Feb 3, 2024 is Lead Weight Deadline

Jan 23, 2024

Important Notice to WCTD Members

Re. Canadian Prohibition of the Manufacture and Importation of Wheel Weights Containing Lead

lead wheel weights

One year ago, on Feb 3, 2023, The Canadian Minister of the Environment registered the Prohibition of the Manufacture and Importation of Wheel Weights Containing Lead Regulation.

This new regulation prohibits the importing and manufacturing of lead wheel weights containing more than 0.1% lead by weight into Canada. The regulation comes into full effect on Feb 3, 2024.

The Government of Canada’s analysis assumes that lead wheel weights will be completely phased out. Lead-free products will become the only type of wheel weights manufactured, imported and distributed in the Canadian market by Feb 3, 2024.

It also assumes that 12 months was enough time for the current stock of lead wheel weights to be used. However, the sale and installation of the remaining stock of lead wheel weights already in Canada will be allowed after the regulations come into force.

The government’s analysis assumes that regulated parties will pass on the incremental costs of alternatives to their customers. They include: independently owned repair shops, car dealers and tire dealers who will, in turn, pass them on to vehicle owners.

WCTD encourages our members to speak with their supplier(s) about the upcoming regulation changes; and how this will affect your purchasing, supply and cost.

The new regulation, along with additional information, may be viewed here – Canada Gazette, Part 2, Volume 157, Number 4: Prohibition of the Manufacture and Importation of Wheel Weights Containing Lead Regulations

Your Winter Tracker is here—with lots of news!

Oct 27, 2023

With the snow about to fly across the west, the latest Tracker is ready for you to download. As always, you’ll find no shortage of pertinent news that touches on almost every aspect of the association’s wide range of activities.

First and foremost, we bring to your attention the resumption of in-person training, after a long hiatus thanks to the pandemic. Sessions are already gearing up—and there’ll be more to come. We expect plenty of demand so urge you to book promptly. Find registration info on page 13.

Are you charging enough for your skills and services? Regular contributor Paul McAlduff  makes the case as to why “Great Service Should Always Be Paid For” in his latest ‘Just Sayin’’ column.

Ever wonder what happens to those scrap tires that get picked up? Over the years WCTD has played a key role in the evolution of our various recycling agencies. On that note, you can check out another of Tire Stewardship BC’s very successful playground projects on page 19.

No time like the present to remind you of the need to make sure that TPMS systems remain intact during during changeovers. Our good friends at Federated Insurance offer some helpful insights on TPMS liability on page 17, including a course of action if the customer refuses to have the work completed.

There’s more, of course, as we check in on Quebec’s ground-breaking Right to Repair legislation and get some helpful tips from Simply Safe on updating your in-house hearing conservation program—and making sure that workers PPE devices fit properly.

Last but not least, we are delighted to salute this year’s Scholarship Recipients!

Download the latest Tracker today!

Adam Moffatt elected to TIA Board

Sep 26, 2023

Adam Moffatt

Adam Moffatt, executive director of the Tire Dealers Association of Canada (TDAC) and also of Ontario Tire Dealers Association (OTDA) has been elected to the board of directors of the Tire Industry Association (TIA).

He is among six new board members were chosen from a slate of 12 candidates vying for the six open positions. Voting began in early July and ended Sept. 1.

“TIA is excited to welcome this impressive and diverse group of board members to the association,” TIA CEO Richard “Dick” Gust said. “We look forward to their contributions in carrying out TIA’s mission of promoting tire safety, tire technician training, serving as a government watchdog for tire dealers and the tire industry and providing educational seminars and events.”

The newly elected directors will take office Oct. 30 during TIA’s Annual Membership Meeting preceding the opening of the Global Tire Expo/SEMA show in Las Vegas. They will join an additional 12 directors to make up the association’s 18-member board.

Moffatt describes himself as passionate about the tire industry, the advancement of “our” image, safe operations and the overall role the tire sector plays in the automotive field.

His previous work experience includes involvement in the tire hauling and recycling industries. Moffat is a certified 400-level TIA instructor and worked with the OTDA to reintroduce TIA’s Automotive Tire Service training courses to the Ontario market.

He said his interest in joining the TIA board is to ensure the smaller Canadian market is not overlooked through national representation and to share his knowledge as a tire recycler and association director.

(Edited from Tire Business)

Gearing up for Fall – and more – in the latest Tracker

Aug 1, 2023

With Summer in full swing, we hope everyone’s enjoying their vacation and having a safe and smoke-free season. For your reading pleasure, as Fall is right around the corner, the latest Tracker is ready for download.

Between the covers you’ll find plenty of news, including a report on WCTD’s very successful (now again annual) Alberta golf tournament, which took place in late June and raised significant funds for the Stollery Children’s Hospital.

On a very sad note, we say farewell to our great friend and long-time supporter Wayne Budge, of Federated Insurance, who passed away on June 12th.

The height of summer can bring an array of challenges, including extreme temperatures that can be a danger to outdoor workers. We urge you to read the piece from the folks at Simply Safe (courtesy of WorkSafe BC) on what you can do to help protect your employees from heat stress.

TPMS, as always, continues to be in the news. Read up on why it’s important to make sure you or your techs have the latest in tool software for proper TMPS servicing. i.e. “Don’t Wait: Update!”

Plus, one final reminder that there’s still time to meet the fast approaching August 15th deadline to apply for WCTD Academic Scholarships. Please be sure to advise anyone eligible within your network to apply!

Download the latest Tracker today!

Download Your Summer Tracker Today!

Jun 13, 2023

Safety is a WCTD core value
Our Summer Tracker theme!

We don’t have to tell you that the Summer service season is now in full swing, with stores across the country seeing to the needs of the car traveling public. However, when times are busy it’s even more crucial to pay close attention to all matters of safety.

In this issue we look at the various ways you can nurture and build upon the ‘Safety Culture’ of your organization, as well as how best to look after the well-being of both staff and customers. Also related, we revisit best practices for safe roadside service and, specifically, the topic of effective warning lights for service vehicles.

If Summer’s here, sorry, Winter can’t be far behind. An interesting TRAC survey tells us that the winter tire market across Canada continues to grow by a considerable margin. Check it out for some revealing statistics that might assist you in planning your upcoming snow tire campaign.

There’s more, of course, from the ban on lead wheel weights that takes effect early in 2024, to advice from Federated Insurance on how to respond to customers who insist on bypassing TPMS.

If you’re in the area there’s still time to register for WCTD Alberta’s Charity Golf Tournament, June 25th at Stony Plain Golf Course, to benefit the Stollery Children’s Hospital. You can find registration forms on pages 25- 27. Come join us! We’d love to see you for a great day of golf, with fantastic prizes plus silent and live auctions.

Last but not least, the August 15th deadline for WCTD Academic Scholarship applications is fast approaching. Make sure all those eligible within your network know how to apply!

Download your Summer Tracker Today!

The Spring 2023 Tracker is here!

Feb 6, 2023

Spring (not that far away) is a time of renewal, a theme that runs through the latest edition of The Tracker.

As always, this issue is filled with useful and pertinent information.  However, we’re also pleased to present a remarkable feature that underscores what can happen when smart minds come together in the world of used tire recycling.

Tire Stewardship BC (TSBC) and  partners have transformed Nanaimo’s waterfront Maffeo Sutton Park into “an inclusive and accessible space for children of all ages and abilities …with a focus on active play and engaging sensory experiences.” We think you’ll find it a fascinating read, especially as pour-in-place-rubber (from 3,260 recycled tires) was used to replace the former gravel surface. If you’ve ever wondered if collecting and shipping all those used tires is worth it, be sure to read ‘Play for All’!

There’s more of course, including the return of our popular golf tournament, as well as info on the upcoming WCTD Annual General Meeting, to be held in Kelowna (bring your clubs!). Safety Corner (contributed by safety experts Leigh-Ann Stewart and Debra Haldane) is back, with helpful hints about your safety program, while Federated’s Chris Leahey outlines how to set up an emergency contacts list.

Check it out for ideas on how to hire and keep good techs, service tips from TIA, who’s on the move in the industry—and plenty more.

Spring may not quite yet be here. But The Spring Tracker will get you in the mood!

Download your Spring Tracker Today!