The main advantage of studded tires is the superior grip on icy and hard-packed snowy roads. The studded tires provide an additional level of grip because they are not just interacting with the road surface conditions; the studs penetrate frozen precipitation and dig in like miniature anchors. When you accelerate, brake, or turn on ice with studded tires you will have the combined advantage of the winter tire compound and the studs clawing into the ice, which will improve the grip and handling responsiveness. There are many areas in the United States that experience severe winter weather and in these areas studded tires make a lot of sense. Areas like Colorado actually have new traction laws that require drivers of 2-wheel drive cars to have snow chains or winter-approved 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.
Areas where there are often sudden changing weather conditions, that often require chains, is also an area where studded tires are a real advantage. Areas with mountain ranges often experience ice and hardpacked snow as the sun does not reach the road with the shading from the mountains. Chains are also not ideal as you will experience a significant level of vibrations that occur, in comparison to driving with studded tires which feel just like driving with normal tires but with the advantage of having full control of your vehicle even in heavy snow and ice.
There are of course not only advantages with studded tires and depending on where you live, the studded tires might not even be an option. This is because metal studs are actually prohibited in 11 states and there are actually only 6 states that allow studs without restrictions, with other states allowing them with date restrictions. So before investing in studded tires make sure to check on the law in the state where you live.
If you are in the market for a good quality studded tire, then you should consider the Nokian Hakkapeliitta 9 studded tires. These tires offer strength and stability in the harshest of winters with their high-quality studs providing reliable winter grip. It utilizes the new “Nokian eco stud 9 concept” an eco-friendlier next-generation anchor studs with a flange design that reduces stud impact which dampens road contact. With the many advances in studded tire technology the newer studs offer better fuel economy as well.
Some of the other benefits of having invested in high quality winter tires is improved braking, traction and safety. The studded 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. Winter tires are made of a flexible rubber compound as well as a unique tread design that is meant to be used on ice, snow and slush.
For more information regarding studded tires, visit: nokiantires.com