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Tire Services that Keep You Safe on the Road During Winter
Performing a quick Google search for “winter tires near me” or “snow tires near me” and choosing the first automotive winter tire shop that pops up isn’t going to cut it this season. Not all mechanic shops are created equal, and when your safety is on the line, you need a full-service automotive center that will give you the best snow tire service in Airdrie.
The winter season lasts for half the year in southern Alberta, meaning drivers can expect to spend just as many days driving through snow, slush, and rain as they will spend driving under optimum conditions. That’s why having the right winter tires for your car is so important.
Winter tires in Airdrie aren’t going to be the same as winter tires in BC or Ontario, hence the need for taking your car into a local shop that knows the weather, the roads, the provincial regulations, and the right brand and style of snow tires for every vehicle.
Dandy Automotive has over 100 years of experience, has been in business for 35+ years in Airdrie, and has served communities across the city, throughout Rocky View County, and including parts of Calgary.
Why Install Snow Tires in Airdrie Every Winter?
There is no shortcut or workaround that allows one to safely avoid using snow tires in Airdrie. One simply must get the best winter tires in Rocky View County, and at Dandy Auto, expert mechanics provide a complimentary wheel alignment check with the purchase of any four winter tires.
Winter tires are a must for vehicles in snowy climates, Airdrie included. Here are the three most important reasons why:
1. Winter tires are made of flexible rubber compounds specifically designed for cold weather.
Unlike other tires meant for the summer season, winter tires are made of specialized rubber compounds that stay soft and pliable in temperatures below 7°C. Conversely, summer tires and even all-season tires harden and turn brittle in cold temperatures, which reduces grip and causes significant traction loss.
2. Airdrie snow tires feature deep grooves and “slush evacuation” technology.
Unlike summer tires, Airdrie winter tires are made with significantly deeper tread patterns and specifically designed tread channels that physically force snow and slush out and away from the vehicle. That prevents the snow and ice from building up on the tire and causing the car to lose traction.
3. The best Airdrie winter tires will also have high-density “sipes” for a tougher, biting edge.
Snow tires used in southern Alberta will have tiny slits (called “sipes”) across the tread blocks that serve to create an extra “biting edge” that does a better job of gripping ice and hard-packed snow, thus increasing traction between the tire and the slippery surface it is driving on.
Do I Need Winter Tires if I Already Have All-Season Tires, All-Wheel Drive, or Four-Wheel Drive?
The short answer? Yes! Absolutely. Here are three reasons why:
All-Seasons vs. Winter Tires: Superior braking and handling technology improves traction and maneuverability. Price isn’t everything, because even discount or affordable winter tires in Airdrie are still going to be a far better investment than even the fanciest, most expensive all-season tires, because winter tires are specifically designed to enable the car to stop more quickly and maintain better control on snow and ice than all-season tires.
All-Wheel Drive vs. Winter Tires: Sending power to all four wheels does not compare to superior braking in snow. All-wheel drive is a drivetrain option wherein the vehicle automatically sends power from the engine to all four wheels. This improves grip and stability when accelerating, weaving, and turning, but it does not improve traction when slowing down and stopping. Having an all-wheel drive car will not make a difference come winter, but having snow tires will.
Four-Wheel Drive vs. Winter Tires: During winter, having the better off-roading capability provided by a 4×4 vehicle is no replacement for tires that grip icy and snowy surfaces. Four-wheel drive vehicles are ideal for getting out of a ditch after one has become stuck, but to prevent one from becoming stuck in the first place, winter tires are the way to go. Four-wheel drive is great for power, as in the case of pushing through drifted snow, slush, or mud. But a four-wheel drive car is no better at providing traction or reducing stopping distance on icy surfaces than a two-wheel drive car, hence the need for snow tires.
Help Your Winter Tires Last Longer with Dandy Automotive’s Complimentary Wheel Alignment Check
Every winter Dandy Automotive offers its Winter Tire Seasonal Special. The special is simple enough, and it is extremely popular:
With any four winter tires, receive a complimentary wheel alignment check!
Your wheel alignment should be checked every time you get a new set of tires, because if the wheels are not properly aligned, the tire tread wear will be inconsistent. That could lead to traction inconsistencies, and it may involve one or more tires wearing out more quickly than the others.
Installing winter tires in Airdrie that last means ensuring the wheels are aligned properly. Wheels can go out of alignment simply over the course of driving, but especially when one hits a pothole or curb or gets suspension work or steering repairs done on their car. That’s why pairing a wheel alignment check with new tires makes sense as a great way to protect the new investment.
According to Pep Boys, a group of tire experts in the United States, “Getting new [winter] tires is a smart investment in your vehicle's performance, safety, and comfort. But one question often follows the installation: Do I need an alignment with new tires? The short answer is yes, in most cases, a wheel alignment is highly recommended after getting new tires. It may not always be required, but skipping it can compromise the lifespan of your new investment.”
Pep Boys went on to explain how a wheel alignment isn’t always needed simply because one is getting a new set of tires put on their car, but one should always, always at the very least check the alignment, which is why Dandy Automotive offers the alignment check for free.
Integra Tires has been an industry leader in Canada, based right here in Alberta. According to their research, “Local road conditions like potholes, gravel roads, and curbs can easily affect your vehicle’s alignment. Regular wheel alignments help mitigate these issues, ensuring safe and efficient driving. A wheel alignment centers your steering wheel and keeps all four wheels parallel and level with the road. This not only improves gas mileage but also extends the life of your tires by reducing uneven tread wear. A wheel alignment, also known as a tire alignment, doesn’t adjust your tires or wheels themselves, but rather your vehicle’s suspension; the system connecting your wheels to your vehicle.”
Dandy Automotive won’t automatically perform wheel alignment services every time we install a new set of winter tires, but we will always provide a complimentary wheel alignment inspection to determine if this service is needed. When it is needed, we strongly encourage customers to add this to their new tire installation, as a proper wheel alignment can significantly prolong the lifespan of new winter tires, thus making your investment in the new tires stretch over a longer period, ultimately saving you money.
Why Choose Dandy Automotive for Airdrie Winter Tires and Snow Tires?
With over 35 years in business and over 100 years of combined experience, Dandy Automotive has installed winter tires on thousands of vehicles and has preformed the alignment services and alignment checks needed to ensure every set of winter tires installed will last as long as physically possible.
When you solve your “Where can I find the best winter tires near me?” conundrum with Dandy Automotive, you’re working with an automotive shop that truly cares about doing a good job and getting you back on the road in a safe vehicle that’s ready for the harsh winter season.
Thank You for Shopping Local & Supporting Local at the Best Auto Mechanics in Southern Alberta: Dandy Automotive in Airdrie
If you need winter maintenance, winter tires, snow tires, preventive maintenance, winter tune-ups, preparing your car for winter, or any other automotive service of any kind, schedule with Dandy Automotive by booking online or by emailing sales@dandy.ca.
If you’re looking for the best tire shop in Airdrie for winter tires, look no further than Dandy Auto. We offer the “Dandy Difference,” which is built off of:
· 35+ years in business
· Over 100 combined years of experience
· The cleanest automotive repair shop in Airdrie
· Over 350 reviews on Google with a 4.7-star ranking
· Airdrie’s best CAA-certified and AMA-certified auto repair center
Last but not least, the single most important trait that sets us apart is our time in the field. We have worked in this community since 1991, so we have deep roots in Airdrie and Rocky View County.
Contact us in advance and let us know what kind of vehicle you’re working with. We’ll tell you what we can do to help you get back on the road and get the most out of your vehicle. Dandy offers the best automotive repair in Airdrie, employing the best auto mechanics in southern Alberta, guaranteed.
Until next time, we hope you have a Dandy day!