an important road safety tool for a Manitoba winter, but less than 50 per cent own them, citing cost as the number one reason why not,” said Mike Mager, President and CEO of CAA Manitoba. “This low interest financing program is a great step to help those who want winter tires afford them.”
Quick Facts:
- At temperatures just below freezing on dry pavement, winter tires have been shown to reduce stopping distances by as much as 30 per cent compared with all-season tires.
- Winter tires offer significantly better traction on snow-covered or icy road surfaces at temperatures well below -30°C than all-season tires have at 4°C.
Customers interested in participating in the program are encouraged to visit mpi.mb.ca for more information on who qualifies, participating winter tire retailers throughout Manitoba, and other details relating to the program.
