Even though the calendar says Halloween, Mother Nature is making it feel more like Christmas, with our first big blast of snow happening overnight, with no end expected until early next week.

Manager of Kal Tire here in Lacombe Jim Hancock says without winter tires, even if your vehicle has four-wheel-drive, they still might not save you from getting into trouble when conditions are like this.

“The winter tires have better traction, they stay softer because of the sipping the grip of the tread block will flex more, and bite the ice, the snow, the slush, the whole bit. Its better traction, the rubber compound is softer in them in the cold weather so better traction on ice, slush, it’ll throw the water out to the side of the vehicle compared to the all seasons. When it gets to zero the tread compound of the all seasons hardens up, and they just lack traction.”

He also suggests having some sand or kitty litter in your vehicle, to help you get out of any potential slippery situations.

He says they have been busy installing winter tires on vehicles for the past month, and with this most recently turn in the weather, he says they are booked solid for the next three weeks.

You can check out the current road conditions anytime, at roadreports.ama.ab.ac.