Oregon drivers can begin putting studded tires on their vehicles Thursday, according to an Oregon Department of Transportation press release.

Studded tire season runs from Thursday until March 31, although the agency asked drivers to use other alternatives to studded tires, the release stated. Other options they encouraged include tire chains or different traction tires, which ODOT stated are as effective as studded tires on ice, but are better during other winter conditions.

Studded tires annually cause about $8.5 million in damage on Oregon’s state highways, according to a 2014 ODOT study referenced in the press release.

The release informs drivers to visit www.tripcheck.com or call 511 before traveling this winter to check road conditions.