It’s hard to believe it was 30 degrees only a few short days ago, but the weather has definitely changed and a new season is upon us.
It’s fall and soon to be winter, especially in higher elevations. Thoughts should now be turning to changing your tires over to winter. Regulations on areas that require winter tires go into effect on October 1.
There are signs posted outside communities, including Kimberley, advising drivers that they are entering areas requiring winter tires. Commercial drivers are required to carry chains in these areas.
While winter tires are not required on every BC highway, they are required on every highway in the Southern Interior. If you are planning on travelling anywhere in the winter from Kimberley, winter tires are a must.
Drivers failing to have vehicles properly equipped can be fined $109. And enforcement officers (RCMP, BCSE or another policing agency) can ask you to turn around if you are not properly equipped.
BC’s Ministry of Transportation recommends that you outfit your vehicle with tires carrying the three-peaked mountain and snowflake symbol as they offer the best traction on snow and ice.
However, you can get away with the mud and snow tire. They offer better traction than summer tires, although not as much as the mountain/snowflake tires. Mud and snow symbol tires are the legal requirement for winter, and can include all season tires with that symbol.
Winter tires must have 3.5mm of tread remaining to be considered winter tires. You must have at least two matching winter tires onto primary drive axle, although the Ministry recommends four.