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When To Switch To Winter Tires

Blog Oct 30th, 2025
Tires with snow in the background

As the leaves change colour and the days get shorter, you should be preparing to get your winter tires installed. Nailing an exact date can be tricky, but you should try and get the tires swapped on your vehicle before the temperature drops below 7 degrees. You should also keep local mandates in mind. Continue reading with the team at Drayton Valley Ford to learn more.

Colder Temperatures 

Swap your summer or all-season tires with your winter ones when the weather starts to get cold. A general rule of thumb is when the temperature starts to consistently drop below 7 degrees. It’s around this time that all-season tires and summer tires start to lose traction. Unlike winter tires, all-season tires are made of a harder rubber compound to perform in a range of mild conditions. However, when the temperature gets cold, the material gets stiff and loses traction. Summer tires feature a softer compound than all-season tires.

Follow Mandates

The Government of Alberta does not legally require drivers to install winter tires on their vehicles. However, our neighbouring province of British Columbia does. If you have plans to cross the border during the winter season, you should keep this mandate in mind. Drivers are required to have winter tires installed between October 1 and April 30. The mandate applies to select highways, and drivers can face penalties if they don’t follow the rules

Switch Your Winter Tires at Drayton Valley Ford

If you’re ready to make the switch, Drayton Valley Ford has you covered. Our Quick Lane Tire and Auto Centre is located conveniently next to the dealership. Our certified service technicians are on hand to install your winter tires. Book an appointment online and contact us with any questions.

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