Calgarians who want to avoid spending hundreds of dollars on a second set of tires, have another option.
Instead of winter tires, drivers may want to try all-weather tires. They feature a softer rubber that grips and maintains traction better than an all-season tire on slick, icy roads. But because the all-weather is not as soft as the winter tire, it doesn’t wear out as quickly and can be used year-round.
“It offers better traction then an all- season in winter,” explains Dr. Joe Hallet, a rubber engineer at Artis. “It contains aspects of a true winter tire and aspects of an all season tire. So it’s a hybrid.”
All-weather tires cost about the same as both all-season tires and winter tires, but will save you a trip to the dealership once the weather starts to change.
“If you’re a city driver, you don’t drive long distances and you’re not driving in the real severe weather we get over here in Canada, it’s probably a good option,” Hallet adds.
All-weather tires can also save you time – many dealerships and tire shops are booking winter tire appointments in advance.
The one downside to the all-weather tire is there’s a smaller selection of brands.
Studded tires are another for drivers hoping to save money. Alberta allows the use of studded tires year -round, as opposed to other provinces where they are only allowed between October and May.
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