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Fall and winter in Edmonton mean sub-zero temperatures for six months (if not more). Another thing most people living in the region are likely to be aware of is the fact that roads can become particularly treacherous during the winter months.
Furthermore, ice tends to make the roads slippery and snow makes movement rather difficult. If you want to get around during the fall and winter months, there are a few adjustments you will need to make to your car!
Among the numerous auto preparations you need to make for the coming fall and winter months, your tires are one of the things that will require your attention.
We’re going to elaborate on the importance of tire prep for winter as well as what you can do to make sure you and those on the road with you (both in and outside your car) is kept safe.
As we mentioned earlier, roads during the winter are very different from those in the summer when it comes to grip or traction. On drier summer days, roads provide greater traction due to their uneven surfaces.
During winter, however, moisture seeps into the spaces on the tarmac and freezes making these surfaces largely smooth, losing traction to a great degree. The result; slipping, skidding, extended breaking time and more accidents!
The first thing you need to understand is that there is a reason that tire companies manufacture what you call winter tires. Winter tires are designed to allow for greater traction on cold and ice/snow-coated roads.
They do this because they’re made of a softer rubber than summer tires and, therefore, have far deeper grooves that widen on contact with the road (for better traction). Winter tires may also be studded with metal protrusions to increase traction, particularly on snow-covered terrains.
Though all-purpose tires might get you through the early fall, they might not provide the kind of traction you need in the thick of winter. Further, all-purpose tires are not designed like winter tires and where they could do; you’re better off with a separate set of summer and winter tires.
Many today feel they can save a few dollars by replacing only one set of regular tires with winter tires. This is usually either just the rear tires or the front two.
This is usually a bad idea as it puts excessive strain on the winter tires and the part of the car where they have been placed. It is always recommended that you change all four tires on your vehicle when doing so in preparation for winter. This ensures balance and will provide the traction and control you need to stay safe!
If you’re living up in a place like Edmonton – Alberta, you might want to buy a new set of winter tires if you don’t already own a set. If you have a set of winter tires lying around that need repair or wish to buy new ones, come down to our auto repair shop! We’ll have you sorted in no time.
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