Winter tires ‘a small price to pay for increased safety’ on snowy roads

By KENDALL KING, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter on November 17, 2021.

kking@medicinehatnews.com

As winter approaches, drivers might want to consider winter tires says Medicine Hat Police Service’s traffic unit.

“They’re going to give you the traction required that gives you the ability to stop under the adverse winter conditions,” Sgt. Gerald Sadlemyer told the News.

“In Medicine Hat, some people do put them off because of our ever-changing weather but it seems like if we’re going to get a bad winter where that snow and ice is gonna stick, winter tires are one of the only things that are going help you with your winter driving habits.”

Soren Hansen, co-owner of Kirk’s Tires in Redcliff, explained that winter tires are made of softer rubber compounds which heat up as the vehicle drives over cold roads, thus creating better traction.

“It’ll help prevent sliding on the ice and… it can help prevent accidents, depending on drivers’ capabilities,” Hansen said.

“I would recommend you either get a snow tire or an all-weather tire. All-weather tires are not as good as a full-winter tire for the winter, but they are still winter-rated, so they have met the severe Canada driving standards,” he said.

While the cost can be steep for winter tires, it doesn’t have to be. Hansen explained the cost depends on a variety of factors, such as the vehicle make, driving purpose and driver preference.

“It’s a small price to pay for increased safety,” said Sadlemyer.

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