Studded Tires: How They Work and What to Watch For
Za Rulem experts have spent years testing tires, and their insights are valued for understanding how studs behave on icy pavement. This discussion focuses on the function of studded tires and the practical tips that can help drivers maximize lifespan and performance. Our observer Sergey Mishin highlights two conditions that most aggressively stress studded tires, based on real testing and controlled experiments.
Malicious mode #1
This mode describes aggressive acceleration on ice with the electronic traction control disabled. In laboratory and on-track tests, the tire team sometimes simulates this to measure lap times and to gauge handling in extreme winter conditions. In daily driving, however, such behavior is strongly discouraged. When spikes meet ice at high force, shock loads propagate through the stud and into the surrounding rubber, sometimes causing immediate damage to the stud geometry and the tire’s integrity. This is not a recommended driving technique for ordinary road use.
Malicious mode #2
Emergency braking on dry or wet pavement at a positive temperature is another scenario that places heavy demands on studs. In these conditions, the studs experience rapid, high-energy impacts as the tire tread crawls across surface ice and asphalt. The resulting stress can bend, wind, or pull the studs from the rubber, reducing their effectiveness and shortening tire life—especially when ABS is unavailable or traction control is not engaged during a skid.
Conclusion
For longevity, drivers should aim to preserve stud integrity and tread life. When accelerating on ice, keep electronic driving aids engaged and avoid aggressive braking on dry or wet asphalt that could force studs out of the rubber. Smooth inputs and cautious speeds help maintain stud retention and tire performance over the season.
A picture: Depositphotos
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