If your studs aren't on yet, you're running a little behind, but you're not alone. Here's what the law says and a checklist to get the car ready for a real Fairbanks winter.
When are studded tires legal in Fairbanks?
Under Alaska Statute 28.35.155, it's illegal to drive on paved roads with studded tires or chains from May 1 through Sept 15 north of 60 degrees latitude. That covers Fairbanks, North Pole, and pretty much everything north of Ninilchik. So studs are legal here from Sept 16 through Apr 30.
South of 60 degrees (Homer, Kodiak, Southeast), the no-stud window is Apr 15 through Sept 30. Anchorage has its own ordinance that keeps studs off city streets until Oct 1. And the Public Safety commissioner can extend the season by emergency order if spring hangs on, which happens. Alaska DOT's travel info page has the details.
Studded tires or studless winter tires?
Both work. Studs bite best on glare ice and in the freezing fog glaze we get in town. Good studless tires handle deep cold and packed snow well and are quieter on dry pavement. What matters most is that they're real winter tires and they still have tread. All-seasons are not winter tires up here.
Block heater, cords, and plugging in
- Test the block heater now. Plug it in and listen for the sizzle or feel the hose warm up after a while.
- Check the cord for cracks, chewed spots, and loose plug ends. Cold makes cheap cords stiff and brittle.
- Add a battery blanket and an oil pan heater if you'll be parking outside at 30 below.
- A plug-in timer saves power. A couple of hours before you leave is usually plenty.
- DEC also asks folks to plug in at 20 degrees or colder to cut down on cold start exhaust during air alerts.
Winter car emergency kit for Interior Alaska
Breaking down on the Richardson at 40 below is serious. Keep these in the car all winter:
- Warm clothes, boots, hat, mittens, and a sleeping bag or heavy blanket
- Jumper cables or a charged jump pack
- Shovel, ice scraper, and a bag of sand or kitty litter for traction
- Flashlight or headlamp with spare batteries
- Water, snacks, and hand warmers
- Phone charger and a paper map for spots with no service
- Tow strap and a bright cloth to flag for help
Our take
Spend a Saturday afternoon on this now and the car will thank you in January. Swap the tires, test the cords, and put the kit in the trunk. While you're at it, if the garage door is sticking or slow in the cold, garage door repair is worth sorting before it freezes shut. And if you just need the driveway clear enough to get out, there's snow removal in Fairbanks. Once winter driving starts bringing slush and gravel into the house, The Alaska Cleaning Company can clean up the entry and floors. Call them at 907-341-4086.
Painting: Good Hand Co.