Winter tires come both as studded and non-studded tires. Do non-studded tires suffice for winter weather? The truth is that non-studded tires are effective in most winter conditions. This is not only due to the new innovations in tire manufacturing which allow non-studded tires to perform similarly to studded tires, but also due to the fact that only special conditions warrant the use of studded tires. In winter weather that doesn’t have lots of ice and hardpacked snow, non-studded winter tires will suffice. This is because the main reason for the studs is to dig into ice and very hard packed ice. In other winter conditions the performance of regular non-studded tires might even exceed the performance of studded tires. This is because if the road is not covered with ice and hard-packed snow then the studs actually decrease traction potential. On wet or dry roads, the tire tread compound is the foundation of the tire’s grip, so in this case the studs actually interrupt the crucial interaction between the tire tread and the road surface, which can have a negative effect on stopping distances.
Non-studded tires like the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 incorporate many new innovations like the “Arctic Sense Grip Concept” and “Snow Claws” to create excellent grip on both snow and ice. With new innovations in the manufacturing of non-studded tires which makes the need for studded tires less vital. In addition, the new non-studded tires also incorporate new advances in rubber compound, tread design and other unique technologies. The addition of the “Biobased cryo crystal 3” particles to the rubber compound in order to improve grip on ice by grabbing onto the driving surface similar to studs. In addition to the special rubber compound the tread pattern has been especially designed to provide the maximal grip and traction with its grip claws and slash claws providing additional safety in demanding situations. This in turn provides the tire with exceptional grip on ice, snow and wet surfaces. This has made non-studded snow tires the preferred snow tires for many drivers. Whether you choose studded or non-studded tires, they both hold the “Three peak mountain snowflake” (3PMSF) emblem which indicates that the tire meets required performance criteria in snow testing to be considered severe snow service rated.
With newer innovations providing for non-studded tires that perform virtually the same as studded tires the need for studded tires becomes less vital. Also, the conditions that call for studded tires are few and in very few areas of the United States. With winter tires, either studded tires or non-studded tires, you will be well equipped to handle the most severe winter weather. The winter tires stop much faster than either all-season or all-weather tires. Winter tires in general are made of special rubber compounds made to endure temperatures well below freezing and their unique tread designs are meant to be used on ice, snow and slush.
For more information regarding non-studded tires, visit www.nokiantires.com