Studded Tires: The Best Tires?
Article produced by the PMCtire.com team
If there is only one versatile tire that can meet all drivers’ needs in winter, you don’t have to read the following lines, but unfortunately, such tire has not yet been invented. However, you can still evaluate some criteria that will help you make the right choice. Of all the tires on the market, studded tires may be an attractive option. Unlike what a lot of people believe, it is permitted for vehicles of fewer than 3,000 kg to be equipped with this product between October 15th to May 1st in Quebec (which is not the case of all the provinces across Canada). This type of tire may improve the driving security level to some of its user. Here are a few tips to help you make the right decision.
- Also: Winter Tires Evaluation Guide for Savvy Internet Users by PMCtire.com
- Also: The Car Guide's 2015 Top 10 Best Winter Tires
Assess your needs
First and foremost, you must consider your daily route. Do you mostly drive in the city, on highways, or on secondary roads? If you live in urban areas, you often take secondary roads, or you must go to the cottage on weekends, studded tires may save you some troubles. With this type of tires, you will get more security through effective braking and enhanced grip on ice.
If, on the opposite, you mostly venture in town where the asphalted roads are rarely covered with ice or snow, non-studded tire is certainly a better option for you.
A new technology
Studded tires or spiked tyres have almost disappeared since the creation of specialized tires featuring enhanced traction on ice. Yet, this technology is back in force, which is partly explained by the fact that some manufacturers install the studs directly in the factory. This is the case of some European manufacturers offering tires with a studded tire tread. It is also possible, at purchase, to get studs installed on your tires if their treads have been designed for this purpose.
Who should use studded tires?
You might already have a good idea of the usefulness of a studded tire: it features an enhanced grip, especially on icy roads. Indeed, studs reduce the braking distance on ice. Although they are noisy on bare roads, tires studded in the factory offer a quieter and smoother ride. It is also important to know that when you drive on a wet road, the braking distance can be increased up to 15%.
If you are about to install studded tires on your car, make sure to change all four because under the law, you must do so unless your vehicle is driven by a rear propeller, in which case you can opt for rear studded tires only. Such transmission, commonly known as propulsion, are nevertheless increasingly uncommon, and manufacturers still recommend placing four studded tires.
In short, studded tires provide a better grip in extreme winter conditions. This is a great option for the user who must often venture on icy roads or drive in unpredictable conditions.