Studded Tires: Which One Suits You Best?
Article produced by the PMCtire.com team
If you planning to buy studded tires, note that there are two types: tire studded right from the factory and tire studded by the retailer or the distributor. Both technologies have pros and cons. Here, what really matters are the road noise, their performance, and their durability. Moreover, both tires’ selling price aren’t quite de same; tires studded at the factory more expensive. In the following sections, you will find out their distinctions as well as the criteria to consider prior to your purchase.
Performances and Durability
We can affirm from the outset that the tire studded by the manufacturer right from the factory is undoubtedly of better quality. In fact, this product offers a superior performance, an increased durability, and a quieter ride. These technologies developed in particular by European manufacturers contribute to a more efficient and versatile tire. You can still consider getting your tire studded by the retailer, though, since it is cheaper. In that case, you have to deal with a noisier and less durable finished product.
Comfort and Quiet Ride
Due to its particular shape designed to optimize contact with the road surface, tires studded by the manufacturer right from the factory will provide a quieter ride without reducing its traction. The superior performance of this technology allows the manufacturer to install more (up to 50 percent) and better distributed studs on the tire tread to increase traction.
On the opposite, tire with studs installed manually does not get the benefits from such technology. The studs, in the most basic form, are neither optimized nor shaped. That results in a greater impact on the ground and a noisier ride. The main benefit of this type of tires is the following: you can purchase an average quality tire and get studs installed afterwards at a much cheaper cost.
Make the Right Choice
Drivers who must regularly take icy or snowy country roads or poorly maintained roads should think about getting studded tires. This product provides a significantly shorter braking distance allowing better control of the road. In case that you go for a studded tire, you must know that the one with studs installed by the manufacturer is a better investment if you are planning to keep your car for several years to come. However, if you have a limited budget, you can purchase an average quality tire and get studs installed afterwards. The tire is more affordable, but still provides good performance.