Spokane’s infamous winter is arriving on the roads soon, but not every Whitworth student has the same kind of commute or budget. Here’s a student’s guide to some of the options available to help you navigate the inevitable snow.
Simply put, tires designed for snow and ice will give you far more traction and stopping ability when the weather attacks. While all-season tires can combat some snow, they are not always worth betting on if you plan on commuting in Spokane’s snow regularly. Cars with all-wheel drive can be helpful on snowy roads, because, through using all four wheels, they can combat understeer — not being able to fully turn — and oversteer — where the back end of the car starts to slide. However, cars with all-wheel drive can also struggle if conditions get too slippery.
Snow tires are specifically designed for snowy weather, being softer and chunkier than all-season or summer tires. Their properties make it easier to dig into snow and find traction. Snow tires can be studless, and still offer superior snow capabilities when compared to regular tires. The drawback, however, is that they wear faster than regular tires, and are also far less capable on dry, warmer roads.
Another option are studded snow tires, which, predictably, have metal “studs” in them, providing even more grip, especially in icy conditions. They are only legal in Washington State from the beginning of November to the end of March. This means that you will have to swap out your tires each winter.
Regarding cost, the price of tires will depend largely on the type of vehicle you own. A car with wheels that need larger and wider tires will ultimately cost more than a car with a smaller rubber footprint. To find out what size tires your vehicle needs, you can go to a tire shop’s website, such as Les Schwabs, click on “tires,” and then click “shop/search by vehicle.”
Before buying a set, be sure to do a little research by looking at the quality and quantity of reviews each tire set has. Then, call each local shop, such as Les Schwab, Discount Tire and Affordable Tire to see if they have the same brand and compare prices. If you tell a tire shop that another store is selling the same set of tires for less, the shop will usually offer you a discount.
Unfortunately, investing in a set of tires specifically for winter can be expensive and impractical for many students, especially if they are not from the Spokane area. For students who live outside of Spokane and need to travel home, tackling the Washington I-90 and the US 12 passes through the Cascades can be a major concern. For students who often make trips across the state but are unable to afford snow tires, chains or snow socks might be a practical alternative. These are removable snow driving accessories and do not require the complication of buying and storing seasonal tires. Additionally, both chains and snow socks can be rented at Les Schwabs, or you can buy a set yourself.
While chains are most traditional, snow socks can be easier to install, while having similar, if not better effects than chains. Currently, a set of two snow socks can cost between $75 and $150 at Walmart online, depending on the size of your tires. Chains can be a little cheaper, ranging from $40 to $100 depending on where you look. Again, be sure to check your tire size.
One important thing to note with chains and socks is that they are designed for temporary use, and only in snowy conditions. They are “limited” to about 25 miles an hour, and you are supposed to install them when you enter a snowy pass and take them off right after you are through. Still, they are far easier to store and are better suited for temporary snow conditions, which for many students may be all they need.
If you are unable to obtain snow tires, chains or socks, at least be aware of weather conditions ahead of time, and plan your routes to where there is a lower chance of snow. Regardless of what you can afford when driving in snowy and icy conditions, allow extra time to brake and turn, and drive slower to decrease the risk of an accident. No matter the budget, there are options for students ranging from tires, removable snow accessories and just general preparedness when driving in snowy conditions.
