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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Oregon and Washington residents are now legally allowed to put studded tires on their vehicles in preparation for the winter season.
In both states, drivers can use studded tires from Nov. 1 to March 31.
Studded tires are like cleats for cars. The metal studs on the tires help provide better traction in icy or snowy conditions.
“Research shows that studded tires are more effective than all-weather tires on icy roads, but are less effective in most other conditions because they may reduce traction between the road and the tire,” the Oregon Department of Transportation said.
Although studded tires are effective and can make driving safer in the winter, ODOT encourages drivers to consider using other forms of traction tires because of the damage studded tires cause to pavement.
ODOT’s most recent study found that studded tires cost Oregon more than $8.5 million per year because roadways required repaving earlier than they normally would.
Studded tires grind away at asphalt and can create grooves in the sections of lanes that tires most frequently drive on. When it rains, water collects in the pavement ruts caused by studded tires and creates dangerous driving conditions.
In cold weather, that water can freeze and cause roads to become extra slippery.
Some alternatives to studded tires include using chains, other traction tires or fabric tire socks.
ODOT said chains are more effective than studded tires and are becoming easier to install and use. Drivers should check their vehicle’s owner’s manual to find out what chains are recommended for their vehicle.
Traction tires provide increased traction in winter conditions, but do not have metal studs on them. ODOT said they work about as well as studded tires on ice but work better than studded tires or regular tires in most other winter conditions. Traction tires cause no more damage to road surfaces than regular tires.
Snow socks are like fabric alternatives to chains. They’re a good option for vehicles that cannot be fitted with tire chains. Snow socks slip over tires and provide temporary traction to get out of a snowy spot. They are only intended for short stretches of road in wintry conditions.
ODOT reminds people driving in snowy conditions to allow extra travel time, check conditions on TripCheck.com before traveling, turn off cruise control, allow extra stopping distance, turn on headlines to increase visibility, brake gently to avoid skidding or sliding, carry chains and know how to use them, and be prepared with an emergency kit.
Similar advice applies to driving in icy conditions. ODOT said to allow about three times as much space between vehicles and to watch for signs of ice on a vehicle before getting in a car. This could be a sign there’s ice on the road.
If, while driving in icy conditions, your car feels like it’s floating, ODOT said to gradually slow down and not slam on your brakes or you may skid out of control.
ODOT said to not drive through snow drifts. They may cause your vehicle to lose traction.
Whenever signs say “chains required,” drivers must put chains or other approved devices on their vehicles.
Every winter, drivers consider their snow tire options. If you live in an area that doesn’t get more than a touch of winter weather, a set of all-season tires will likely be enough to keep you safe. Or if you get several light snow storms that blanket the roads, all-weather tires could do nicely. But for those who brave ice and snow on a regular basis, choosing the right winter tires (also known as snow tires) can be the difference between confident control and getting stuck on the side of the road. Here are some answers to the most common snow tire questions we get at Les Schwab.
There is no difference between snow and winter tires. Those are just two descriptions for the exact same tires. Depending on where you live, people will use one of the terms more often than the other.
Whether you use the word snow or winter, those tires are designed to stay flexible in temperatures below 40º F. This flexibility helps increase grip on snow and ice for added control and braking. In contrast, all-season and summer tires are designed to work best when temperatures are above 40º F. However, these tires will quickly become rigid and lose their ability to grip as temperatures drop. This can cause longer braking distances and loss of control.
When driving on snow, ice, or a combination of the two, winter or snow tires can make a difference. Winter tires are specifically designed with tread and a rubber compound that stays flexible as temperatures drop below 40º F. All-season and mud-terrain tires cannot offer that kind of traction in freezing temperatures. Get to know the differences between all-season and winter tires.
For the best traction, install snow tires on the front and rear. Installing snow tires on just the front or back of your vehicle might not offer the control and braking you need to stay safe. Overall, mixing your tires can cause unpredictable results for safety and performance on winter roads. Read about the dangers of installing just two winter tires.
The short answer is no. While both traction control and an ABS (anti-lock braking system) can improve braking and traction on dry pavement, they are not substitutes for winter tires in the snow and ice. These systems depend on the traction your tires provide, which means for optimal winter traction and braking, it’s essential you have a good set of four snow tires on your vehicle.
Mud and snow (M+S) rated tires do have an aggressive tread that can deliver good traction in many conditions. However, they’re not specifically designed for winter driving and might not deliver the traction, control, and short stopping distances provided by a set of snow tires. For safer driving on snow or ice, choose tires with the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol, signifying they meet specific winter performance guidelines.
While all-weather tires have many of the similar features as a winter tire, including snow readiness with the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) designation, they are not a match for a dedicated set of snow tires. The benefits of an all-weather tire include year-round use (similar to an all-season tire), including better tread life and a quieter ride. When compared to all-season tires, all-weather tires are a good fit for those who want some control on snow-covered roads and exceptional performance the rest of the year.
All-season tires are designed to keep you in control in a variety of conditions, including some light snow. However, all-season tires are made with a stiffer rubber compound that retains its shape on warm pavement. They’re also designed to move water away from the tread to help you avoid hydroplaning in the rain. But this same compound does not provide grip on snow and ice.
Another reason is tread design (seen below). Winter tires have a higher “void-to-lug” ratio when compared to all-season tires. This means there are larger grooves between the blocks of tread (the lugs). The tread blocks also have irregular, sharp edges to cut through the snow and provide added grip.
Yes, Front-Wheel Drive (FWD) vehicles need winter tires for optimal performance on snow and ice. While FWD vehicles can offer better control in snow due to the weight of the engine pressing down on the front tires (in fuel-powered vehicles), even FWD vehicles need snow tires for added control and stopping power in winter driving conditions. Installing a set of four winter tires on your FWD vehicle can deliver increased traction and control.
It’s a common misperception that All-Wheel Drive (AWD) vehicles and 4x4s will act like a tank in slick conditions. While you can safely drive an AWD vehicle with all-season tires in light or moderate snow, you need snow tires, and in some cases you may need snow chains, when facing severe winter roads.
Most snow tires come from the factory with sipes (thin slits in the tread blocks to enhance traction). Additional safety siping can be done for a fee on new or used tires. If you’re regularly traveling on slick roads, custom siping is a good way to improve traction and control.
Chains and socks are not a replacement for snow tires in terms of overall safety and convenience. While tire chains and tire socks help provide added traction when winter road conditions are at their worst, you are limited to slower speeds when in use. However, in some cases, traction devices (including chains) are mandatory for safety. Find a set of snow chains for your vehicle at your local Les Schwab. Learn how to install quick-fit chains.
That depends on the winter driving conditions you face daily. Studless tires work great on slush and packed snow thanks to their wide and deep grooved tread and rubber compound that stays flexible at or near freezing temperatures. Studded tires feature lightweight, small metal spikes (studs) that are staggered and inserted across the tread inside 1/8” pinholes. These studs protrude slightly from the rubber tread surface, helping break through packed snow and ice-covered roads to give you better traction.
Les Schwab tip: there are limits to when you can use studded tires. Refer to the studded tire regulations guide for specifics.
To prolong the life of your regular wheels and reduce the cost of seasonal tire changeovers, consider getting your winter tires installed on a set of winter or steel wheels. At Les Schwab, when your tires are mounted to their own wheels, the changeover is free. Additionally, it can take less time to change out a set of tires that are already mounted to their own wheels.
Before you jump on that set of “lightly used” winter tires, check three things carefully. Verify they are the right size, that the tread depth is good (or at least adequate for safety and winter performance), there is no uneven wear, and that they are all the same tire (you don’t want mismatched snow tires on your vehicle).
To beat the rush and avoid driving in winter conditions without your snow tires, get yours changed out in the fall when temperatures regularly drop below 45º F. In the spring, get your all-season or summer tires installed when temperatures reach 45º regularly to maximize the life of your winter tires.
Some all-season tires are marketed as working equally well in summer and winter. That may be true in dry, mild climates where the seasons don’t vary. But for confident traction, braking and control on snow and ice, you need a dedicated set of winter tires featuring the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) icon. The experts at Les Schwab can help you choose the right snow tires for your vehicle.
Want more tips on winter road safety? See 19 Winter Driving Resources You Can’t Do Without.
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