Looking for the right tires for your vehicle in Edmonton? Of course, you’ll want to look at price, safety, and your vehicle’s performance when shopping for new tires in Edmonton. Here’s how to figure out which tires you need for your lifestyle..
Tire Types
There are four different general tire types to choose from: winter, all-season, all-weather, and summer.
Winter Tires
When temperatures consistently drop below 7°C, winter tires become essential for most Edmonton drivers. There is a wide range of winter tire choices, some with more safety features for ice and snow than others. In general, winter tires stand out for their:
- Deeper treads to push away snow and slush
- Special rubber that remains flexible in intensely cold temperatures
- Unique tread patterns with biting edges
- The best traction on ice and snow-covered roads
All-Season Tires
Despite their name, all-season tires are best described as “three-season tires” in Edmonton. They’re our typical “summer” tires in Edmonton. Where they fall short is in true winter conditions with ice and significant snowfall. The rubber contracts when temperatures get below 7°C, reducing traction when you need it most. However, all-season tires are:
- Excellent for summer driving
- Quieter and smoother than winter tires
- Versatile for wet and dry conditions
- Longer-lasting than all-weather
All-Weather Tires
If you’re looking for a true year-round tire for Edmonton’s climate, all-weather tires adapt to temperature changes. If you make mostly city trips and don’t want the hassle of seasonal changes, they can be a good choice. Keep in mind that all-weather tires often wear out faster than winter tires. All-weather tires:
- Have the mountain snowflake symbol (like winter tires), certifying them for winter use
- Provide adequate performance in summer conditions
- Reduce risk of hydroplaning
- Eliminate the need for seasonal changeovers
Summer Tires
While less common in Edmonton, performance fans may opt for summer tires during the warmest months. Summer tires are best used when the weather is above 7 degrees. Below that, they can become dangerous. Summer tires:
- Respond well on dry pavement and wet roads
- Reduce risk of hydroplaning
- Increase fuel efficiency
- Enhance cornering and braking performance in warm weather
Choosing The Right Tires For You
The best tires are the ones that match your specific driving habits, vehicle, and the conditions you typically encounter.
For City Commuters
If you primarily drive within Edmonton and on well-maintained roads, your choices are:
- Winter: Dedicated winter tires
- Summer: All-season tires for when the weather is above freezing consistently, or summer tires for when the weather is above 7 degrees
- Year-Round Option: Premium all-weather tires
For Highway Commuters
If your Edmonton driving includes regular highway travel, you’ll probably want:
- Winter: High-performance winter tires
- Summer: Either premium all-season or dedicated summer tires for optimal performance
For Rural and Adventure Drivers
If you frequently travel beyond well-maintained roads, you should consider:
- Winter: Dedicated winter tires with deeper treads
- Summer: Consider all-terrain tires that provide better performance on gravel and dirt roads
Maintenance Tips for Extended Tire Life in Edmonton
Regardless of which type of tires you choose, proper maintenance will significantly increase the life and performance of your tires. Remember to:
- Ensure even wear with regular rotation every 8,000-12,000 kilometres (more about the importance of tire rotations here)
- Check your tire pressure monthly (pressure changes with temperature)
- Properly store your off-season tires in a climate-controlled environment
- Get alignment checks after hitting potholes (an unfortunate Edmonton reality)
The Mobile Convenience of Tire Service
At Shire Tire, we understand that selecting the right tires is only part of the equation. That’s why we bring our mobile tire service and your tire selection directly to your home or workplace in Edmonton. Our certified technicians can:
- Help you select the right foreign or Canadian-made tires for your specific driving needs
- Deliver and install your new tires without you ever leaving home
- Balance, align, and rotate your seasonal tires
Start browsing for your next set of tires here.
Want expert advice on selecting the perfect tires from Canada for your Edmonton driving needs? Contact Shire Tire, and let our mobile tire professionals bring their expertise directly to you.