All Season Tires

Many people choose all-season tires and fasten chains on to increase traction for their vehicle. Tire chains improve grip. The combination works well because the chains dig into the ice and snow. Snow chains also help prevent skidding. It’s important to choose the right size and type of chains for your vehicle. Chains are easy to remove from tires when the roads are clear of snow and ice.

Different kinds of tires serve different purposes on the road. In Alaska, it is important to understand the difference between all-season tires and winter snow tires. Choosing the correct winter tires makes all the difference on Alaskan roads.

Snow Tires – Tread Rubber Compound

Tires are made of different types of rubber compound serving different purposes. Rubber compound retains inflation pressure, provides protection, and provides grip and traction. When comparing all-season tires to winter tires, the biggest difference is tread rubber compound.

Key Features:

• Specially designed for cold temperatures (below 45°F or seven °C).
• Unique rubber compounds remain flexible in freezing conditions.
• Tread patterns with deep grooves and sipes for superior traction on snow and ice.
• Enhanced braking and handling on icy roads.

Tread is made of rubber that provides grip and traction on roads. Tread rubber needs to be flexible to grip the road during winter months. Different rubber compounds hardens at different temperatures, reducing flexibility. Tread rubber compound in all-season tires hardens around 42 degrees. However, in winter snow tires, the rubber stays flexible below 42 degrees. During warmer temperatures, all-season tires stay hard, resisting wear and tear while winter tires stay soft and wear out faster. Thus the reason it is important to change tires seasonally.

Tread Pattern

In addition to tread rubber, the pattern of tread plays a role in providing traction. Winter tires are made with a tread pattern that pushes away snow and ice. All-season tires are made with a tread pattern that grips roads and pushes away water. Different road conditions and seasons call for different tread patterns.

Tire Pressure

As temperatures fluctuate, tire pressure also fluctuates. It is important to check winter tire pressure regularly. Tire pressure can be ok in the morning in the garage and then change in the afternoon after leaving your vehicle outside in the elements all day. Maintaining proper tire pressure ensures tires provide good traction when driving and extends the life of tires. It is a good practice to keep a tire gage in your vehicle.

Studded Winter Tires

Studded tires are ideal and commonly used in Alaska. Metal studs imbedded in the rubber of the winter tire create a studded tire. These metal studs dig into the ice. The studs also dig into pavement which can cause road damage.

Change All Tires

When updating tires for winter months, change all four tires on your vehicle. Switching only two tires may save money but this decision is actually more inefficient and much more dangerous.

It is important to understand that different seasons in Alaska calls for different kinds of tires. To sum up, winter tires help avoid potential disasters. Alaska’s winter is here. Planning goes a long way to ensuring better living through the cold, harsh months.

Johnson Law has been helping Alaskans injured in winter driving accidents for 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Image Source: Anchorage Daily News

Basic Groundwork

• Mount your studded tires – if you don’t use studded tires, check tire pressure, rotate tires and check their tread;
• Change windshield wipers (front and rear);
• Check headlights and signal lights;
• Check all your fluid levels, including antifreeze; and
• Make sure you have an ice scraper, snow brush, and flares in each vehicle as part of your winter auto prep;
• Additionally, an emergency supply of hats, gloves, blankets and other winter gear in your vehicle will make a difference when the unexpected occurs.

Review and Update Your Car’s Emergency Kit

It seems there is no end to natural disaster news reported in throughout the world. Stories of people affected by tragedy reminds Alaskans that disaster may strike unexpectedly. In Alaska, the fear of a major earthquake, tsunami, or landslide as a result of an earthquake is always a possibility making an emergency supply kit critical year-round.

Winters in Alaska create a whole new list of potential hazards. Consequently, updating your emergency kit is a critical part of winter auto prep. As with any disaster, it is better to be prepared for the unexpected. For this reason, an emergency supply kit including food to keep you and your family hydrated and fed for a minimum of three days is key to survival.

Emergency Essentials:

• Flashlight with extra batteries;
• 3-day water supply for each family member;
• 3-day food supply for each family member;
• First aid kit;
• Blankets and/or sleeping bags;
• Matches and/or lighter (ensure you test them each season);
• Personal hygiene supplies;
• Plates, bowls, utensils, a can opener, non-perishable food; and
• Warm clothing for each member of the family, which ensures your emergency supply kit helps mitigate numerous cold weather dangers.

Johnson Law recommends preparing an emergency supply kit for your home and in each of your vehicles. While we’ve covered some basics, for additional detailed lists of items to include in your emergency supply kit, see these information resources.

• Build An Emergency Supply Kit
• American Red Cross

Winter driving in Alaska can be hazardous. However, taking the time to complete your winter auto prep helps in an unfortunate event. In fact, damages may be minimized.

Johnson Law hopes Alaskans enjoy a safe winter season!

If you or a loved one is the victim of an Alaska Auto Accident an emergency supply kit can make a difference. Contact Johnson Law for a free case evaluation and find out how we can help.

Call Johnson Law at  (907)277-3090 or use our Contact Form to discuss your serious injury case. We are here to serve you. Johnson Law has been serving Alaska auto injury victims for 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Image Source: Alaska Public Media

January Temperatures

The average temperatures throughout Alaska for January range from -20 to 40 Fahrenheit. Approximately one-third of each year, Alaska sees temperatures fall below freezing. Cold weather can be uncomfortable and dangerous. Preparation is key.  Cold weather safety sources recommend preparations at home and for your vehicle. By being prepared, you can stay warm, safe, and survive freezing temperatures.

The Coldest Month Series

This January series’ topics will include:

• Outdoor Winter Walking Safety
• Keep Kids Safe and Warm
• Home Heating Safety
• Cold Weather Vehicle Safety
• Driving in Ice and Snow
• Snowmachine Safety
• Removing Ice and Snow Safely
• Surviving Extreme Cold

Being prepared for the coldest month of the year is very important for every environment, whether at home or in your vehicle. 

January Safety at Home

Keep your house operating during the cold Alaska January. Make sure your home has a well-maintained heating source and that you keep up with maintenance so that your heating source does not fail when you need it most. 

January Safety in Your Car

Maintaining your car during January and all winter months is especially important. No one wants to break down on the side of the road during a snowstorm or in freezing temperatures.  Check your tires, your gas tank, and your emergency supplies before traveling in extreme cold. By preparing for January, the coldest month of the year, you will be able to stay warm and enjoy it.

This January preparation article introduces a nine-part winter safety series. See our safety tips for Outdoor Winter Walking Safety; Keeping Kids Safe and Warm; Home Heating Safety; Cold Weather Vehicle Safety; Driving in Ice and Snow; Snowmachine Safety; Removing Ice and Snow Safely; and Surviving Extreme Cold.

Johnson Law, P.C. has been helping Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Please call Johnson Law, P.C. to discuss your case: (907)277-3090 or use our online contact form.

Information Source: Alaska Department of Natural Resources;  Current Results

Image Source: Hamlet Hub