With the unseasonably warm weather Portage la Prairie's been enjoying, many might be wondering when the right time is to switch to winter tires.

There's no need to wait, Fountain Tire Portage owner Justin Clarke says. Winter tires beco

Fountain Tire owner Justin Clarke. (photo by Mike Blume)me the safest option when temperatures dip below 7 C, Clarke explains, and overnight lows have already been well below that measuring stick.

"The warm weather has definitely pushed winter tire plans back for a lot of people," Clarke says. "But it's still getting more than cold enough at night ... and we've been doing winter tires for some people for about a month now."

"There will still be a pile of people who come in when it snows," he continues. "But there's nothing wrong with doing them now, you're not going to hurt them."

Clarke notes studded tires are legally allowed to be installed as of Oct. 1 each year. He adds it's best not to react when the weather turns and change your tires over, as you're bound to encounter delays in service.

"The winter isn't far away," Clarke says. "We live in Manitoba... it's coming."