Another sign of spring, time to dig out the old highway tires and wait for an appointment to replace the studded tires on your vehicle. This is one of those things that I hate to do twice a year. It ranks right up there with taking garbage to the dump site, refueling my truck, and going to the post office. I hate rotating tires so much that I have not changed from my studded tires on my snowplow since I bought it, about eight years or so ago. However, starting this year, this expensive and time wasting chore maybe eliminated for my every day vehicle. Coming this fall we will be seeing a new studded tire. The are called Q Celsius and manufactured by a new company that has just raised the 8.8 million dollar start up capital. The beauty of these tires is that the studs are "retractable". In testing, the tires have been approved for use in the majority of the states. When driving down the dry highway and it starts to freeze or snow, you simply push a wireless remote control, air pressure from the tires applies enough pressure in the small chamber holding the stud and it pops out. When the roads become dry again, push the button and the studs retract. The tires will be marketed at first in those states that have the most severe winters. Perhaps, if "global warming" does not his us, we in Alaska may get the chance to see these tires. Perhaps, our PFD this next year will cover the cost of them.