“The case for winter tires” transcript

V/O:

All season tires are becoming a thing of the past. The snow is expected to begin in the coming weeks, and people are choosing to make the transition to snow tires. A choice that New Brunswick residents are giving unlike the province of Quebec, where snow tires were made mandatory in 2008. Fredericton resident Gloria Newman says she thinks people are becoming aware of safety snow tires offer.

Gloria Newman, Fredericton resident:

“People are more aware, now because of the advertising, and Quebec, as you said earlier, has now made it mandatory to use snow tires in the wintertime.”

V/O:

The rubber used in snow tires is much softer than the standard all-season. Because of this, the tire is able to clear the snow and ice caught in its tread. This allows for a more consistent grip on the road. Barry Dunster is the President of Millenium Tires. He says that people are misinformed about the wear and tear of tires.

Barry Dunstan, Millenuim Tires:

“They’ve got a lot softer compound in it, and they take a better grip. A lot of people don’t realize that if you run winter tires in the summer time, you’re going to see your mileage drop for the simple reason of the softer compound in the winter tires so you’re going to drag more.”

V/O:

Dunster isn’t convinced the government needs to enforce the use of snow tires but he says sometimes people need to be told.

Barry Dunstan, Millenuim Tires:

“Maybe if you have to tell someone to do it, then you have too. I would hope that people with kids should know enough to put winter tires on in the winter. It’s one thing for themselves, but when somebody else is depending on what they’re doing and don’t know if they’re doing right or wrong than maybe they should be told.”

V/O:

For Gloria Newman, this message was heard loud and clear.

Stand up:

A new set of snow tires will cost around $400 once they are installed. They can withstand temperatures as low as minus forty degrees Celsius. The Canadian Safety Council warns people that, contrary to popular belief, snow tires should be installed on all four axels with the same tread pattern. If not, the cars balance will be thrown off. For STU Journalism, I’m Jason Cassidy

Short URL: http://www.newbrunswickbeacon.ca/?p=2377

Posted by Special Report on Oct 29, 2009. Filed under Transcripts. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.