This time of year is busy for local garages as everyone prepares for the winter season. But businesses are advising drivers to get winter tires sooner rather than later amid supply issues. “Everyone’s getting ready for the wintertime. There’s only so much time in a day, in a month, in a week, and we got to try to fit everyone in,” said Brandon Bechard, manager for G&G Tire Co. in Plattsburgh. Others shared similar sentiments.”Once the snow hits or the cold weather hits, it’s going to change to extremely busy here,” said Jen Boyer, manager at Warren Tire Service Center in Plattsburgh. Tire shop staff said North Country drivers are coming in for all-season or winter tires, for a little more traction and safety on the road. “Supply chain across everything has been crazy. It’s no different with us,” Bechard said. Bechard said supply chain issues have been especially apparent the last six months. “I normally start to see tire shortages end of November, December time, and we’re already seeing them and to be honest we haven’t even started the crazy time yet,” he said. Bechard said they are “burning through” snow tire inventory, and said fewer manufacturers are making them this year. “Snow tires — they only make them in the summertime every year. So, once they’re sold out, they’re sold out,” he said. Distributors gave garages the heads up months ago. “We purchased a lot of our tires ahead of time, earlier than we normally do, because we didn’t want to be in a situation where we couldn’t get anything,” Boyer said. Boyer said that’s helped them with supply struggles, so far. But, depending on the vehicle and tire needed, drivers might not get exactly what they’re looking for this year.The advice from both garages is the same: Don’t wait. “Most people should be able to get tires, but I do tell people you should get them sooner rather than later because things can change,” Boyer said. Bechard suggested figuring out what’s currently available and to plan ahead.”Get your price ranges set up. Get ahead of the game and try to get a plan,” Bechard said. They are reminding drivers that prices have gone up, and to be patient, as shops such as Warren Tire Center are experiencing a staff shortage.
This time of year is busy for local garages as everyone prepares for the winter season. But businesses are advising drivers to get winter tires sooner rather than later amid supply issues.
“Everyone’s getting ready for the wintertime. There’s only so much time in a day, in a month, in a week, and we got to try to fit everyone in,” said Brandon Bechard, manager for G&G Tire Co. in Plattsburgh.
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Others shared similar sentiments.
“Once the snow hits or the cold weather hits, it’s going to change to extremely busy here,” said Jen Boyer, manager at Warren Tire Service Center in Plattsburgh.
Tire shop staff said North Country drivers are coming in for all-season or winter tires, for a little more traction and safety on the road.
“Supply chain across everything has been crazy. It’s no different with us,” Bechard said.
Bechard said supply chain issues have been especially apparent the last six months.
“I normally start to see tire shortages end of November, December time, and we’re already seeing them and to be honest we haven’t even started the crazy time yet,” he said.
Bechard said they are “burning through” snow tire inventory, and said fewer manufacturers are making them this year.
“Snow tires — they only make them in the summertime every year. So, once they’re sold out, they’re sold out,” he said.
Distributors gave garages the heads up months ago.
“We purchased a lot of our tires ahead of time, earlier than we normally do, because we didn’t want to be in a situation where we couldn’t get anything,” Boyer said.
Boyer said that’s helped them with supply struggles, so far. But, depending on the vehicle and tire needed, drivers might not get exactly what they’re looking for this year.
The advice from both garages is the same: Don’t wait.
“Most people should be able to get tires, but I do tell people you should get them sooner rather than later because things can change,” Boyer said.
Bechard suggested figuring out what’s currently available and to plan ahead.
“Get your price ranges set up. Get ahead of the game and try to get a plan,” Bechard said.
They are reminding drivers that prices have gone up, and to be patient, as shops such as Warren Tire Center are experiencing a staff shortage.