Are winter tires mandatory in Alberta?

No, they're recommended rather than required, but you're legally expected to drive for the conditions.

Can a shop charge more than its estimate?

Only up to 10% over, to a maximum of $100, unless you agree to more beforehand.

Can I get my old parts back?

Yes. The shop must offer to return removed parts, and return them unless you say you don't want them.

Does my car need a yearly inspection?

No. Alberta has no periodic safety inspection for personal vehicles.

Keeping a car on the road in Alberta.

Winter: what Alberta recommends

Keep a winter kit in the car: a first-aid kit, blanket, extra clothing and footwear, a shovel, booster cables, a flashlight with spare batteries, non-perishable food, an ice scraper and snowbrush, a charged phone, sand, salt or non-clumping kitty litter for traction, and a candle in a deep tin with waterproof matches. Give snowplows plenty of room. In deep cold, plug in your block heater (AMA suggests at least four hours at −15°C or colder) and get your battery tested before winter.

Tires

Alberta doesn't legally require winter tires on passenger vehicles; your tires just have to meet federal safety standards. Winter tires are still strongly recommended for Alberta winters, and it's worth asking your insurer whether it offers a winter-tire discount. All-season tires aren't the same as winter tires: look for the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol.

Estimates and the 10% / $100 rule

Repair shops must be licensed by AMVIC. A shop must give you a written estimate if you ask for one, describing the work and the total cost including parts and labour (and the maximum cost of any diagnosis first). It can't start work without your authorization, normally in writing, and the final bill can't exceed the estimate by more than 10%, to a maximum of $100, unless you agreed in advance or approved an amended estimate.

Your parts

A shop can't subcontract your work, or use used, rebuilt or salvaged parts instead of new ones, without your knowledge and consent. It must tell you in writing whether parts are original-equipment or another source, and new, used or reconditioned. It must offer to give you back the parts it removed.

Warranties and getting your car back

Alberta doesn't set a minimum warranty on repairs, so ask for any warranty in writing before you agree to the work. A shop can keep your vehicle until you pay for repairs, parts and storage. Once you've taken the car, it can only keep that claim if you signed an acknowledgment of the debt, and only for 21 days unless it registers the lien.

If you have a dispute

Raise it with the shop in writing first and keep your paperwork. You can file a complaint with AMVIC (1-877-979-8100, ext. 2002), which investigates licensing and conduct problems, but it can't order refunds, repairs or damages; money disputes go to court. Alberta has no yearly inspection for personal vehicles: inspections only come up for out-of-province cars, salvage vehicles, or an unsafe-vehicle notice.