Les Schwab says, “Winter tires are important for safe driving if you live somewhere that gets snow, ice, sleet or freezing rain and temperatures of 40 degrees or colder.”
Bridgestone Tire informs, “The best way to be prepared for unpredictable winter roads is to install winter tires (also known as snow tires) on your vehicle.”
If you ask any major tire company, they’ll most likely suggest that failing to change out your tires as soon as the temperature drops could lead to serious, preventable accidents. The advice makes sense, seeing as winter tires are big business for tire companies in snow-prone towns.
But what about the type of winter tires that come with metal studs?
Benjamin Hunting, a contributor for the NAPA Auto Parts website, suggests that although studded tires are often “presented as the ultimate winter driving accessory,” they may actually be overkill in most conditions. Of course, he predictably goes on to suggest that winter tires themselves are not overkill—in fact, they are (close to) essential.
Are studded tires really necessary, or are we simply buying into the hype? And will studs suffice, or is springing for an entirely new set of winter tires really the only way to prevent wintertime road hazards?
“Damage from studded tires cost Oregonians approximately $8.5 million a year because roadways required repaving earlier than they normally would be.” —Oregon Department of Transportation
The Oregon Department of Transportation suggests that those who choose to utilize studs— strong, bolt-like metal pieces that are imbedded directly into tires—may actually be compromising traction. Studs are designed for very specific road conditions (and specific tires), and can legally only be used from Nov. 1 to March 31 in Oregon. Being caught with studded tires before or after the designated dates is a Class C violation, and can result in a fine of up to $200. ODOT suggests that studs exclusively be used on icy roads. If roads are wet or covered in fresh snow, studs will likely do more harm than good. Interestingly, some of the coldest states—including Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois and Michigan—prohibit studded tires, according to tirebuyer.com.
“Research shows that studded tires are more effective than all-weather tires on icy roads, but are less effective in most other conditions because they may reduce traction between the road and the tire,” the ODOT website reads. “Damage from studded tires cost Oregonians approximately $8.5 million a year because roadways required repaving earlier than they normally would.” That damage typically comes in the way of pavement wear and rutted roadways—but not necessarily in the way of more potholes.
Kenny Harris, assistant manager at Gills Point S Tire in Bend, explained what he believes is behind the infamous local potholes—and it isn’t the studs he recommends for rear-wheel drive vehicles. “In my opinion, potholes aren’t due to studs. I believe it has to do with the massive log trucks with giant chains, and the school buses with 30 lb. chains… not those little studs.”
Harris weighed in on the studs-versus-snow-tires debate. “Obviously, preparing your car for winter is necessary, to an extent,” he explained. “We get some bad weather.” As far as what to do in preparation, “It depends on the vehicle. If you’re driving a 4-wheel or an all-wheel drive, you’ll be OK without studs. Subarus are an ideal vehicle for Bend.”
As far as basic commuting, it is Harris’ opinion that studs should be added to rear-wheel drive vehicles, but most other vehicles should be able to handle the terrain. “If you have a rear-wheel drive and no studs, you’ll spin out.” He stressed, however, that traveling long distances in winter will require more preparation—yes, even if you rock a Subie. “If you travel over the pass, you’ll want studs over stud-less,” he said. While studding for long-distance journeys is recommended, some larger vehicles should still be able to make the trip. “Any huge 4-wheeler, like a Toyota Tundra, should be OK.”
For those who are unsure as to whether or not studs are necessary, they can check in with a local specialist. Studding is available for as low as $15/tire (though drivers will need to buy special studdable tires) while snow tires typically go for between $100-$400 apiece, depending on the make and model of the vehicle. People can remove studs themselves.
While cutting costs and cursing Californians may seem like the most reasonable option—especially if the upcoming winter is mild—it’s important to exercise extreme caution, no matter how much experience one has driving in the snow.
This article appears in Nov 6, 2019 – May 19, 2020.
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I usd studs one year in C.,O. b/c of the Volkswagon Van was rear wheel drive and I had a steep driveway, on a steep-hilled street.
With that said, you don’t need studs! 99% of your time with studs is on pavement, not ice. Siping is better on your snow-tires, and many come factory siped. Avoid the chaos of HAVING to remove studded tires by X-Date. Many All-Weather tires can perform year-round as well.
Save our roads–stop using studs!
With my winter tires and skid-car training (worth every penny!) I’ve been able to navigate the last 12 winters in my little front-wheel drive Mazda3. The Snowmageddon of a few years ago kept me off the roads but that wasn’t due to the tires I was using…more my back not being able to clear my street because we didn’t get plowed until 3 weeks later!
Kenny Harris said “If you have a rear-wheel drive and no studs, you’ll spin out.”
Good thing I didn’t know that in the last 25 winters I’ve been driving here. All with rear wheel drive vehicles, no studs, weekly trips over to Portland, Hood River and up to Mt Bachelor. I’m not buying the snake oil.
Modern STUDLESS Winter Tires are much better than studded in 99% of the driving conditions we all see. Yes even on a deep frozen POW day up to Bachelor! You should still have the proper ground clearance on your vehicle for the conditions and 4WD/AWD with studless winters is all any of us really need, even crossing the passes all winter.
You do not need studs, and if you are using them, you are making your vehicle LESS safe on non icy roads! I really hope we join the other frozen states and BAN them!
PLEASE!!! No more (metal) studded tires. Winter tires work better for you and are substantially better for the road.
What’s the debate?
Front wheel drive cars on steep grades loose traction sooner than rear wheel drive cars.
My 1966 RWD Beetle did not get stuck.
I needed chains on my 1980 FWD Tercel in deep snow on Columbus I-270.
In Bend I use Hankooks
tires on a 2002 Golf TDI hatchback. Due to VERY low annual miles, theyre used all year, because of the high tread durometer reading.
Season 4 drive through unplowed snow on winding roadway to Mt. Batch skilift was uneventful.
Winter and All Season tires are becoming obsolete.Buy All Weather tires instead. They are better than some winter tires for ice and snow, you can leave them on all year (no new rims or tire pressure sensors needed) and they are guaranteed to last 100K km. Toyo Celsius is one of them. Not expensive and there is a $70 rebate right now. Check out the user reviews.The cost of changing tires twice a year and storage can equal the tire cost over the life of the tire.All weather is not halfway between all season and winter tires for ice and snow. They are actually mid pack within winter tires. Some winter tires are worse. Some better. For actual test results here is a link. Note in one test they were the same as winter tires.They also have the same tread life as all season tires, unlike winter tires which wear out quickly.
Video
https://globalnews.ca/video/rd/600d4222-00c4-11ea-a16e-0242ac110003/?jwsource=cl
Consumer report review
Innovative Toyo Winter Tire Can Stay on Your Car Year-Round
https://www.consumerreports.org/winter-snow-tires/innovative-toyo-celsius-winter-tire-can-stay-on-car-year-round/
Test resultsLong-Term Tire Test: Toyo Celsius All Weather Tires, Part Two
https://www.autotrader.ca/newsfeatures/20180308/long-term-tire-test-toyo-celsius-all-weather-tires-part-two/
This line of thinking sincerely frightens me to think that the value of road maintenance is greater that the value of human life. Not every place in this state experiences the same road conditions, and not all roads receive the same quality winter maintenance. My personal opinion is that studded tires are unmatched in icy conditions such as black ice and augment an inexperienced winter driver’s ability to regain traction. My subjective opinion may be wrong, but I think everyone should be free to use whatever tools necessary to get their families home as safely as possible. Even if road maintenance schedules are increased.