As we prepare our vehicles for the icy grip of winter, one driver is speaking out to emphasize the importance of properly maintaining your vehicle's wheels during the tire changeover season.
The driver, whose wheel fell off last year due to suspected over-torqued bolts, shared their story to raise awareness about a simple but often overlooked safety precaution: retorquing wheels after 100 km of driving.
A close call on Highway 32
Recounting the harrowing incident from last winter, the driver explained how their wheel detached shortly after turning onto Highway 32, a scenario that could have ended much worse.
“I was only going about 30 km/h when it happened,” the motorist shared via email. “Had I been going 100 km/h, since it’s a highway, I likely would have rolled into the ditch.”
The driver explained that the likely cause was over-torqued bolts that snapped under excessive pressure. This serves as a stark reminder for all drivers to double-check the integrity of their wheels after getting winter tires installed.
Related stories:
Good Samaritan saves the day
This incident caught public attention last year when Jeff Wiebe stopped to assist a motorist in distress on Highway 32, helping move the car safely off the road.
"As we got to the Schanzenfeld corner, I noticed the wheel fly off into the ditch," Wiebe said. "The car was kind of skidding in the middle of the highway... She looked scared."
Wiebe helped the driver get her car running again so she could stay warm and towed her vehicle to safety. His quick thinking prevented what could have been a dangerous situation for both the driver and passing vehicles.
“Check your wheels” – A timely reminder
The driver, who wishes to remain anonymous, hopes their story serves as a reminder to everyone preparing for winter driving. “Make sure all parts involved are in good condition and have the wheels retorqued after driving 100 km,” they urged.
This simple precaution can prevent bolts from snapping due to excessive pressure and ensure the safety of everyone on the road.
Be a winter hero
As Wiebe shared last year, kindness can also make a difference during Manitoba’s harsh winters:
“My message would be to everyone, if you see someone on the side of the road, slow down, ask if they need help. That type of thing needs to be done more often.”
With studded tires now legal and winter well on its way, let’s all take the extra steps to keep our roads safer—for ourselves and for others.