In Alberta, only all-season tires that display the three peak mountain snowflake symbol are suitable to drive all year around. If a tire does not display this symbol – even if it’s all-season, all-terrain or mud-terrain – the rubber compound will freeze in cold temperatures and traction will be lost. Conversely, tires designed specifically for winter cannot be used in the summer as their soft rubber compound will degrade quickly and be liable for blow-outs in higher temperatures.

We recommend every driver in Alberta utilises two sets of tires – one set of snow tires for use in winter, and one set of all-season (summer) tires for use in the spring, summer and autumn.

[Please note: All-season tires are not all-weather tires – read this page for further information on this.]

We do understand purchasing, storing and fitting two sets of tires can be costly and time consuming. This is where all-weather tires can be used. All-weather tires are made with a special rubber compound that remains soft in freezing winter temperatures, but can also withstand high road temperatures of summer.

However, all-weather tires are not suitable for all driving. To discover if they’re suitable for you, please read the following: Can I use all-weather tires instead of winter tires.