TireTalk

In some parts of the world, drivers only need one type of tire. Alberta is not one of these places. Winters in Alberta can be harsh, especially in Edmonton and Calgary, where temperatures drop below -30 degrees Celsius in the winter months. 

The cold temperatures combined with snow, slush, and ice can turn your daily commute into a nightmarish sideways slide from one sharp turn to the next. That is, unless you are properly equipped for the elements. 

The right snow tires can mean all the difference in frigid conditions. While you can opt for all-season tires that don’t need to be changed throughout the seasons, using winter tires can ensure better safety and comfort when you’re on the road.

At Tire Warehouse we have the perfect tires to face whatever mother nature has in store for you.

WHAT ARE ALBERTA’S WINTER REGULATIONS?

Unlike British Columbia and Quebec, Alberta does not require vehicles to be equipped with winter tires during the winter. The Ministry of Transport and other local authorities do advise that all vehicles be equipped with all-season or winter tires when driving in severe weather conditions. 

There are, however, specific winter rules for a few of Canada’s national parks located along the Alberta-British Columbia border. Snow tires or chains are required by law in these parks from November 1st to March 31st, or during any period when these highways are covered in snow or ice.

The highways include

• Highway #93N / Icefields Parkway (Banff National Park)
• HIGHWAY #93S / BANFF-WINDERMERE HIGHWAY (BANFF AND KOOTENAY NATIONAL PARKS) 

WHY ARE WINTER TIRES CRUCIAL IN ALBERTA?

Winter tires are a safe bet for your vehicle, helping improve traction when accelerating, slowing down, and staying on the road during Alberta’s cold season. They come to a stop nearly 15 meters faster than all-season tires on ice.

Winter tires are made up of cold-weather-specific rubber compounds, making them more flexible than summer and all-season tires and allowing them to get a better grip on loose snow that would send non-winter tires spinning.

Various tread designs used in winter tires enable them to push snow outwards, avoiding snow build-up and improving traction and control. The larger number of tread sipes gives winter tyres a better grip on wet surfaces.

Aside from the safety and peace of mind it provides when driving on Alberta’s winter roads, a set of winter tires will help increase the life of your all-season tires.

Installing winter tires could potentially save you money on auto insurance, as some insurance companies provide a winter tire discount. 

Are studded tires legal in Alberta? 

There are no restrictions on the use of studded tires in Alberta. They can be used by any vehicle throughout the year, but are ideal for rough, icy terrain. 

WINTER TIRES IN ALBERTA – A MUST HAVE

As you know now winter tires are a must-have in Alberta, Canada. They are designed specifically for slippery and snow-covered roads.
Winter tires are different from all-season tires as they have softer rubber, so they can provide better traction on ice and snow. Since winter tires work better in cold weather, they may also provide better traction for driving in rain and on wet roads. 

You should also consider the performance of the winter tire when driving on ice or snow. The performance of the tire is determined by its ability to stop quickly and prevent skidding, as well as its ability to maintain control of your vehicle during acceleration and braking maneuvers on ice or snow. 

Winter tires are simply a great choice for those who live in areas with unpredictable weather, specifically Alberta. They provide the best of both worlds – they offer excellent performance on dry and wet roads, but also have better traction on ice and snow than summer tires.

Alberta winter tires provide better traction and handling in cold weather, which is an important factor to consider if you live in a place that experiences snow or ice. You do not want to be the vehicle stuck in a Highway 2 ditch because you do not have Winter Tires.

REAL BENEFITS OF HAVING WINTER TIRES IN ALBERTA

Improved traction on ice and snow Winter tires have a rubber compound that remains flexible at lower temperatures than summer tires. This makes it easier for them to grip icy and snowy surfaces.

Treadwear rating is higher than with summer tires Winter tire treads generally last longer than their summer counterparts because they don’t wear as quickly when driving on snow and ice. This means that you may need to replace your winter tires less often, which saves you money.

The winter tire is designed for driving in the snow and ice. It has a tread pattern that is more aggressive than the summer tire and has more rubber content. The rubber content helps with traction and braking on snow and ice, which is why it’s important to use winter tires when it snows in Alberta.

Some of the best winter tires for Alberta, Canada are Bridgestone Blizzak WS80 or Michelin X-Ice Xi3+

When to Install your Winter Tires in Alberta?

That’s the crossover point where winter tires begin to outperform all seasons, even on dry pavement when the snow hasn’t begun to fall yet. The reason for this is that the flexible silica tread compounds in winter tires respond better to cold temperatures than the harder compounds of all-season tires.

For maximum performance and safety, winter tires should be installed in sets of four. Alberta authorities also recommend using winter tires that have a tread depth of no less than 4 mm. You should also regularly check the air pressure in your winter tires.

An investment in winter tires is an investment in your well-being and the longevity of your all-season tires. Getting your car’s winter tires from Tirewarehouse.ca saves you both time and money while ensuring quality. We are headquartered in Edmonton, with other shipping warehouses across Canada including Calgary and Kelowna.

Our unrivaled inventory of tires, low shipping costs, first-rate customer service, and fast delivery times keep customers coming back time and time again. Take advantage of our offers to get the best deals on winter tires, and beat the rush.

Ready to get your car winter-ready? Visit our website or contact us to talk with our tire experts and find the best winter tires for any car model for the best usage and functionality.