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DRIVERS have been urged to make a change to their tires in the coming days as a seasonal rule comes into effect.
Studded tires will soon be legal again on Washington roads, despite being deemed unlawful for most of the year.
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The Washington State Department of Transportation has stated that studded tires are unlawful for most of the year – largely because they can damage state-owned city and county roads.
However, they are permissible between November 1 and March 31.
Tire retail chain Les Schwab explained: “Studs are lightweight, small metal spikes that are staggered and inserted across the tread of a winter tire.
“These studs protrude slightly from the rubber tread surface, helping break through packed snow and ice-covered roads to give you better traction.
“A good set of tires is essential for winter driving, whatever the weather.
“If you’re heading into snow and ice, studded tires can have a big impact on your safety.
“A vehicle equipped with winter traction tires can stop faster on ice than a car without those tires – even if you’re driving just 15 miles per hour.
“Studded tires work best on snow and ice-covered roads that have yet to be fully plowed.
“As the studs pierce the ice and snow, they provide extra traction to keep you safe and in control.”
Of course, tire maintenance is extra important during the winter months, especially with permanently installed tires spikes.
Failing to do so could result in a hefty repair bill.
WSDOT spokesperson Lauren Loebsack added: “Winter prep is knowing what the conditions are.
“Being prepared for that winter driving means proper traction tires, whether they be studded tires after November 1 or siped winter tires.
“And winter travelling into the mountain passes that have chain requirements – you need to carry chains no matter what.
“There’s more than just the traction tire requirements.
“We want to make sure you have a full tank of gas, that your windshield wiper fluid is full – because you’ll be going through snow, and slush, and getting splashed with slush.
“You need to be able to clear that windshield to be able to see.”
This comes as car owners were urged to pick up a bag of cat litter and place it in their trunk ahead of the winter – as it can be effective for increasing 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.
Another solution is using tire chains, which are completely legal in snowy weather, and can provide the extra traction necessary.
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