There are a lot of reasons to love living in this part of the country. However, a crucial part of living here is making sure people can safely drive during winter when roads are covered with snow, ice, or a combination of the two. Certainly, not all vehicles are going to be as well suited to winter driving conditions as others. A significant part of a car, truck or SUV safely driving during the winter is being outfitted with the appropriate equipment. So, are winter tires required in Calgary, AB? Currently, the Alberta provincial government does not require winter tires, but they are recommended. Let a Jack Carter Chevy product expert explain a few helpful pieces of information.
Do Winter Tires Really Make a Difference?
Nobody needs to be a master automotive mechanic to understand that there are different tires for different needs. Vehicle owners can choose among four primary tires categories: summer, All-Season, All-Weather, and Winter. A vehicle will perform and handle differently based on which kind of tires and the conditions that are present.
Summer Tires — These tires are specifically designed to offer low rolling resistance on warm, dry roads. Improved fuel economy is the broad goal for using summer tires, but low-profile performance tires can also be chosen for aesthetic purposes.
All-Season Tires — Just as the name implies, all-season tires are manufactured for the convenience of being used for the entire year. While using these tires will eliminate the need to store another set of tires, the rubber won’t be as effective at holding traction when temperatures dip below 7 degrees C.
All-Weather Tires — There are a few critical differences between all-season and all-weather tires. First, all-weather tires will be better at moving moisture away from the tread when driving over wet or ice-covered roads, and the rubber will remain more pliable than all-season tires at colder temperatures.
Winter Tires — People living in areas that get a lot of snow will almost certainly want to invest in a set of winter tires. Unique rubber formulations keep tires soft in the coldest conditions to assist in maintaining traction. Additionally, winter tires feature siping on the treads that trap water and release it as the tire rotates.
Where can I buy winter tires in Calgary, AB?
Once someone decides to invest in a set of winter tires, they will need to ensure that they are buying the correct size and fit. The Jack Carter Service Department is more than qualified to help you find the exact tires you need. After all, an improperly sized winter (or any) tire is worse than useless.
Schedule an appointment with the Jack Carter Chevy Service Department today to start the discussion with one of our expert service advisors before it’s too late.