Despite everyone getting used to labour shortages in almost every economic sphere, we bet that most of us haven’t thought of this affecting our annual winter tire changing rituals.

However, according to an article published in the October edition of Protégez-vous magazine, it seems that procrastinators may find it less funny this year because garages are also experiencing a real labor shortage.

Mr. Marc-André Boisvert, president of the Association des spécialistes de pneu et mécanique du Québec (ASPMQ) even mentions that some owners have had to roll up their sleeves and install tires with their team.

Garages are also faced with supply shortages and delays for tires. This is even more true for 19-, 20- or 21-inch tires which are installed on high end cars. The same problems can be seen with trucks and vans. People are facing delivery delays pushing into mid-December when we know the deadline for installing winter tires is December 1st.

So, if you are one of those who used to wait until the very last minute to have your winter tires installed, this year may convince you that you will have to plan better in the future because who wants to end up with a fine or, even worse, on icy pavement with summer tires.

More than ever the current situation reminds us of the importance of planning, being patient and understanding with the companies with whom we are doing business because, in a way, we are all in the same boat.

Jackie Beaudoin, Leclerc Insurance and Financial Services
Source :  Protégez-vous