Water buffalo and wild cockerels roam among the palms and banyans, while farmers dry sheets of freshly tapped rubber under the trees.

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Even in normal winter conditions, at anything below 7C, they are much better at gripping on cold roads - even dry and cleared, treated ones - because their rubber compound is softer and sticky in the cold.

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Once the package has been opened, it will keep for about a year if wrapped tightly, secured with a rubber band and stored in a cool, dry cabinet.

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