Vehicle owners continue to take advantage of Province's low-interest Winter Tire program.

Nearly 80,000 loans have been processed for Manitobans taking advantage of the Province's low-interest Winter Tire Program, Minister of Crown Services Cliff Cullen and Manitoba Public Insurance announced this week.

"Response by vehicle owners continues to be very positive and well received," said Cullen. "This low-interest Winter Tire Program assists Manitobans to equip their vehicles with winter tires with the ultimate goal being fewer winter collisions and safer roads.

"With colder temperatures and winter conditions here now, Manitoba vehicle owners are strongly encouraged to winter-harden their vehicles before the arrival of harsher weather."

More than 600 participating retailers.

Now entering its fourth year, the program provides loans of up to 48 months at prime plus two percent up to $2,000 per vehicle. Participation is as easy as going to any one of 646 participating winter tire retailers in the province who can direct bill Manitoba Public Insurance once customer eligibility for the program is confirmed and loan authorizations approved.

Eligible tires will display a snowflake symbol, as endorsed by Transport Canada. This symbol indicates that the tires have met specific snow traction performance requirements and are designed to be used in severe snow conditions.

Quick Facts:

* The average length of a winter tire loan is currently about three years.

* The average loan amount is approximately $1,200.

* At temperatures just below freezing on dry pavement, winter tires have been shown to reduce stopping distances by as much as 30 percent 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.