We have enjoyed a rather mild winter this year in Calgary but as I mentioned in the daylight savings time post, we’re due for some cold weather. Looking at the forecast for this week, it looks like we’re supposed to get some of the white stuff on Tuesday with temperatures dipping slightly below freezing. Even if we don’t get any snow, its important to equip your car with the right tires for the season, and that means winter tires.

Many people assume that all-season tires are just as good as winter tires, especially in Calgary with our generally mild winters. The argument is that because of how often chinook winds blow through the area and melt away all the snow, winter tires are useless and a waste of money. Winter tires are not just designed to aid in snow/ice traction, even though that is how they are all marketed by the manufacturers. Winter tires are made with a different compound than all-season tires and summer tires allowing them to remain softer during extremely cold weather which ultimately leads to better handling and traction, even in the absence of any snow or ice.

Another important thing that is often overlooked by people purchasing winter tires is that having winter tires on all four corners of your vehicle is just as important as purchasing them in the first place. Don’t cheap out by purchasing only 2 tires, get all 4. Its not just about the extra traction when trying to get going (fine to just have winter tires on the drive wheels) but having winter tires on all four corners provides maximum grip for your car when you try to stop in wintery conditions.

If you haven’t purchased winter tires yet, or would like some more information please contact one of our sponsors. There is a reason some people refer to all-season tires as a compromise tire.

Tags:winter tires