How to Travel With Studded Tires
People who travel during the winter, whether for work or recreation, often equip their vehicles with studded tires. While studded tires provide safety for driving through bad weather, they can damage roads and cost taxpayers money. Studded tires improve traction in snow or ice, but it is important to use them responsibly.
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Instructions
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Consider using studded tires only if you will be traveling on untreated icy roads. Equipping your vehicle with studded tires is not a good idea if you are likely to be driving more wet than icy roads this winter. The tires can actually hinder your ability to stop the vehicle on wet pavement. According to the Washington State Department of Transportation, research indicates that it takes vehicles with studded tires longer to stop on either wet or dry roads (see Reference 1).
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Use studded snow tires only when weather conditions warrant. This will save unnecessary wear on roadways. While you want to choose tires equipped to handle the weather conditions you will be facing, consider all the practical alternatives.
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Drive with studded tires only during the months specified by the laws in your state. Studded tires are generally legal for use November 1 through March 31. However, in some states that allow their use, studded tires are legal beginning October 1 until April 30.
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Check the laws regarding studded tires in states you'll be traveling through. Laws vary by state. While 36 states allow studded tires but restrict their use to the late fall/winter season, seven states prohibit them. Six states allow unrestricted use on state roads and highways.
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Talk to a local tire dealer about selecting tires offered by some tire manufacturers equipped with lighter-weighted studs. Studded tires wear down road surfaces faster than other types of tires. These damages cost states more money to keep roads in good repair.
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Tips & Warnings
Several factors influence studded tires' damaging effects on roads. Certain types of pavement surfaces wear more quickly. The number of studs per tire and the weight of the studs are additional factors. The more studs per tire and the heavier the weight of the studs, the more damage there will be. The speed of the vehicle also will influence the amount of damage.
