It's a sure sign that winter is just around the corner— studded tires are once again legal on Alaska’s roads north of 60 degrees latitude, or roughly around Ninilchik.
But all drivers south of Ninilchik must wait until Oct. 1 to legally change over to studded tires.
The staff at Johnson’s Tire Service says all-weather tires will work but recommend studded tires which provide extra traction for driving on ice.
When it comes to braking, Thor Anderson at Johnson's says about 80 percent of accidents are related to poor lateral stability, which is stopping and wanting to turn but going straight instead. “Studded winter tires—there’s nothing like it out there as far as traction, braking and safety,” he says.
Staff also suggests changing to studded tires before the first snow fall in order to avoid long lines.
