> Dedicated winter studded tires on steel wheels are a necessity up here

Disagree. Only necessary when the roads are icy. Plenty of folks do just fine with all season tires. If you've got an extra $1500 burning a hole in your pocket, by all means buy studded Hakkas, but in most places in Maine they are really only needed a few days a year.

I drive for a living and 100% disagree! Maybe if you have a large SUV or truck with AWD/4WD -- but us FWD/RWD sedans have a hell of a time! And my brand new winter tires cost me like $600 installed!

I second the studded snows. Don’t be an idiot running half worn all seasons. Your a danger to yourself and everyone else

I also disagree. Studds are a must. It saves lives and would eliminate so many accidents if people stopped running all seasons in the winter. It's not just ice, they help with traction in the snow too!

YES. Thank you.

In all honesty, all seasons are not sufficient in harsh climates. Ok for occasional bad stuff down south, but in the north rubber has to be soft to shed snow and studded for our ice storms. I have Blizzaks on my 4wd truck which are not studded. They work OK, but don't hold a candle to the studded tires. I only have them as they came with the truck.

I’m a 62f, lived here most of my life, (ten years I lived in Mass) never in my life have I had studded tires. Nor will I, it’s a total waste of money. I’ve never had 4x4 and just recently got AWD (and that’s only because I used it for camping, though to be honest AWD means Jack shit. I was taught how to drive in the winter. Drive slowly and steer into the skid. With ice, if you skid, let go of the wheel..ain’t nothing gonna stop the skid. My ex hit a patch of ice in the 80’s, didn’t see it and we spun around so quickly, it was over in an instant. I’ve skidded, but never really had a bad accident. Save yourself some money and go to a parking lot and practice like we all were taught.

"With ice, if you skid, let go of the wheel..ain’t nothing gonna stop the skid."

With Studs, you drive ice like snow. You steer into the skid and maintain some control. No studs....good luck.

That said, your other statements such as about AWD....well no since arguing known benefits. You probably still pump the brakes to stop in an emergency.

I've driven for 20 years with all seasons never been in an accident and have lived in aroostook multiple times for years at a whack

And if you're as thin as a twig, then God-fucking-speed to you.

Not that I advocate for trying to gain 100+ pounds before the cold snap hits, but the thinner you are, the more layers you're gonna need.

Agreed, unless you MUST drive in any weather for work or some other reason, winter tires aren't really necessary. I've spent my whole life in the northeast and never really heard about people having them until I moved to Maine. I get that we're slightly further north here but I saw plenty of snow storms in other states. Seems to be a cultural thing, might just be a holdover from when Maine had more cold/snowy winters, but we're headed out of that climate.

$600 for 4 or 2? Seems like low-budget 25K life at that price for 4.

Anyone have experience with/advice for chickens with these kinds of temps? They're in an insulated shed with no supplemental heat and have done well so far this winter. The shed was 25 degrees at the lowest. They're all laying hens, dual purpose cold hardy breeds. Water is already on one of those heaters designed to keep the water from freezing and I moved their food inside in anticipation of the cold.

Will they be okay if the temps inside the shed drop some more due to the cold and wind?

4, the shops usually have deals going on like buy 3 get the 4th free or special promos on certain brands! They definitely aren't top of the line but they'll last the 5 winters I need them for and work great! Even at 25k miles, if you average 15k a year and only use them in the winter, that's still numerous years of use!

I agree with winter tires, but I don’t think studs are necessary unless you’re very rural having to deal with icy hills. I have an AWD Subaru Outback and I still get my winter tires swapped every year (free with bjs) and the awd only helps with getting going with slippery conditions, not stopping or turning.

Any advice to someone who just bought a house with a walk out basement? We're not moved in yet so I'm worried about the house while we're not there. Honestly thinking about camping out over there. We do have oil and electricity running.

Watch out for frostbite on their combs, and if they get it, treat the area with antibiotic ointment. Chickens are pretty hardy, but nonetheless I have a heat lamp on a timer that I run on the coldest nights for them. They seem to appreciate it. During last year's cold snap I checked on them frequently and they did fine. I do feed them extra high protein snacks and meat scraps during times like this because it takes calories to stay warm!

This is tough since you don't know the house yet and don't know how high the heat needs to be in just normal conditions. If it were me, yes, I'd camp out to monitor the situation, maybe others wouldn't. If you opt not to, I'd go check the house at least a couple times a day, in the early am and at night. Take normal precautions, open cabinets to plumbing on exterior walls, dripping taps, flush toilets, make sure windows are locked & exterior doors closed properly, do what you need to do to keep the whole house warm, and go around and check things often.

edit: I'd leave interior doors open between rooms so heat circulates throughout. Once you've lived there a while you'll get a feel if you can close some rooms off or not.

You can get winter tires and I love having them but you mostly don't need studded.

This is the correct answer. Studded tires won't save you from yourself if you don't know how your car reacts to the conditions. If you don't know how to drive in the snow and ice, practice practice practice. If you have one, ask your local friend to take you to a parking lot when it's snowy and icy and have them teach you like they were taught. It's the way.

Everybody needs to fucking relax. It's only going to be really cold for a couple of days. It's not like we're in it for 2 or 3 weeks like the old days. There's good advice here but don't panic. It's going to be warm again on Monday.

>I still get my winter tires swapped every year (free with bjs)

Damn. That's a high price. I'd rather pay the $90.

Im 6'2" and weigh 160 lbs soaking wet (AKA: tall and skinny).It's the wind blowing against the legs that gets me. I typically wear long johns from mid-October to mid-April.

As someone else mentioned, wool is your best friend.

All-seasons are great for everything except steep hills that ice over and active blizzard conditions. Anybody who needs winter tips probably doesn't need studs.

When it comes to layering, that doesn't just mean pile on more cotton hoodies.

The absolute most important thing is moisture control. Cotton holds on to moisture, so having cotton on, especially right against your skin, means your sweat clings to your body and cools you off. Wool and synthetics will wick the moisture away and let it escape out of the gaps in your top layer.

Investing in proper winter base layers will go a LONG way to improving comfort in the cold!

Swapped meaning they do a winter changeover. I don’t buy new tires twice a year

Yeah, I know. I do the same thing. I probably should have used an emoji.

When you read (free with bjs) also reads as (free with blowjobs). 😏

As long as there is not wind or rain/snow getting in they will be completely fine.

I'd agree except that it slowly gets colder days as well as nights Wednesday until Saturday morning when it'll be ~ -16 which is cold enough to cause some problems if you're not ready, then it only slowly warms up over a couple more days. That's longer than we've had the past five years or so and we're not used to it. People forget. First cold snap of the season, things go wrong. Sure, don't panic, but pay attention.

I agree, snow tires are great, studs aren't really that important and actually kinda suck on wet roads.

Boy I do like a block heater. I had one with a timer that would come on at 6am. I'd leave for work at 7:30am and if I'd remembered to leave the heat on "defrost" the night before the windshield would be mostly cleared by the time I got to the car. The heat would be working by the time I got to the end of the street...

" Dedicated winter studded tires on steel wheels are a necessity up here. " No, they aren't !! I live in a rural area and used to commute 30 miles a day over very rural roads -haven't needed nor used snow tires since 1967 !

It's a meme invented by those who must have a decoration to certify their maineness and tire companies.

That said, if it makes you feel better there is no harm except to the wallet - No it isn't the same for studded tires - they should be illegal!

Bring on the wrath !

I lived near Mt Washington in NH and had all seasons on a rear wheel drive car and did fine. These days I’m in a Camry and as long as the plows are about regularly I can get around if I’m not being an idiot. I’ve found as long as I’m keeping a good amount of tread in my tires I don’t have many problems.

Lined jeans. I live in them from December to mid-April. LL Beans has them and BJs has carried them as well.

Thank you so much!

Regarding frostbite on combs and feet - Vaseline is your friend. Messy AF but it will insulate those thin membranes for them.

And chains work well enough for those 5 days a year that studs may be necessary for everyone.

As long as they acclimated to the cold (no previous heat lamps/heat source) and have a dry and draft free place to shelter they will be fine. Don’t keep water in their coop, moisture is the real enemy to the chickens

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AWD; Impreza WRX. Does help with turning. Just use the gas pedal rather than the brake. Pulls you through the turn. FrontWD same deal but the backend wants to come around so studs help there. Winter driving dynamics are an interesting thing to learn. Almost suggest taking a driving class as its amazing the difference.

It's also not just icy hills but black ice thats often common. I was told that in AK it's a lot dryer and cold so salt isn't used as much, more snow on the roads, that negates the general need for studs

AWD will help you get out of you are stuck in snow. or having to start on a slick hill. It doesn’t really offer any better braking or handling over FWD when it comes to just driving down the road.

Flannel lined pants have been a godsend for my skinny twig legs

Thrift shop cashmere (the kind that was donated because it’s got holes) is really really warm too. Got lucky at mardens recently and got some cashmere long sleeves for CHEAP (with small holes) but they keep me so warm I’m taking layers off on the snow trails

Exactly. I live in the mountains and they're not necessary here. Plus they trash the road when there's no ice/snow.

They might help if you don't know how to drive the conditions though it's a weird recommendation for a cold snap. The roads are cleared of snow and ice, why would you need studded tires now?

Have been looking for wool sweaters; they've gotten hard to find. Cashmere is a heck of a find.

I have a walk out basement. Furnace is in the back, the basement stays pretty level. Frostline is probably 12 - 18" below ground so basements are usually okay.

I'll turn the heat up to 60 F overnight to protect the pipes; wind pulls heat from buildings, too, and the only time I came close to frozen pipes was subzero temps + wind. My usual overnight setting is 50F.
In wind, a layer of petroleum jelly on your face can help; and wear one of your cloth face masks from Covid.
Frostbite is fast in low temps with wind.
Fleece tights under your pants; anything other than cotton is warmer than jeans, I can't find affordable wool pants these days.
Wear wool & fleece instead of cotton.
Pull the curtains; glass is a poor insulator and will let the cold in.
A hot water bottle or metal water bottle with hot tap water keeps you cozy.
Your pets' feet can get too cold; don't keep them out long.
I always have emergency supplies in my car, including socks, mittens, hat, blanket, water, jar of hard candy, granola bars, fleece. Severe weather is hard on cars.
I hate going out in subzero weather, so I won't.

Give handwarmers, mylar emergency blankets, chocolate, and dunkin or other gift cards to homeless folks; the shelters will be bursting, some of them won't go.

I've had vehicles with crappy snow & ice handling, and studded tires helped. Snow tires are better than all-season tires. Most of us live where there's decent snow removal and studded tires are overkill.

I have gotten a a few cashmere sweaters on ThredUp and Poshmark this winter. They are more expensive than a thrift store but more predictable. My favorite is a tunic from Athleta that was around $26 shipped.

Not that I'm saying your wrong, because I'm sure winter tires are great.. I just get all seasons and never had an issue.

A big part of it is learning how to drive in crappy weather. Like my towns done a shit job at snow removal, it's risky just pulling out of my driveway due to high snow banks. The roads weren't cleared well so it's just a sheet of ice. They never even bothered to treat (salt/sand) my road. Figuring out how to keep control when slipping is essential, and should be taught better for beginners (and possibly to newbies of the state).

To follow up on this, modern tread design has actually supplanted studded tires except for driving on literal sheet ice and stopping. A proper follow distance and high quality winter tires are all you need, and yes, they drastically increase performance over your all season on your SUV.

High end winter tires are about $1000 installed and should last 5+ seasons. No reason why you shouldn't be using them if you can afford them. We're talking about your life. If $1000 in life insurance isn't worth it to you, I dunno what to tell ya.

Set of 4 studded Hakkas are about $1,100. Add in 4 steelies or the charge for swapping out 4 tires with balancing, and that's about $1500.

Not everyone has that kind of cash, and more importantly, not everyone needs studded snows at all.

I wish I had read this thread first, I just posted about this!

Insulated pants, battery powered socks and one of those battery powered sweatshirts might be a good idea for you or other fellow skinny people out there. I’ve got the pants but haven’t committed on the socks or sweatshirt yet, but have heard good things from people that have them.

Thanks for the advice!! I do have their heat lamp from when they were in the brooder, I'll hook it up if they seem too cold! And the snacks are a good reminder! I'll remember to give them extra during the cold snap.

Studs or not is a matter of religious debate.

No, because winter tires usually save your ass when somebody with all-seasons blow a stop sign because they can't stop or they start sliding, my winter tires on my forester saved me at least 3 times cause someone else was outta control and I could stop on time.

Hence the reason I said you really need to learn HOW to drive in the conditions we experience here. I've never blown a stop sign because I couldn't stop, because I know how to drive in shitty conditions.