Winter Tires vs. All-Season Tires: What Edmonton Drivers Need to Know

This Mitsubishi winter tire guide explains why winter tires in Edmonton are essential for safe driving during Alberta’s cold season. Cold weather driving in Alberta can be hazardous, especially during freezing snaps or heavy snowfall. The right tires help protect your safety and maintain control on icy roads.

Why Winter Tires Matter

As temperatures drop below 7°C, all-season tires begin to stiffen and lose flexibility. This reduces traction and increases stopping distance on icy or snowy roads.
Winter tires are designed to stay flexible in the cold, maintain road grip, and improve braking performance.

For Alberta drivers, switching to winter tires is not just a suggestion. It is a safety necessity.

Key Differences Between Winter and All-Season Tires

Outlining the different features of winter and all-season tires show that these are products with distinct seasonal uses:

Rubber Compound

·       All-Season Tires: Made from a harder rubber designed for longer tread life in moderate temperatures. This rubber becomes stiff in cold conditions and loses road grip below 7°C.

·       Winter Tires: Made from a softer, flexible rubber compound that stays pliable in freezing temperatures. This allows the tire to maintain traction on cold pavement.

Tread Design

·       All-Season Tires:
Shallower tread depth with versatile patterns for wet and dry roads. Can handle light snow, but not deep snow or ice.

·       Winter Tires:
Deeper tread patterns with sipes (tiny slits) and larger tread blocks. These help the tire bite into snow and ice while channeling away slush and water for better stability.

Performance in Cold

·       All-Season Tires:
Suitable for mild winters, but braking and handling decline significantly in severe cold or icy road conditions.

·       Winter Tires:
Provide better traction, control, and braking on snow, slush, and ice. They can reduce stopping distances by up to 40% compared to all-season tires in slippery conditions.

Recommendation:
Switch to winter tires when daytime temperatures consistently remain below 7°C.

Edmonton Drivers Should Prepare Soon

Kross Mitsubishi is not only a vehicle dealership. We also provide expert tire service and installation. Our trained technicians can remove your old tires, install your new set, and ensure the fit is precise.

Why Professional Tire Installation Matters

·       Ensures even mounting and correct pressure

·       Reduces risk of uneven wear

·       Improves stability and safety on winter roads

A properly installed set of winter tires provides more confidence and control when conditions turn icy.

Get Your Winter Tires at Kross Mitsubishi

We’re located at 9605 – 34 Ave Edmonton, and our sales staff will be happy to help you get new winter tires installed before the cold sets in. Our certified technicians can swap out your old tires and make sure your winter set is perfectly fitted for maximum safety and performance.

And this season, there’s even more reason to stop by. When you buy any set of winter tires from Kross Mitsubishi for any vehicle, make, model, or tire size, you’ll be entered for a chance to win a 2025 Mitsubishi Eclipse Cross Noir or take home $25,000 cash.

Meet the cold season in a vehicle equipped with proper winter tires and enjoy the added excitement of our limited-time Winter Tire Promo.

Contact us today for your chance to win and to make your winter commute safer and more comfortable.