We've been pretty fortunate when it comes to weather this fall.

High River and the Foothills have avoided early snowmageddons and we've been happily bathed in late fall sunshine for the most part.

With our weather luck about to change, experts are recommending switching to winter tires, sooner rather than later.

Nathan Oakley, Owner of Fountain Tire in High River says we are seeing a shortage of tires and wheels country-wide.

"There's a shortage right now, it all started with this pandemic that happened." Oakley adds "Everything is backlogged out at the docks and there are just no drivers right now to haul sea cans and deliver products so it's all just stuck."

Oakley recommends residents become more proactive and start searching for tires now, as they might have to wait for them to be shipped.

"I mean it is personal preference when you put on your winters, for me, I usually go with the end of September because it can snow anytime, this is Alberta, you never know, but it's best to be proactive."

When it comes to winters Oakley says they will outperform all seasons in any winter conditions. 

"There's a huge dramatic difference between winter tires and all-seasons. When you come to a red light, or even to take off you really notice more traction." The reason for that he says is in the material. "Winter tires have a different rubber compound, there's a lot more silica in it, which is a sticky compound. The rubber also has a lot more siping, and is generally softer so it gives you extra traction and doesn't freeze as easily."

Oakley also recommends checking the tread left if you've left your winters on all summer, if the tread is low, they won't perform as well in the snow.

 

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