Information on Studded Snow Tires

Normal snow tires without studs.

Studded snow tires can provide better traction during winter months. They are snow tires with deep and wide tread with small holes. The rubber holes have studs the size of small nails embedded in them.

Ice

Studded snow tires are useful mostly on ice. The studs dig into the ice and provide better traction. According to Norwegian magazine Motor, new studded tires are safer on ice than snow tires without studs.

Snow

The studs don't provide benefit in snow. The studs don't allow more traction than a snow tire without them. The studs can be removed, and the tire driven as a studless snow tire.

Disadvantages

Studded snow tires require a longer stopping distance, especially when the pavement is wet because the studs slide on wet pavement. They are illegal in some states because studs can damage the road's pavement. Even in states where studs are legal, they are usually only allowed during certain times of the year.

Safety

The Washington State Department of Transportation recommends using chains in severe conditions for additional safety.

References

• Washington State Department of Transportation: Studded Tire Information
• Consumer Search: Studded Snow Tires