The studded tire season in Oregon began Wednesday.  It will run through March 31.  The Oregon Department of Transportation continues to encourage drivers to consider other types of traction tires or chains.  A study completed in 2014 concluded studded tires cause about $8.5 million in damage each year on state highways.  Traction tires that meet Rubber Manufacturers Association standards for use in severe snow conditions and carry a special symbol on the tire sidewall showing a three-peaked mountain and snowflake.   They work about as well as studded tires on ice, but work better than studded tires or regular tires in most other winter conditions, while causing no more damage to road surfaces than regular tires.