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SANDY — The first snow of the season served as a reminder for drivers that it's time to get tires swapped out.
One shop suddenly found itself busier than ever, and employees are sharing some tips for keeping your car in tip-top shape. Just as suddenly as the winter storm showed up, so did customers to Burt Brothers in Sandy.
Paul Kleinman was one of those people Tuesday and said the recent snow served as a reminder to get his snow tires installed on his car. He usually puts it on his to-do list this time of year.
"Before Halloween," Kleinman said, with a laugh. "It all depends on how quick the weather changes, but definitely before Halloween — that's my cutoff."
He said he called Burt Brothers Monday, and they were able to get him in Tuesday afternoon at the earliest.
"I couldn't get in quite early, but I'm here this afternoon," he said.
Burt Brothers Sandy Manager Allan Cantonwine explained how October was slower than normal, especially mid-October. He talked about how the warm fall weather meant customers weren't thinking snow tires just yet. That is until the forecast included a winter storm warning.
"So the Friday and Saturday before, we started seeing an uptick in appointment requests, and people coming in needing to have snow tires either put on or purchase new ones," he said.
Some locations like Burt Brothers in Park City are booked out a month, he said. They'll usually send customers to other locations that can take them in faster. At the location in Sandy, Cantonwine said the wait is about three hours instead of 45 minutes to get tires swapped out.
He suggests customers get in now before the next storm, but also because Cantonwine said the longer people wait, the less chance they have of getting the exact tire they want in their size because of supply.
It's also not a bad idea to request some other checks while the car is in the shop.
"Wiper blades are a big thing, we want to make sure that you're able to see. Making sure that your wash fluid's topped off and full, that's very important. Brakes, things along those lines," Cantonwine listed off. "Whenever you come in to have your tires put on, we always recommend having the alignment checked as well, and just a good under-car inspection."
Kleinman's car just needed the tires swapped so he can be ready for winter driving.
"Just a little extra grip, little extra safety," he said. "I don't want to run into somebody if I can help it."
