When to use studded tires
Studded tires are ideal for ice and hard packed snow as well as in areas with suddenly changing weather that often require chains. Many mountain areas where the snow and ice stay on the roads for extended periods of time, like in the Northwest of the United States or Canada are areas where studded tires would be ideal. In certain areas in the United States like Colorado, new traction laws require drivers of 2-wheel drive cars to have snow chains or winter approved studded tires when driving on I-70 through the Rocky Mountains. This is because nothing outperforms studded tires on ice as they give the ultimate in grip and traction, especially lateral traction.
The studded tires hold one large advantage over chains in that you do not need to leave your warm vehicle to go outside in the cold to put them on especially since placing chains on your car is not an easy task. Another great advantage of studded tires over chains, is of course, the studded tires perform like a normal tire whereas the chains are quite awkward to drive with. Chains are meant to be driven at slow speeds and even then, they give off a significant level of vibration.
Studded tires have progressed over the years and are now more environmentally friendly in fact, tires like the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9, utilizes the "Eco Stud 9 Concept" which reduces road wear and noise due to the new innovative design of these studs. These eco studs with their beveled stud tips distribute the stud’s impact force across a wider area. This is because the different shape studs create an air space in the middle of the lower flange and the beveled hard metal tips of the center studs thereby creating a cushion that dampens road contact.
The Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9 also has the aggressive deep snow grooves on the shoulder portion of the tires allowing for additional grip when moving onto deep snow. This in combination with the new eco-friendly winter rubber compounds that allows the rubber compound to stay elastic even at low temperatures is some of the new innovative designs that make this winter tire a high performing winter tire. These new innovations make these tires some of the lowest noise and the lowest fuel consumption studded tires on the market.
There are many factors to be considered when choosing between non-studded or studded tires, things like what kind of driving you will be doing and what kind of road conditions you will be experiencing, while keeping in mind local laws. Whether choosing non-studded tires or studded tires, with winter tires you will be assured to have the best handling tires for the winter season. Winter tires allow for proper braking and traction on snow and ice. The winter tires stop much faster than either all-season or all weather tires. This is because of the extra grip which maximizes traction, with the studs even more so.
