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DRIVERS have been warned against using tire spikes on their vehicle this winter.
The potentially damaging cold weather hack should instead be ditched in place of a $6 item that can be picked up from Walmart.
As winter approaches, many vehicle-owners setting out across colder states are preparing to face icy roads and snowy days.
Thankfully, experts at Michigan–based WGRD have revealed the things drivers can do to increase their car’s ability to stay on the road.
One common suggestion is to use winter tires, which are special tires that have bespoke patterns with tread grooves and sharp-angled tread blocks for better grip in the snow.
Curiously, drivers are also urged to keep cat litter in the trunk – as it can be effective for increased traction if you get stuck in the snow and ice.
The pet household product will also absorb moisture, so much so that it will stick to the driveway – although it does not melt ice.
What’s more, when it’s left it can turn into a sludgy mess, which will eventually turn into a potential slipping hazard, so do be careful.
But as a temporary measure, many winter-weather drivers will swear by it, and best of all it’s a relatively low-cost solution that can usually be found for around $6 from somewhere like Walmart.
Other tips beside the use of kitty litter include braking earlier than usual while driving in the snow, as this will provide plenty of room to slow down.
Another solution is using tire chains, which are completely legal in snowy weather, and can provide the extra traction necessary.
But while tire chains are perfectly legal in the state of Michigan, tire spikes – which are a specific kind of tire with studs installed into the rubber for increased traction – are not.
Simply put, these are not allowed as they can cause significant damage to Michigan roads.
This comes as a veteran car camper has revealed his cheapest and easiest method of keeping warm during the colder months.
A YouTube star with a channel called Colin Adventures lives full-time in his car while working a regular 9-5 job has opened up on how he stays warm while living in his vehicle with no heating.
Elsewhere, a new law will see drivers slapped with a hefty $140 fine if they’re caught using a particularly sneaky move to avoid traffic.
The new rule coming to Chelan County, Washington State, was announced on Monday and goes into effect immediately.