Winter Tires in Whitecourt

Winter tires for cars, SUVs and pickups in Whitecourt, where January nights average −16 °C and about 175 cm of snow falls a year.

Whitecourt's average daily temperature is below 7 °C from October through April (Environment Canada 1991–2020 normals). Transport Canada says that below 7 °C, all-season and summer tires begin to lose elasticity, which means less traction.

Look for the three-peak mountain and snowflake symbol on the sidewall. Alberta Transportation describes tires with that symbol as meeting specific snow traction requirements. Tires marked only "M+S" have not passed that test.

Alberta does not require winter tires, but Alberta Transportation recommends four winter or all-weather tires for severe winter conditions, and Transport Canada says to install winter tires in sets of four. Fitting only two can leave the front and rear of the vehicle with very different grip.

Studded tires are allowed in Alberta: the province has no law against them, though damaging the road is an offence under the Highways Development and Protection Act. Some other jurisdictions restrict studs, so check before a trip out of province.

Ask the shop which winter tire brands it has in your size, and whether it sells studded tires. Book your fall tire changeover early, and ask about tire storage for the off-season set.

Common jobs

• Winter tires for cars, SUVs, crossovers and pickups
• Winter tire and rim packages (ask whether the shop sells rims)
• Studded winter tires (ask whether the shop sells them)
• Mounting, balancing and TPMS setup on a second set of rims

Have this ready when you call

• Year, make and model of the vehicle
• Your tire size, from the sidewall (it looks like 265/70R17)
• What you need done, and when you need it

Common questions