Precision driving: Did studs really help this year?

We’ve just experienced another minimalist winter in the Inland Northwest. The Washington State Department of Transportation’s estimate of glare ice presence in our region (less than 1 percent of driving time) holds true again.

This means that drivers using studded tires on their vehicles drove with marginal safety 99 percent of the time to achieve a perceived traction advantage on rare occasion.

There is no doubt that tires with studs are woefully inferior to even the cheapest normal tires when it comes to stopping and cornering on wet or dry pavement. There is not even that much of an advantage on glare ice. From what I’ve seen, certain drivers may depend on them too much, and drive to fast — sort of like the SUV syndrome.

This winter, the few times there’s been solid ice on the road, by the stop sign, at the end of my street, something has been evident. During these conditions, several long skid marks made by studded tires appear. At those times, I have always been able to stop my vehicles without wheel lock-up, driving on quality all-season tires. Where is the studded advantage? These same cars leave stud-streaks as they embark, too — spinning first in the ice, then several feet into the dry pavement. Is this aggressive style due to having studs?

Besides that, I’m sure you’ve noticed the ruts on I-90, and for a definition of “washboard,” just cross Hamilton on Trent. If this undue wear bothers you, write your member of Congress or state representatives, as J.H. just did.

He wrote, in part: “There seems little question that studded tires continue to be allowed only because of a ‘studded tire lobby’ and the misplaced anxieties of some drivers. Many motorists, not to mention the WSP, already drive with studless tires; it’s time for the studs to go. There’s no reasonable justification for their continued use.

“Having driven my car with studless winter tires for the past 4 winters, in all sorts of bad weather in Washington, Idaho and Montana, I feel Washington should join other enlightened states and put a ban on studded tires. With the cost of streets and highways growing daily and the generalized deterioration of our city streets and interstate freeways (abetted by studded tires), there is ample justification for doing away with them — there’s little debate that they inflict significant road damage while contributing little, if anything, to overall driving safety and accident prevention.

“I shudder to think about the money and time that was spent renovating the Monroe Street Bridge, only to see (and hear) studded tires inflict damage on that beautifully restored structure. It seems like a sacrilege.

“Appropriate legislation should be forthcoming during this session. You claim to be looking for ways to save money. This is certainly one, obvious way.”

I concur, J.H. I’ve successfully driven winters in Washington, Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming without the aid of studs since 1980, after a Goodyear dealer talked me out of using them. Thanks to him, I’ve driven safer and quieter winters for 27 years, while not contributing to excessive road wear.

Why Drive Trucks, When We Have Cars?

Several years back, a European auto journalist wondered why Americans had adopted trucks and SUVs as their favorite mode of transport, when cars are more comfortable, ride nicer, and handle better. I often ponder the same thing. Trucks and SUVs have an advantage in hauling things and people, but often are piloted by a single occupant.

To G.S., drivers of the “big rigs,” may be unduly aggressive. He states, “I’ve noticed a trend of aggressive, angry drivers by men in pick-ups. It’s almost predictable — the more souped up, the more likely they are to be offensive.”

I have no idea if there’s credence to the observations of G.S., but he might have a point. It reminds me of a time when the writers for “The Simpsons” had a similar thought. After buying the large all-wheel-drive SUV Marge coveted, her personality changed to that of a rampaging marauder.

I don’t think driving an SUV makes me more aggressive, but I do feel slightly superior to lowly automobiles from my higher vantage point while seated in an SUV — after all, I am looking down upon them.

What’s Happened To Chrome Bumpers?

It simply seems that chrome is out. It must be a styling thing, but chrome bumpers are disappearing from our auto makeup along with other shiny bits like door handles. New tastes have influenced auto design, virtually eliminating chrome on modern automobiles.

No complaint — just an observation. At least bumpers are now integrated with the design flow of the vehicle — a pleasant contrast to the first examples of energy-absorbing bumpers of the latter ‘70s — those looked like hung-on benches.

Please opine: If you have opinions on these, or any subjects, I’d love to hear from you!