When winter hit this week there were still 10 days left in summer.  

The decision to skip fall 2018 has scared a lot of drivers into booking appointments to have their summer tires changed to winter tires at local tire shops.

Dave Morgan, the Manager at Airdrie's Fountain tire, says they've been run off their feet.  "It's scared quite a few.   We've got lots of ones (appointments) booked for the end of this week and the start of next week already.  They're starting to think about it, and that's good.  It's coming!"

Morgan says most often, people's rush to get their snow tires on is weather dependent, but not always.

"It depends on the weather, but we've had people that took their winter tires off in July," Morgan laughs.  "It just depends on the individual for sure but we've done quite a few already this year and of course, once this snow hits it's going to get really crazy, really quick."

As for the drivers who feel there is no difference in the traction and performance between winter tires and all seasons, regardless of the weather, Morgan says there is no doubt in his mind.  Winter tires perform the best in snow and ice conditions.  

"Winter tires will definitely save your bacon a lot more than a summer tire will for sure.  Of course, it depends on the individual driver whether they want to go and spend the money on winter tires but safety-wise, it's a lot better security on the road for sure."

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