Is Town Autobody an MPI-accredited auto body repair shop in Winnipeg?

Yes, Town Autobody is an MPI-accredited autobody repair shop in Winnipeg. We are approved to complete MPI collision repairs, Direct Repair claims, hail damage repairs, and auto glass services under MPI standards.

Do I need to visit an MPI claim centre before coming to Town Autobody?

In many cases, no. As an MPI Direct Repair facility, eligible customers can come directly to Town Autobody after reporting their claim to MPI. We handle the damage assessment, paperwork, and repairs directly.

What types of collision repair services does Town Autobody offer?

Town Autobody provides full-service collision repair in Winnipeg, including frame straightening, dent removal, bumper repair, panel replacement, and paint refinishing for all vehicle makes and models.

Does Town Autobody handle MPI hail damage claims?

Yes, we specialize in MPI hail damage repair across Manitoba using paintless dent repair (PDR) and conventional body repair methods, coordinating directly with MPI for fast approvals.

Can Town Autobody repair or replace my windshield through MPI?

Yes, Town Autobody offers windshield repair and replacement billed directly through MPI for eligible glass claims, using OEM-quality auto glass.

Winter Tire Program: Drive Safe in Winnipeg’s Harsh Winters

When the first heavy snow hits Winnipeg, every driver feels the change instantly. Roads get slick, stopping distances grow longer, and maneuvering through traffic can become nerve-wracking. For those who rent vehicles in Manitoba’s capital, one question quickly comes up: Does my rental have winter tires?

At Town Car Rental, the answer is simple: Yes, every vehicle is equipped with proper winter tires during the snowy season. And this isn’t just about compliance. It’s about protecting you, your passengers, and everyone else on the road.

This blog explains why winter tires are non-negotiable in Manitoba, how MPI’s Winter Tire Program supports safe driving, and how Town Car Rental goes above and beyond to ensure peace of mind during Winnipeg’s challenging winters.

1. Why Winter Tires Matter in Manitoba

Winnipeg winters are not for the faint of heart. Between late October and early April, drivers face:

Icy roads after freezing rain.
Snow drifts that pile up overnight.
Extreme cold that makes rubber in regular tires hard and slippery.

Winter vs. All-Season Tires

While many drivers assume “all-season” means year-round safety, in Manitoba that’s simply not true.

All-season tires stiffen in sub-zero temperatures, reducing grip.
Winter tires remain flexible, biting into ice and snow for superior traction.

According to MPI’s research, vehicles with winter tires stop sooner and handle better in cold conditions, reducing collision risk by nearly 40%.

2. MPI’s Low-Interest Winter Tire Program

Recognizing the importance of safety, Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) introduced the Winter Tire Program in 2014.

How It Works:

Eligible Manitobans can finance up to $2,000 per vehicle to buy winter tires.
The loan is low-interest and repayable through your MPI account.
Coverage includes tires, rims, sensors, and installation.

👉 Learn more directly from MPI: Winter Tire Program.

This initiative has helped thousands of Manitobans improve winter safety. But what about people renting vehicles, newcomers, or visitors who don’t own cars? That’s where Town Car Rental comes in.

3. Town Car Rental’s Winter Tire Program

Unlike some rental companies that treat winter tires as an optional “add-on,” Town Car Rental equips all of its Winnipeg rental fleet with winter tires at no extra charge.

This means:

Every customer is protected: whether you’re renting for a day or a month.
No hidden fees: winter tires are included in rental pricing.
Fleet-wide compliance: with MPI’s safety expectations.

It’s our way of aligning with MPI’s vision: fewer accidents, safer roads, and more confident drivers during Manitoba’s harshest months.

4. How Our Program Works

When you rent with Town Car Rental in the winter, here’s what happens:

Automatic Winter Tire Installation
- From October through April, every car leaves our lot with proper winter tires.
No Extra Charge
- Winter tires are included in the base rental rate.
Inspections Before Every Rental
- Tires are checked for tread depth, air pressure, and wear.
- Our technicians rotate tires for even performance across the fleet.
Support for Long-Term Renters
- Renting for several months? We provide tire maintenance throughout your rental.

5. Benefits of Renting with Winter Tires

A. Better Safety

Shorter stopping distances on ice and snow.
Improved cornering and control.
Reduced risk of skidding at intersections.

B. Peace of Mind

Whether you’re commuting downtown or heading to the Perimeter Highway, you can drive confidently.

C. Compliance with MPI Safety Standards

By outfitting all rentals, Town Car Rental ensures your vehicle meets MPI expectations, important if you’re ever involved in a claim.

D. Cost Savings

Some rental agencies charge $10–$20/day for winter tires. With us, it’s included.

6. Real-World Winnipeg Example

Consider Michael, a university student from Ontario studying in Winnipeg.

Michael needed a rental for three months over the winter. At a big-box rental company, he was quoted an extra $400/month for winter tires. But at Town Car Rental, the cost was built-in. He drove safely all season, avoided surprise fees, and returned the car stress-free — with no icy-road incidents.

7. MPI and Winter Tires: The Bigger Picture

MPI doesn’t just encourage winter tire purchases — they also track collision data and consistently remind Manitobans of the risks of driving without them.

In 2022, MPI reported that winter tire usage has nearly doubled since the program began.
Collisions involving vehicles with winter tires are significantly less severe.

By aligning with this initiative, Town Car Rental helps reduce claim volumes, keeping insurance rates more stable for all Manitobans.

8. FAQs About Winter Tires and Rentals

Q: Do I need to request winter tires on a Town Car Rental vehicle?
A: No they’re included automatically during the winter months.

Q: Are studded tires available?
A: Currently, we equip vehicles with standard winter tires, which are effective for Winnipeg conditions.

Q: What months are winter tires provided?
A: Typically from October through April, depending on weather conditions.

Q: Will MPI cover me if I crash in a rental without winter tires?
A: Yes, but lack of winter tires may influence safety assessments. With Town Car Rental, this isn’t an issue — all vehicles are prepared.

10. Conclusion

Driving in a Winnipeg winter doesn’t have to be stressful. With the Town Car Rental Winter Tire Program, you can focus on your destination, not the road conditions.

By including winter tires on every rental, we:

Support MPI’s safety initiatives.
Protect you and your passengers.
Save you from hidden fees.

So whether you’re a student, business traveler, or local driver in need of a short-term car, Town Car Rental has you covered this winter.

❄️ Book your winter-ready rental today, and drive with confidence in Winnipeg.