How to Install Studs for Winter Tires at Home

Adding studs to your tires will increase traction.

Installing studs on your tires for winter driving can be done at home. Snow studs are designed to grip the road in icy conditions and are available in different lengths to accommodate different tire tread depths. There are two unique sections of a tire stud. One section of the tire stud is designed to make contact with the road while the other section stays attached to the tire.

Things You'll Need

• Stud gun
• Compressor and fittings
• Lubricant
• Wheel studs
• Pliers (if necessary)

Instructions

1. Attach a stud gun to your compressor. Turn the compressor on and let the tank fill with air.

2. Spray lubricant into the stud holes on the tire's tread. Lubricant will allow you easier installation of the studs.

3. Feed each stud into the stud gun.

4. Press the stud gun with the wheel stud into the tire hole firmly. Press the trigger on the stud gun and install the wheel stud into the tire. Remove the stud gun from the tire tread surface.

5. Verify the stud is in the tire in its correct position. The tip of the stud must be equal to the tire's tread depth. If the stud is not in the correct position, remove the stud with pliers and reinstall it with the stud gun.

6. Continue this procedure until all the tire holes are filled with studs.

References

• Tire Rack: Winter Tech Information
• University of Washington: Studded Tire Information