The Safety of Studded Tires

Studded tires are ideal for icy road conditions

Many drivers choose studded tires in the winter to help improve the traction between their tires and the road. Studded tires perform best on icy road conditions in which the increased traction also can increase safety.

Stopping Distance

According to the Washington State Department of Transportation, studded tires do cause vehicles to have a longer stopping distance on wet and dry pavement. Drivers using studded tires should be aware of the increased time it will take them to stop, and adjust driving habits accordingly to keep the vehicle safely on the road.

Winter Driving Requirements

In most states studded tires alone do not meet any chain requirements for winter driving in hazardous areas. Hazardous winter driving can include snow, ice, standing water and wet roadways. Studded tires perform best on ice that is at or near a freezing temperature. Unless your vehicle also has four-wheel or all-wheel drive, you may still be required to carry and put on chains to ensure driving safety in all kinds of winter weather.

Snow

Studded tires perform best on icy road conditions because they chew up the ice, creating friction between the tire and the road. However, they may not perform as well in deep snow, and can still slip and slide if they cannot catch any ice or pavement to gain traction. When driving in winter weather, the best safety policy is always to drive with caution and at reduced speeds.

References

• WA State Department of Transportation: An Overview of Studded and Studless Tire Traction and Safety
• WA State Department of Transportation: Studded Tire Information