Ditch the Slip ‘n’ Slide: Your Guide to the MPI Winter Tire Program

Dating Tips, Wheels & Tires, Winter

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Humorous graphic of a confused hockey player holding a winter tire on ice while a car drives by, promoting the MPI Winter Tire Program.

Posted: November 30, 2025 | Category: Vehicle Safety, Manitoba Driving, MPI Winter Tire Program | Estimated Read Time: 3 Minutes

Let’s be honest: explaining car safety to friends and family can sometimes feel like trying to stop a curling stone with a feather. Especially when it comes to Manitoba winter driving. We know the truth: the seasonal tire switch isn’t just a suggestion—it’s a non-negotiable survival skill!

You need to be ready. Your ride needs to be ready. And thankfully, the Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) Winter Tire Program (WTP) is here to make that happen without freezing your wallet.

Consider this your quick-hit guide to the WTP. Read it, love it, and then shoot the link to everyone who’s still claiming their all-seasons are “just fine.”

Red car struggling to drive in deep snow on all-season tires (Before) compared to driving easily on MPI Winter Tires (After).

Don’t struggle this winter! See the real difference between all-season tires and dedicated winter tires financed through the MPI Winter Tire Program.

What is the MPI Winter Tire Program, Really?

Forget the complicated jargon. The WTP is essentially a low-interest financing plan offered by MPI to help Manitobans buy approved winter tires and cover related costs.

  • The Big Number: You can secure a loan of up to $2,000 per vehicle (including taxes) to purchase new winter tires and associated services.
  • The Best Part: The loan is administered directly through authorized retailers like Ride Time, so the process is streamlined and easy. You apply, get approved, and drive away safer.

It’s an investment in safety that doesn’t demand a massive upfront payment!

👉CHECK ELIGIBILTY FOR WINTER TIRES HERE👈

❄️ Why Winter Tires Are the Undeniable Champion

Why can’t you just keep rolling on your all-season tires? Because they are made for all seasons that aren’t a brutal Manitoba winter!

FeatureAll-Season TiresDedicated Winter Tires
TemperatureHarden significantly below 7°CRemain flexible for maximum grip
Tread DesignBasic grooves for light conditionsDeeper, wider channels to expel snow/slush
Stopping PowerReduced grip on ice and packed snowUp to 30 feet shorter stopping distance!
Your ConfidenceNervous driving, slow speedsSafer, more natural driving speed

Simply put: winter tires are engineered to stay flexible and grip the cold, slippery pavement. That enhanced grip is the difference between a close call and a safe stop.

Who Can Dive Into the WTP?

The eligibility requirements are simple enough for anyone to meet. You are in if you meet the following criteria:

  • You must be an individual customer of Manitoba Public Insurance.
  • Your MPI account needs to be in good standing.
  • The tires and services must be purchased from an authorized WTP retailer like Ride Time.
  • The program is available for most passenger vehicles and light trucks.

Pro Tip: Your application needs to be made at the authorized retailer (like us!) at the time of purchase.

👉CHECK ELIGIBILTY FOR WINTER TIRES HERE👈

💰 What Costs Does the Loan Cover?

The WTP is about more than just the rubber! Your loan of up to $2,000 can cover a wide range of essential winterization expenses, including:

  • New Winter Tires: The core product.
  • Rims: Needed for mounting.
  • Mounting, Balancing, and Installation: Getting them on your vehicle correctly.
  • Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS): Sensors, valve stems, and associated labor.
  • Applicable Fees and Taxes: All the necessary charges to complete the purchase.

The Lowdown on Loan Payments

How do you pay back the loan? It’s straightforward:

  1. Interest Rate: The rate is set at prime plus two per cent. This is a very competitive rate designed to keep the program affordable. Note: Interest rates are subject to change based on the Bank of Canada’s guidelines.
  2. Payment Schedule: The loan term can be set for up to 48 months (four years).
  3. Start Date: Your monthly payments will typically start about one month after your loan is approved.

At Ride Time, we’ll walk you through the entire application and payment process, ensuring there are no surprises.

Humorous graphic of a confused hockey player holding a winter tire on ice while a car drives by, promoting the MPI Winter Tire Program.

Why glide when you can grip? Finance your winter tires easily with the MPI Winter Tire Program!

Ready to Roll Safely This Winter?

Don’t wait until the first blizzard hits to think about your tires. Make this the year you take advantage of this fantastic program and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with superior winter control.

If you’re ready to check out our winter tire selection, or if you simply have more questions about the MPI Winter Tire Program, we’re here to help!

Drive safe and keep warm, Manitoba!

👉CHECK ELIGIBILTY FOR WINTER TIRES HERE👈