Studded tires have been one of the most dynamic tire-related technologies of the last century. For years, there was no comparable alternative to studded tires, and even now it’s hard to beat the traction and reliability of a good studded tire on packed snow and ice. Despite their advantages, these tires are not bulletproof and there are certain things to keep in mind before you hit the road. Here are some helpful tips to help you get the most out of these tires.
When you start using studded tires, it is important to know the laws that relate to studs in your area. Each state and province has its own set of laws governing the use of these tires, and in some states tire studs are only allowed during certain times of the year. This makes it very important to be aware of the laws regarding studded tires if you are planning a road trip across state or provincial lines. Take a look at our complete list of North American studded tire laws and regulations, or check with the appropriate departments of transportation for the most up-to-date information.
For the safety and control of the vehicle, it is always important that the tires are inflated to the correct air pressure suggested by the manufacturer. This is especially the case when using studded tires, as a lack of air cavity pressure can deform the tire and cause the studs to lose their rigidity, resulting in deteriorated traction performance. For this reason, it’s a good idea to perform frequent tire pressure checks during the winter season.
Depending on your vehicle’s drivetrain, many car owners use studded tires on either the front or rear set of wheels only. Although this is cost effective, it can cause several unforeseen security risks. This occurs because the use of studded tires on a single axle causes different sets of wheels to experience drastically different levels of traction, which can cause driver-assisted or automated braking and steering systems such as the traction control and ABS. For example, if studded tires are used only on the front axle of a front-wheel drive vehicle, the rear tires can easily lose traction around corners and cause a dangerous tailback.
Although studded tires provide superior traction on packed snow and ice, many people are surprised to learn that studded tires are actually less effective than regular tires when driving on dry pavement. This is because each protruding stud creates a small area where the tread does not touch the road. With less rubber in contact with the ground, there is less friction between the tire and the road and consequently less traction for the vehicle. As a result, it’s best to use studded tires only when you’re likely to encounter snow- or ice-covered roads.
The principles that apply to winter driving on normal tires also apply to driving on studded tyres. Remember to drive slowly when you encounter snow or ice and begin to apply the brake pedal slowly and steadily at least 50 yards before you intend to stop. Avoid sudden acceleration or sharp turns, which can cause you to slide and lose control of the vehicle. When going up steep grades, try to turn the wheel gently from side to side to allow the tires to catch up and gain traction. Due to the limitations of winter driving that exist even when using studded tires, the best advice is simply to perform all driving functions, including cornering, acceleration and braking, slightly slower in winter than in winter. other times.
Whether you’re commuting, road tripping, or just enjoying a winter ride, with these helpful tips, there’s nothing standing between you and a safe, reliable, hassle-free adventure on studded tires!
