Get your vehicle winter ready before poor conditions hit the province: Alberta RCMP

As winter weather approaches, the Alberta RCMP is reminding drivers this is the time to put on appropriate tires and prep vehicles for cooler, snowier conditions.

Drivers should make sure they have appropriate winter or all-season tires on their vehicles, which will help them deal with poor weather conditions. Not only should drivers swap their tires, they should also check the treads to make sure the tires are still safe to use.

RCMP vehicle with indication of winter tires. (Photo Credit: Alberta RCMP)

RCMP officer pointing at what drivers should be looking for on their tires. (Photo Credit: Alberta RCMP)

Drivers are also advised to make sure their vehicle is properly maintained to decrease the chance of breaking down. Part of vehicle maintenance is ensuring your windshield washer fluid is fully topped up and rated for colder temperatures.

RCMP is also advising drivers to have emergency road kits within their vehicle, in case they break down. Road kits should include water, blankets, a cell phone charger, a shovel, flashlights, window scrapers/brushes, and booster cables.

Environment Canada says Calgary is expected to get snow most of the week, seeing temperatures drop to -5ºC Wednesday and -13ºC Sunday.

Edmonton isn’t expected to get snow until the weekend. However, temperatures Wednesday are forecast drop to -4ºC.

Across the rest of the province, Red Deer and Lethbridge are expected to see similar conditions as Calgary.

Medicine Hat is expected to get snow Wednesday and Sunday.

Heading west, Banff, Jasper, and Grande Prairie will see snow or negative temperatures all week.

Fort McMurray is expected to get snow Tuesday and Saturday, while Lloydminster is expected to get snow on Wednesday.

As always, prior to travelling, Albertans can check road conditions by going to the Alberta Highways website to get up-to-date information on highway conditions.