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Adam Smith installs a studded tire on one of the many customers that poured into the Oregon City Les Schwab store to have studded tires put on or purchase snow chains ahead of a predicted winter storm in 2006.

(The Oregonian/2006)

As if the morning frost on your windshield isn't enough of a warning about winter coming to the Northwest, Friday is the first day that Oregon and Washington drivers can put studded snow tires on their cars.

In both states, studded tires are legal from Nov. 1 through March 31.

Of course, the Oregon Department of Transportation isn't shy about its distaste for what it considers an outmoded traction technology. The agency says rut-making metal tire studs cause up to $50 million a year in damage to state highways.

Still, until one of the proposed bans that pops up in the Legislature almost every session gains traction, Oregon continues to be one of a shrinking number of states that allow the tires.

(Here's hoping that the newly paved section of Interstate 84 in Portland is still smooth next spring.)

ODOT recommends studded tires only on icy roads, but say the metal teeth actually make for worse traction in other winter conditions.

Also, advances in rubber technology and tire manufacturing have made studs a costly redundancy on the roads, as some readers on Twitter have pointed out. This tweet holds some truth:

Still, plenty of Oregon drivers swear by studs.

If you're considering trying something other than studs to get around on the ice and snow this winter, Hard Drive has dipped into the archives to offer up five alternatives:

5. Chains: Link and cable chains have become extremely portable. Most models even come in their own lunch-box-size carrying case and are about as easy to put on as a sweater (OK, a heavily starched sweater). Keep them in the trunk. Pull them out when Mother Nature demands it.

4. Tire socks: Washington lawmakers have have approved the use of tire socks as a traction device in the snow. They are legal under existing Oregon statute. Easy to put on. No vibrating. No tire damage. Less mess. Then again, they're socks for cars. Sorta dorkey.

3. Spikes Spider: A cross between chains and something you'd find Robocop endorsing. Pros: Durable and they go in 30 seconds. Con: Very expensive ($300 to $500 a pair, depending on the vehicle). There are several Northwest dealers.

2. Nokian Hakkapeliitta R: OK. So, you can't pronounce it. But word on the highway is the lateral grip, non-petroleum oils, low-rolling resistance and slush-planing resistance of these no-stud Finnish-made tires make them a better bet than studs for keeping a steady grip in different winter driving conditions.

1. Michelin X-Ice Xi3: Full disclosure: I'm a Michelin man. These are my tires of choice for the Rose family Volvo XC70 Cross Country wagon in the winter, when we take multiple trips over the hills and through the woods to visit family around the Northwest. The Xi2's provide phenomenal snow and ice grip -- and they won't drain your travel budget. And in severe snow conditions, I've found that they perform better than studded tires. It should be noted that on wet and dry pavement, studded tires actually require longer stopping distances.

Are you planning to go with an alternative on your car this weekend? Or are you die hard fan of studded tires? Sound off below.

-- Joseph Rose