With an early snowfall locals should be putting winter tires on the top of their to do list.

Road temperatures have dropped and to keep drivers safe on the roads it's time to make the switch.

Bryce Heron, owner and operator of Fountain Tire Okotoks says there is an easy way to remember when to change.

"Well the easiest way to remember is when the leaves start to fall it's time to give us a call. Typically half way through September or beginning of October is when you want to start looking at getting your tires on. Pavement temperatures are getting cool and the risk of snow and adverse driving conditions are upon us."

Winter tires adhere to the top surface of the ice with their rubber compound allowing drivers to have more control on roads and highways.

Heron says that if you are more of a back road driver though there are other options.

"Studs will work very well in ice or packed snow conditions, so for the majority of the people driving on the groomed highways studs are not really required. However, people that might be weekend adventurers and go off skiing or head out into the mountains where they are going to be driving in some pretty adverse conditions studs can be a benefit."

The longer you wait to add the seasonal parts, heron says, the worse it can get.

"One of the most frustrating things people will notice if they wait until the snowfall is the lengthy delays they are going to see at their tire shops. You can expect up to ten days wait before you can get in for a tire appointment."

Fountain tire suggests half way through September put them on and half way through April take them off.

It's important to always give yourself extra time to get to your destination as driving more cautiously in the winter will benefit everyone on the roads.

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