When it comes to winter tires, you are often left to decide whether to choose studded or non-studded tires. Both are approved for winter conditions and can handle all the winter conditions. They should be able to prevent slushplaning and ensure that snow doesn’t build up in the tires. As all tires that are allowed to be named winter and snow tires, they are approved for winter use and have a severe service (3PMSF) symbol on the sidewall of the tires. Winter tires are made to be used only during the winter period, so you will need to also have a set of all-season tires to change
From a performance point of view, they both perform similarly on snow. On snow, it is basically the tread pattern that will determine the grip and the performance. The studded tires with metal studs protruding from the tread perform better when it comes to ice. They can create a better grip with the protruding metal studs that dig into the ice and create grip. The non-studded will use an innovative tread design to create grip and use grip particles that have been added and can help create the necessary grip. One might wonder why you should not select a studded tire.
The studded tires are great on ice but have similar performance on snow. If you aren’t mainly driving on ice, you might feel that the non-studded tires won’t be good enough. If you plan to drive to other areas, you are much more flexible with the non-studded tires, as they are allowed in all places, while the studded are forbidden in some states and provinces. The studded tires also have some other restrictions based on countries where most states and provinces limit the time period that the studded tires can be used.
If both tires are allowed, then it is often up to personal preference. For some people, tires are not winter tires if they aren’t studded. This attitude can be difficult to change, even though the non-studded tires have improved significantly over the years that they are almost on par with the studded tires on ice and equally good on snow. You can, therefore, safely use both, but if you want to have the best possible grip on ice, you should choose studded tires. If icy roads aren’t a major concern, then you might choose non-studded tires as you have more flexibility.
In addition to the non-studded tires, you have the option to use winter-approved all-weather tires, which are a combination of all-season and winter tires. They have come up with a rubber compound and tread that combines the properties of both tires. For the tread, you have a dual-zone, one that will excel in winter and provide the properties for the warm seasons. The advantage is that you have tires that are safe to use regardless of weather conditions.
For more information regarding non-studded tires, visit: https://www.nokiantires.com/