How to choose studded tires for winter?
When choosing winter tires, ask yourself these three questions: Where do I drive? How often do I drive? How experienced am I? Don’t rush into choosing the winners of tire tests announced in popular car magazines.
A good studded tire has perfect traction on icy surfaces both when braking and making a turn. Whatever the manoeuvre, a studded tire does its job. It is the perfect choice for the Sweden climate.
One of the advantages of a studded tire is slower wear; however, many users complain about distressing noise created by studded tires. It should be noted that after 1,000–2,000 kilometres the studs will “sit” at their place and create less noise.
Why can the choice made based on the test results published in car magazines be wrong? Many people buy tires based on what they have read in magazines or websites, and the general assumption is that a tire with higher ranking is automatically one of the best in the world. We have tested many tires in the Sweden climate and know that it is not that simple. Majority of tests have been carried out in places that differ significantly from the conditions in Sweden. When was the last time we had freezing cold winter that lasted long? Whereas the problem with noise pointed out in tests cannot be associated with our climate at all because at temperatures as low as –30°C it is totally quiet outside as the noise is muted. Naturally, the noise created by tires inside the car is louder than under normal circumstances. We at Rehvid Pluss are convinced that you shouldn’t always choose the winner of a test. Instead, consult our specialists who know which tire is the most suitable for you.
There is a common perception that studded tires cause damage to asphalt, which happens to be true. However, choosing a tire with fewer studs will ease this problem significantly. Security is the priority. Studded tires will bring your car to a safe stop even in extreme winter conditions. Modern studded tires are designed for ABS brakes and function perfectly even with fewer studs.
We also recommend planning your purchase before the season begins. This way you will have more time to make a decision and to receive your tires on time.
Read more about the advantages of
all-season tires in winter.