Local snow tire dealers have already seen a flurry of activity, even though the snow isn’t piling up yet.

That’s because word of snow tire shortage is spreading and forcing drivers to shop for tires now. The shortage of winter radials in Ontario has been blamed on the introduction of a law in Quebec that forces drivers to put on snow tires this season.

Ron Gentle, manager of Beverly Tire Auto on Churchill Drive in Barrie, said some of their winter stock has already been depleted.

“We’ll probably be out by mid-December, that’s how quick it’s going to be,” said Gentle.

Snow tires cost from $100 to $400 each. On average, snow tires last for three seasons before they have to be replaced, Gentle said.

Installing the tires each season can cost between $20 and $60.

It’s not just the demand in Quebec that has Ontarians rushing to their tire dealers, says Doug Moody, owner of Active Green and Ross.

It’s common sense.

“I think the product has been proved over the years and friends tell people. Snow tires handle differently,” he said.

Snow tires are made of a softer rubber and have extra grooves that grab the snow and throw it as the tire turns. Along with added protection on the roads, some insurance companies see a benefit to snow tires, and give drivers with a discounted rate. The downside is they aren’t as good for mileage.

Each winter season, there are always a few tires that become scarce to find, so the shortage of some tires isn’t unusual.

“It’s mainly due to a number of new vehicles that come into production.”

For example, 17- and 18-inch wheels are now on the market, and 13-inch wheels are a thing of the past.

What he does expect is to see a shortage in tires sooner than normal, but said he’ll work with customers to offer alternatives if they’re out of a specific brand. Orders of snow tires should take less than a week to come in, said Moody.

With winter at our doorstep, drivers should consider putting snow tires on now, said Edyta Zdancewicz, spokesperson with the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA).

Last year, the first snowfall occurred on Nov. 21, she said. If this season is anything like last year’s, local drivers should be prepared.

Purchasing four snow tires is important to keep a vehicle properly balanced, instead of only buying two, added Zdancewicz.

“Snow tires in the Barrie area make a huge difference. All-seasons for the most part, even if they’re really good, don’t suit the climate that you have in areas like Barrie.”

Ontario may try to follow Quebec’s lead next year and force drivers to buy snow tires, but Zdancewicz said it’s tough to legislate.

“It really should fall on the hands of common sense.”

She recognized snow tires are an extra expense, and residents have to make arrangements to store them in the summer. “I live in a loft in Toronto and I have snow tires. I lease my vehicle and the company I lease them with holds them for me. So there are deals out there and more companies are starting to do that.”

When asking for accident statistics on snow tires, neither the CAA nor police had any information.

Sgt. Robert Allan with the Barrie Police Service said he recommends snow tires.

“They improve control and traction, and we put them on police vehicles,” said Allan.

But drivers still need to be aware of their surroundings, and drive according to the weather conditions. “Don’t let them give you a false sense of security. They’re good for going, and not much better for stopping.”

jramsay@simcoe.com