Winter tires: Stud or not to stud a winter tire?

[@metube3489]

English speaking Canadian here. Hearing two guys talk about winter driving with a Québec accent only gives it more credability. Québec winters are insane !

[@Plumbusss]

Alberta FTW.

[@Festy46]

I live in a cold climate and drive 200 miles every night as a medical courier. It doesn't matter if it's rain, ice, snow or something in between, I have to go. I've been using Nokian studded tires for four years and would never use anything else. As long as you don't drive like an idiot, they will save you from unexpected conditions like patches of black ice. One night I was following two pick-up trucks (I drive a FWD car with 4 studded tires) when the first truck in line hit a patch of black ice. (The ice was right in the middle of a sharp left turn.) The driver did a 180 and slid off the opposite side of the road and down over a bank. The second driver saw this and hit his brakes and was able to slow as he crossed the black ice without losing control and then stopped on the dry pavement on the other side of the black ice. This left me in the position of having to completely stop on the ice without hitting the second driver sitting on the road on the other side of the ice patch. I was able to stop with the help of the studs. If I hadn't have had studs, I would have rear ended the stopped truck.

[@CarQuestion]

wow thanks for sharing that story!!!

[@Plumbusss]

Lol, i hear ya, driving a rear wheel drive car in Alberta Canada is a skill not many people have here. Most people in my city can't even drive their fkn Toyota Corolla's without rear ending or crashing in some way. Edmonton drivers are fkn shit lol.

[@luvr381]

I live on the southern shore of Lake Erie, and I've run 4 studded Nokian snow tires on every vehicle I've owned. Our winters demand them, last Christmas we got 60 inches of snow in 24 hours.

[@lf3566]

Ive used nokian hakkapelitta 8 studed tires for the past 3 winters on an all wheel drive Mercedes and I'll never drive another winter without them! These tires are absolutely amazing and I highly recommend them! My 17 yr old son just got his license and I will be purchasing these tires for his 2006 mercedes s430 4matic. With these tires on his car I can honestly say it is so much less stressful and there is a much greater chance of him returning home safe and sound!

[@DustyPearl-13]

Hi there, I found a new set (New Old Stock) of Hakka 8 (still have stickers on them) for almost the 1/3 of the price, but they are 5 years old (manufactured in 2019- dont know the exaxt DOT). Do you think it is safe to buy them (700$ CAD compared to 1954$ CAD)? I usually go through a set of tires in 2 years (do a lot of driving), so by the time they get to 7 years of age, I would be done with them. Thanks in advance! NB: this set was stored indoors and looks amazing (no dry rotting or exposition to sunlight)

[@jerrys.1709]

I ran factory studded Nokian tires on my work truck in 2005/2006 winter season. Yes, they were very good. but by the next season I was very much disliking them as they seemed to work against me on bare asphalt surfaces (times when it's middle of winter, very cold but no snow or ice built up on the roads). They'd spin or skid easily when leaving stop signs or at traffic lights on bare cold asphalt. I went to non-studded the next purchase and felt every bit as secure. Basically, we see freezing rain and very icy conditions too little to make studded tire worthwhile. The freeze/thaw has me believing that the non-studded are a better choice. BTW, I'm a firm believer in winter tire whether studded or not. I'm in the Edmonton, Alberta, Canada area.

[@nodak81]

Thanks for your input. I've been on the fence about studs and was already thinking I might go without them. We don't have quite so much ice around in the winter, usually just deep snow until the salt melts everything off and then periods of dry pavement.

[@keesvandoorne4079]

Honestly it’s all up to your location here in Newfoundland we get pretty damp winters with allot of ice so Studded tyres are definitely a necessity

[@beamboy420]

Oh thank god man .. am researching for winter tires from SUV and I am from Edmonton. I take your comment as an advice. Thank you very much !

[@Plumbusss]

I live in Edmonton Alberta too. And i kind of have to disagree with you. For most of the winter i find we have at least a layer of snow/ice on the roads. At least where i drive. But then again i drive a rear wheel drive Crown Victoria, so if there's even a bit of ice, it's very helpful to have studs. Ive done with just normal winters on my rear wheel drive cars for many years, but it's annoying when every busy intetsection i can barely even accelerate to make the turn arrow because most intersections are icy.. So i just got a new pair of studded winters, i got Goodyear winter command tires, 235/55R17, already seem to be working very nicely.

[@danielnillo]

@@Plumbusss are you adding weight in your trunk or bed for better traction?

[@jessjohn6157]

No matter what tires you have there is always some idiot with all seasons that has no clue how to drive in winter that runs into you

[@death2pc]

Oh, you mean 98% of the righteous drivers in Colorado.......................

[@OGYouTubeEnjoyer]

Yeah I see a lot of idiots with winter tires doing the same thing.

[@trevors8577]

@@death2pc AAAAHHHHH You are so right!!! Living here now and as soon as a few flakes fall it seems like the drivers drop 20+ MPH to their speed. One of the last storms the roads had maybe 1" loose snow on top of packed snow and I got stuck behind folks doing 20 in a 55 and the road was arrow straight!! Passed them and did 55-60, granted I was in 4wd with a full set of studded tires. Even did a brake check and I had really good traction, couldn't imagine if they had decent M+S rated tires that they wouldn't be able to at least hit 40 mph. Another time after my college class got out around 8pm and I drove North on Powers here in Colorado Springs and I was blowing by people. I thought I was speeding but I was only doing 45 in a 55 and there was maybe 3" of fresh snow on the road but everybody else was doing 25 which made it seem like I was cruising!

[@princeduties2991]

True true true

[@jessjohn6157]

@@OGKZbinEnjoyer must not be very good winter tires then lol i got studded tires, i dont fuck around anymore lolol

[@chriscorbray4457]

Definitely stud a car like that. I was coming home in my 96 Mustang in sport tires when it stated to snow....just a little bit. I had to slow to about 25 miles an hour on the freeway and was still sliding. It was one of the WORST experiences in my life. I ended up parking it on the side of the road and came back to get it the next day. You Need Studs!!!

[@HilltownCT]

I stud the wife's Enclave only because she works real late at night and we live in a rural area with a long, steep driveway. Typically, once our driveway is ice or snow covered, it remains for the duration of the winter and she needs every advantage possible to make it up. Thumbs up on the vid!

[@johno9507]

why am I watching this when I live in Australia? :)

[@CarQuestion]

how did you ended up here? :P

[@johno9507]

CarQuestion. I have no idea...but I watched the whole thing! :)

[@Maximise5]

I'm Aussie too. We may need them in our Snowy Mountains if you live there. But most of us use snow chains.

[@smokum0]

I watch Australian road train videos and I live in N america. Simply curiosity

[@YZ450f24]

Haha never hurts to learn about tires

[@ArcticExotics]

To an Alaskan this question is basically like asking if the Pope is catholic. Of course you stud. There's pretty much only 3 months of the year here where it isn't absolutely necessary. Up here we drop 1k on the latest nokian studded winter tires because that level of safety makes it an instant status symbol. Its a conversation piece like, "Dude! You got hakka 9's!!! Oh my god sweet!! is it true they can they stop in 2 car lengths in January?!" Yes, they can, and their lateral grip is simply awesome ... We get our AT tires used from junkyards in the summer- standard practice- and wear them only during "stud off" because they are junk for winter and we all know it.

[@csuyou]

ArcticExotics I

[@Susitna_Salli]

snow doesn't usually stick until late October and the golf courses open early May. That's about 6 months. The improvement in traction isn't worth the damage it does to the road. The Glenn sucks because of studs.

[@Plumbusss]

Lol Alaska, the one state that really is part of Canada, let's be honest haha.

[@Susitna_Salli]

ya you should always use winter tires, but studs are an obsolete technology and they trash the roads.

[@Susitna_Salli]

I work in the oilfields, so I don't give much a shit about saving the planet. I suppose if you're driving a 2wd drive shitbox that you got from boyfriend's stepdad, you need all the help you can get. Congrats on being a state that recognizes your "lifestyle." I always thought it shouldn't matter who you love.

[@tobiascederstrom753]

I have driven with studded winter tires for 3 winter seasons. Last season new winter tires were purchased and this time it became studless winter tires. Lived then in an area where no salt is used so it was largely ice with snow over. Had absolutely no problems using these tires in those conditions. However, it is necessary to adapt the speed to the road surface and keep in mind that it is the tires will have to do their job. Obviously, distances must be kept to the car in front so that you can easily stop, so people who lie and snuggle people in the rear should not have this type of tire, whatever the season. Will definitely continue to use studless winter tires.

[@wrinkle66]

I bought an additional set of rims and have those fitted with Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 tires so I can swap wheels myself without having to go to a tire shop. They worked great up in the Rocky Mountains at 11,600ft in snowy and icy conditions. Other vehicles were abandoned or just spinning out of control. These are great tires at all speeds. There is some additional noise on the road where this is no ice/snow but apart from that they are potential life savers.

[@nielsonmeracap1729]

I live in manitoba and putting 4 studded winter tire makes a huge difference whether fwd or awd

[@vitalyyazamir606]

I live in Manitoba too, this winter i think to put studded on both my cars.

[@nobukodiaztsuzuki7118]

what tire would you recommend for black Ice? Do you Hakkapelitta R3 do the job? thanks

[@potatopotato8360]

@@nobukodiaztsuzuki7118 Studless tires are as good as all-seasons on black ice. Get any studded winter tire.

[@billbernhard3582]

Here in New England, USA we see remarkably improved traction and handling with carbide studs inserted to applicable snow tyres. There is no comparable choice that makes sense if driving on steep hilly roads or roads that have not been well maintained by infrastructure. These are for use only four months per year, but they save lives and get family home again, during snowy/icy weather !

[@mrmuck3917]

Another drawback of studded tires which is not mentioned is the fairly significant loss of traction on clear road surfaces when using studded tires. This effect is compounded for a standard transmission driver on FWD cars. Studded tires on bare asphalt frequently result in complete loss of traction when starting from a stop and cause tire "chirps" as you spin out on the metal studs then regain traction on the rubber, undoubtedly causing increased tire wear and even frequently causing studs to be ripped from the tire. After decades of studded tire use in the country where ice covered roads are more frequent, I had to ditch the studs when moving in the city as the roads are to often cleared of ice and I would spin out far to often while at red lights. Not such an issue in my truck but my standard VW was terribly noticeable.

[@Maskawolf]

I stud! I have the Nokians and love them! I will buy them again on my next car for sure!

[@CarQuestion]

What car you driving now ? Great choice !

[@Maskawolf]

@@CarQuestion 2010 Mercury Mariner. I am looking to get the 2025 Subaru Forester

[@williamgant5463]

I have Studded Hakkapeliitta 8's on my RWD 87' BMW. I live in a little mountain town in Colorado, and Despite the interstate running right though town, we get heavy snow falls here, and the roads in town may or may not be plowed. They have kept me from getting stuck many times, even when I should have been, and they are great on the Icy roads once things thaw and refreeze in January (actually its happening right, the dirt roads in town are basically ice). Since I don't have nor want to drive a big truck, these tires have been a lifesaver for me. And even on I-70, when we get a big storm, the highway usually is not plowed well for the first day, I've seen people spinning their wheels up Floyd and Plume hills while I can cruise along at 30-40 MPH easy without worry and in complete control. I would never run anything else in the winter but Studded Hakkapeliitta's

[@Jasmine0509]

You just convinced me. My city is the same with hills and plowing and my car is a rwd also and horrid in the snow. Thanks!

[@CO84trucker]

In Colorado, studded tires are permitted on highways year-round but discouraged due to accelerated road wear.

[@Aucourant347]

have a new set of the studded Haka 8 and I love them. I think the only other thing you have to be careful of is the other motorist they won't be able to stop as fast as you!

[@CarQuestion]

good point there! :)

[@runhardhooah]

Nice video. After getting into a bad accident in 2014 that involved a curve in a two-lane road that had a 20-yard long patch of ice across it, I've been using the studless Michelin Xice tires on my 4WD Toyota 4Runner for three winters ('15, '16, and '17) here in the northwestern U.S. In these past few years, I have driven on ice and slid on the Xice tires though, making me keep the studded Hakkas in the back of my mind for my next winter tires. I'm sure the Michelins didn't slide as much as standard "All Season" tires do, but they still made me think it would be nice to have the Hakkas. The only thing with the Hakkas is that I didn't want to spend the extra money, and at the time of deciding to get the Xices, I had read that studs weren't that necessary. I think that, as y'all said, when it comes to ice, studs will perform a little better, and a little better performance can mean saving money in damages to one's vehicle, not to mention it could save one's life. Certainly if people drive slowly like they should when dealing with snowy, icy roads, the danger can be minimal, but this doesn't mean that people should drive on All Season tires in these wintry regions of the world year-round. A dedicated winter tire with the snowflake symbol is mandatory for me as long as I live where snow and ice can accumulate on roadways.

[@XC70n05]

Have Nokian Hakka 8 - Best winter tires ever. Live in Norway and studs is a must...

[@CarQuestion]

you can bet on that! :)

[@bobwarren3898]

If your area has hills and tends to get ice rather than snow, then studded snow tires might be a good investment. You can have them mounted on a spare set of wheels and just swap them in the winter.

[@NetITGeeks]

In some counties/areas you are not allowed to use stud winter tires on public roads. How is stud tires perform when there is no snow on the road? During Winter here in Canada, most major roads are very clean and only patches of snow.

[@jaredreyes2160]

Running a set of Hakka 7's on my Saab every winter since I owned the car. I love it.

[@CarQuestion]

Going to test the new Hakka 9 next weekend :)

[@TheRedSphinx]

I'm Swedish and I've been switching between studded Pirelli Ice Zero and studded Nokian Hakkapeliitta through the years. This year I needed new tyres and went with Pirelli, since my local dealer does not stock Nokian. Both brands are in a class of their own though, when it comes to winter tyres. Nordman (lit. "North man" in Swedish) is Nokian's second tier tyre, below Hakkapeliitta.

[@CarQuestion]

your in sweden and your local dealer does not stock Nokian!? :P what's happening! :)

[@ralfrisberg8009]

Köpte du ice zero eller de nya mönstret ice zero 2 ?

[@midas617]

@@CarQuestion 😆

[@peterducree1511]

I just purchased this year studded tires and wow what a difference and confidence it gives you, of course if I could afford itI would have purchased Nokian ( next time ) I loved this informative video, well done and convincing, good job

[@neilouellette3004]

I live in New England where we have hilly terrain with mountains. Also we get nor'easters and blizzards besides snowstorms. Always used studded snow tires on my rear wheel drive Mercury Grand Marquis. Great traction in snow or on ice. Only complaint is when new you only get one winter with awesome traction and the second winter the studs are worn a little bit. The snow tire still is great though on the second winter. Yes, they do come off around April 1st and stored for next winter. About $15 a tire to stud.

[@choking0smurf]

Just did 300 some miles towing a gooseneck trailer all highway and have studded snows on my truck. Was worried they might get warm and tear the studs out do to the load but held up great. Always get studded.

[@denisleblanc4506]

I used to drive AT tires every winter on my 4X4 and usually got by OK and then I tried a set of winter non studded and was amazed how better they were everywhere. Then 10 years ago I thought I'd try AT's again for the first winter in my then new FJ Cruiser and it was terrible. I had to use 4Hi all the time just to get going. The electronic nannies would be constantly activated and you had no choice but to engage 4X4 to regain some semblance of control. The next winter I got a set of Nokian Hakka 5 SUV's studded and it was night and day. With those I only used 4Hi in snow storms otherwise it was 2Hi and now I could rely on the electronic nannies to help me all the time. I even did a test where I drove on a clear completely iced up road and applied the brakes fully then SWERVED and the truck behave as if I was on a dirt road. To say I was amazed is an understatement. Those Nokians lasted 9 winter and still had lots of tread left but one of them started loosing its studs so I got a new set of Hakka 8's studded. The newer version is quieter at speed. You only hear the studs on low speed maneuvers. If you drive a heavy SUV, you'll need the studs to stop as fast as smaller lighter cars on friction tires. I'd rather put up with the noise inconvenience than a crash repair. I always thank my nephew for telling me about Nokians and I'll never drive anything else in the winter.

[@CarQuestion]

thanks for sharing!

[@johngaudet6316]

Denis LeBlanc Your soo right. My mother needed new tires for her Highlander and told her about winter tires, she got them and was amazed at the difference.

[@magneto8002]

I just put Nokian R3 studless tires on my new Mustang. I am looking forward to a snowy winter here in Canada.

[@ladydy1computer]

Mag neto How have they been?

[@magneto8002]

@Watch Es Very good. No issues.

[@magneto8002]

@@ladydy1computer I have used them for two winters with no problems.

[@johnnyklingborg8960]

Studed tiers for sure! People say friction tiers are as good as non studed in most conditions but the conditions were the differences come in too play is in the worst conditions and it´s then you really want too have good tiers! I also here people say studs are for those living in the coldest parts of the world were you have constant sub 0 degrees for several month´s but i find the sudden switches from sub 0 to warmer weather and the other way around produces the worst roads and in the south of Sweden were i live we have plenty of that from the end October to early April so i would say studs make even more sense for me with a milder climate... This is my top 3 tips for safe winter driving 1. Have fresh tiers 2. Make sure to have enough time so you don´t have to drive faster than whats safe 3. have studed tiers And last but not least yes i could consider working at Nokiantyers with marketing but it takes two week for me to quit my job for legal reasons. ;-)

[@johngaudet6316]

I put 4 studded winter tires on my front wheel drive car and its amazing cornering, stopping. I can even go up a good size hill in snow like awd car sometimes.

[@joepearlzz8504]

Just got studded tires myself. Which studded tires did you get?

[@baboonbuttz]

i haven't tried nokian tires yetfor vehicles but next sets will be. used them on my mtnbikes fantastic worth the $. studded is the way to go if legal. if where you live travel is prone to white/black ice or humid an freezing there is no other choice. winter specific tires w/studs. but doesn't doesn't replace driving with care an good judgment a mistake alot of people make when they get good winter studded tires.

[@alexusanin1632]

Ah, what a terrible person you are! :D You left a comment that has no flaws. There is nothing to argue about! This is Internet! Come on, got to create something to argue about :) /Sarcasm I fully agree with your comment though :)

[@Randalf999]

Come on, he said "black/white ice". Trying to start some racial issues!

[@StudyWithM3E46]

.

[@StudyWithM3E46]

hello, I'm from NY and I will be driving upstate ny where snow fall starts in October (compared to December for me) and they get heavy snowfall because they are by Canada (1ft or more). Will studded tires be okay to use to drive on the highway where there may be little to no snow? The roads upstate will have heavy snow. The drive is 250 miles.

[@RawLu.]

All-Weather tiers on an all-wheel-drive/4X4 & your set for life IMO ;-)

[@rickjames5998]

Their slighty poor grammar is a joy to listen to.

[@benb6658]

French guys from Quebec Canada

[@RevsALot]

Rick James typical English guy comment who only can speak English lol..If they'd speak their language, French, they'd have no grammar issues.

[@moimacart]

Lets hear Rick speak French?

[@J22Jordan]

I don't think he's being sarcastic. It really is a joy to listen to, I agree.

[@rickjames5998]

exactly

[@oliverbrowne3006]

I have never studded my winter tires. Live in Montreal and have been driving for 15 years. Non studded tires have worked just fine for me.

[@jeandupond7941]

Les studded tire sont absolument pas nécessaires mais c'est juste un plus, de toutes façon à Montréal c'est que de la poudreuse non? À part quand y a les pluies verglaçante

[@TheRelger]

Most Cities take good care of their streets. Except Edmonton where they’ve forgotten how.

[@tatsumaru12345]

In my experience, most people who hate and have had problem with studs, are because of improper studding. I had a local shop 'c adam tonys in summersville WV' that studded two snow tires I got there. Well, before the next year the studs caused leaks all over the tire. The studs stuck out way too far. Which made for a very floaty and bad handling ride. But buying a set online at tirerack studded, I still have them 2 years later. They work super well. The studs don't stick out farther than they need to. What I do for a front wheel drive? I buy 4 all season tires. Then on 2 extra rims, I get 2 snow studded tires. So if its warmer and I"m traveling, I'll keep the all seasons on. But if its cold and snowing, I'll switch the front to the studded snow tires. Snow tires wear bad from alot of heat. But now on a AWD or 4wd, I'd honestly have a full set of winter studded, and a full set of summer tires. If you have them on their own rims, changing them back and forth takes minutes.

[@tomlarocque4720]

I have studded tires on my FJ...just unbelievable traction in the ice and snow. I only change them out twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall...of course living in Quebec and with the cold it only makes sense.

[@Joe-sg5ey]

Can studded tires handle the Montreal potholes ? I am from Quebec too

[@tomlarocque4720]

With ease...it is a factory designed and made tire. Basically this is a winter tire with studs and they are an excellent tire. I have firestone winterforce and I love them. Good luck!

[@gammapragmatic8327]

Tom LaRocque. What do you think of the winter force tires? I use the nokian 8 on one car, blizzak on another and wrangler dura track on a truck. I have been debating winter force tires but can't find an honest review.

[@tomlarocque4720]

Honestly I got them with steel rims off of kijiji, a guy was selling them as new at half price. They were studded which was what I was looking for. In all honesty I have four cars...for the wife and kids in college and I think I have four different types of winter tire brands for each. I really have no preference. I live in Quebec and we are allowed studded tires....just drive up and get a set at any tire store, if you have cash they won't ask questions. I hope this helps and take care :)

[@richardgshields]

Those are some bad ass looking snow tires. We use half the amount of studs here in the US

[@boogerworm07]

Finally a comprehensive video about studs vs non-studded tires. Very informative, thanks. Studs all the way

[@x1tekja]

I have a set of summer tires+wheels and studded tires on the original wheels. 4 months out of the year I travel back and forth over a mountain pass and without a doubt they make all the difference in snow and excellent on icy roads compared to studless winter tire.

[@CarQuestion]

Studded tire are top traction beast

[@MrPickle360]

i live in everett wa and I use studless general artic altimax on our toyota 4runner and Goodyear ultra grip on our honda civic. the noise of the studs is to much for me and my wife to handle when we go on road trips so we go studless winter tires. both sets have performed well in the snow we haven't had any ice so I can't say how well they do in ice without the studs

[@chriscorbray4457]

Ivan Prozac how are those good year tires. I live in Lake Stevens.

[@abeuzer]

I have been running studded tires (Nokian Nordman 5's at the moment) and we have some scary roads where I live. My commute is 100 km each way with a RWD pickup, and studded tires are a must, not an option with that setup.. My wife has Hakka 8 studded on her Subaru, and that vehicle is pretty much unstoppable in winter. I have never felt as secure on winter roads as with the Subaru XV and Hakka 8s.

[@CarQuestion]

with RWD stud are required :P thanks for sharing.

[@victoriouspauper8495]

Great to know !!

[@chriscorbray4457]

What city do you drive your Crosstrek? I’m thinking of getting Hakkapeliitta 7s on mine.

[@ZirvmoFringe]

Studs just work. Our winters here in Calgary are changing and we are getting more ice and freezing rain. I started running Nokian studded Hakka’s 3 cars ago. They work and to be honest the noise level is no biggy. A little road noise vs slamming into the back of the car ahead of you? Easy choice. Oh, they wear longer than most other brands. I drive over 15,000km a winter and I run them October to the end of April. I get 4 to 5 winters on a set. With every penny.

[@chipwright6193]

I have always used studs on my car in the winter. I have a spare set of rims so all I have to do is jack my car up and switch wheels.

[@mikel1044]

I think I may go with this choice this winter for driving in the cascades

[@CarQuestion]

The Cascades?

[@mikel1044]

Mountains in Washington

[@lef784]

never going back to non-studded. just love the Hakka 8 on my forester. the only thing I am looking forward to is to buy Hakka 9 once my 8 are worn...but they last so long!!

[@CaptainEverythingHumorandMore]

1. Do you lose traction on dry asphalt with studded tires compared to non studded tires? 2. If you buy winter tires that can be studded and drive on them, can you get them studded later? Thanks

[@TheRelger]

They won’t stud tires after driving on them. Has to be done when new.

[@rahulrane1658]

What a beautiful discussion. Absolutely loved it. Has this been shot in Finland?

[@oktawiangornik1284]

Located in Norway I drive mountain roads whenever I can, all year round. I have the Nokian Hakkapeliitta C3 studded on my MercedesB Sprinter (RWD) van. I could only wish to have a 4x4 for the most critical situations - but studded make me feel much more safe. I once encountered a steep range of hills where road was pure ice, covered with a tiny layer of snow. Traction control made the car go slow but I reached the destination with just few spins. Don´t belive I could make it without studded. Of course, snow chains would be best to use in those demanding scenarios.

[@joewoodchuck3824]

I didn't know they were still made. They make a distinctive sound which I haven't heard in many years.

[@texnorthman]

Depends on the car and where you drive. If you drive a smaller car, and rarely see ice, go studless. If you drive a big heavy car (SUV or truck), get studs. I had a Nissan Pathfinder (about 2.4 tonnes), on studless tires. Once that thing started sliding you just had to wait til it regained grip, no inputs made any difference on ice. I now drive a Navara, and got Nokian Hakka 8 studded tires on it, completely different experience. Predictable, good grip both sideways and when going up or down steep icy hills.

[@CarQuestion]

thanks for Sharing! were are you from?

[@texnorthman]

Norway :) Sadly most of our roads here are salted (with the associated damage to cars and environment), but I live out in the country side and around here studded tires are a great benefit!

[@CarQuestion]

thanks for commenting!

[@charlesb4267]

I realize this is a very dated video but see some recent questions have been answered. I am in the process of purchasing a GM 3500 truck and knew I wanted a set of winter tires and happened across a set of used factory style wheels so bought them and then had Kal Tire ( I am in Alberta ) mount up a set of Hakka LT3 studded tires. Of course they are not on a truck I don't have yet ! ... but I was shocked to feel how hard the rubber is on that 10 ply LT type tire relative to the much softer compound of a lot of winter tires out there. So what i am wondering and its not like there are very many winter tire choices with the LT275/65R20 tire size, will I not have very good ice traction with these tires relative to some of the other LT 10 ply brands or the much lighter ply tires geared around a light half ton/car/suv that typically have a lot more siping as well as the much softer flexible winter compounds ?

[@CarQuestion]

When you have those 3500-2500 trucks, there is a compromise that has to be made regarding the sidewall and the compound. Here's another dated video that is still accurate: kzbin.info/www/bejne/joanoYaIr7usj5I. Keep in mind that the weight of your truck helps in a way, and also that the LT3 is one of the best work tires!

[@charlesb4267]

@@CarQuestion Thank you for the very prompt reply. So my suspicions are accurate then, true LT 10 ply tires will never have the performance of their "wimpy casing counterparts" which I guess is the downfall of owning a truck that can only use this heavier type of tire. A lot of the other brands of LT tire in this size are not even set up to stud so that was why I made the choice I did.

[@user-os8sq3uh4n]

I have Vredestein Quatrac 5 similar to Nokian Weatherproof/WRGD3 or Michelin CrossClimate. All weather with severe weather 3pmsf logo. I live in Vermont and drive for uber. I'm not going to sacrifice dry or wet or slush traction by getting studded winter tires. I need to be able to avoid an accident in all conditions. Especially dry and slushy, which happen most often on plowed and salted roads. Packed snow is not a problem. Great thing about ice is you can choose not to drive on it. Patches of ice are fine if your tire can recover well on the other side of the patch.

[@ehsnils]

I have a set of Nokian Hakka 7 - already studded from factory.

[@CarQuestion]

ready for winter! :)

[@nikolasmccluskey1953]

I lived in the country in Quebec, Canada, and the studded tires have been a lifesaver more than once, it had much better traction, however, you gotta be careful not to give it too much gas, because it can dig a hole into ice, effectively trapping you there, especially on a n uphill

[@joepearlzz8504]

How were they in dry pavement and in very deep snow?

[@axelriet]

People, studs all the way (if they are allowed in your area). I had two sets of Hakka 7 previously, driven in the Swiss and French alps, and getting a set of Hakka 9 tomorrow. Currently in Washington State where stud season starts on Nov. 1st. Have been driving on snow and ice many years, 300-350bhp AWD. Had Blizzak, Pilot Alpin. Nothing not compares!

[@HalifaxHercules]

In some parts of Canada, such as Western Newfoundland, studded winter tires are highly recommended due to its snowy winters and hilly terrain.

[@terryszydlik5052]

Fantastic Video. Great Information. Thanks for all of your hard work!!!

[@Plumbusss]

In Alberta Canada, the average garage charges about $40 to $50 per tire for studding... I got it done just today on my new winters, and yes, i still find it worth it, on ice which can be a lot of days in Canada, it could save you some accidents you otherwise would of potentially had.

[@fordrac1ng81]

Just bought a set of Hakka 8 studded and a set of Thule 12mm chains for my new car

[@CarQuestion]

chains? were do you live?

[@fordrac1ng81]

CarQuestion West Virginia, USA. All we have here is mountains.

[@fordrac1ng81]

2010V6RAV4 I feel your pain. I drive through east kentucky, south ohio, and all WV for work. Putting on about 40k a year I don't get paid if I'm not driving so my little focus needs all the help it can get. Wife's GX460 is unstoppable with the general altimax

[@endurotruckererniedesjardins]

fordrac1ng81 for your area a good winter specific tire is plenty. your roads are cleared fast with warm weather. studs in Minnesota and cold states where the temperature is so cold that salt is not able to melt ice.

[@youtubeismakingmedothis5517]

fordrac1ng81 just wow

[@sheldons231]

Been using the Hakka 8 SUV on out 2014 Toyota Highlander since 2014/15 winter. Have driven all over the Alberta B.C. Rockies in the winter including blizzards and they are amazing tires. Driven in unplowed lanes or where the plow put the snow to pass the fools who think all season is all you need, and never slip or slid, she goes true as if it is summertime. Have tried others(Michelin and Blizzak) but Nokian are the best, besides once Blizzaks wear to 50% the soft rubber is gone and it is now as all season tire.

[@TheKingkingg]

I have nokian all-weather on my Ridgeline and love the performance, i have studable, but no stud on my 2016 Civic EX-T and love them. but, what about the Nokian with the crystals, comparing to studs?

[@Ms.Fowlbwahhh]

nokian tires are the best winter tires iv ever owned.

[@CarQuestion]

glad you like them! :)

[@666dynomax]

Almost appears the factory studded nokian is as cheap or cheaper than studding another brand of winter tires. I really want to try some 8's before ditching the FWD to switch to an AWD vehicle.

[@Ms.Fowlbwahhh]

AWD isn't necessary if you have good winter tires. Iv driven rwd bmws on ice and iv never had problems with them cause they had good tires on them. Studs are only worth it if you live somewhere where you realllllly need it. I only get studs on my tires because I can't get out of my driveway sometimes in winter. All the roads are fine but my driveway in the woods is a different story.

[@nobukodiaztsuzuki7118]

@@CarQuestion between the hakkapeliitta 9 and the HakkapeliittaR3 , which tire performs best on black ice? I live in Manitoba and this year I have to drive at night for work about 150 kms going both ways. thank you

[@Thor3736]

Interesting video. I live in Southern California and don't need to worry about ice and snow. If I lived in an area with snow and ice I would likely have two sets of tires and wheels. Studded snow tires for winter and all season for the rest of the year. I currently have all season on my vehicle with no issues because it doesn't normally snow in my area. If that changes I will definitely get studded tires.

[@CarQuestion]

you are lucky for the nice sun in California! :)

[@neilouellette3004]

I live in New England in the northeast and that's exactly what i do. Put studded snows on in the winter. Then back to my all season tires around April 1st.

[@LexCinnabon]

Unfortunately, we can't run studded tires in Michigan. Our government thinks it will make our already horrible roads worse. Haha

[@potatopotato8360]

I guarantee you your 164 000lbs trucks cause a hell of a lot more damage to your roads than studded tires would lol.

[@rumplestiltskin7304]

In the 50's we had ''nobbed'' and compared to the suburban type tires they were ten times better. The old "nobbies" as we called them didn't need studs. Almost worked like tractor. A little noisy on the highway, but no one could ever touch them for traction on snow or ice.

[@Jormsen]

i definitely would, but in Germany we are not allowed. I don't know about the quality of studded nokians, but the non-studded ones are terrible (at least in Germany), for drifting they are just perfect, accelerating and braking works fine, but side traction on wet or snow covered road is like dunlops or michelins on ice. Same car same road-conditions, same turn: nokian max speed before under-steering: 40 km/h (~25 mph) dunlop max speed before under-steering 60 km/h (~37 mph) This can be the difference between a crash and a comfort ride. At least I was happy to recognize this at a right turn, having the opposite track to get it back in lane without crashing anything.

[@captainbrossette]

Im from FIN. And when i see this video Im like wohoo nokia

[@Luigi-pk8mk]

I live in Southern NY sometimes we get bad winters, I've been using winter tires and studded tires for many years, very few people here do use them though. I get funny looks from people when they see (and hear) the studs. PS Car Question guys are you French Canadian?

[@TheRelger]

They are definitely French Canadian. I’m from Quebec.

[@henryzabel1746]

As a former firefighter I have seen many accidents from packed snow and ice . Often four wheel drive trucks that are in hi-lock . Many people simply said "I don;t drive on ice ". I have seen a number of dead people that hit a 30' patch and lost their lives . Old style four wheel drive trucks in hi-lock have now taken away almost all of their steering . I am retired now and have not gotten any studded tires because of expense of an extra set of steel rims and cost of ABS , traction control sensors along with preesure sensors . From 1974 until 2016 I had an extra set of rims with studded tires mounted for our main two vehicles . People often said that studded tires and rims cost too much . I often asked how much they made in over 5 years , because that is about how long a set would last around our area . Also , how would you feel if you killed a family of 4 or 5 because you lost control of your car ?

[@musclecarfan1]

I have run these studded tires on an Audi S4 and s5 As well as Porsche Cayenne....these Nokian studded tires are amazing. The noise is noticeable but very minimal. When you look at the safety margin...it becomes a no brainer to run these tires as they excel in all winter/ice conditions.

[@exodusfivesixfivesix8050]

I can't wait to play with my WRX in the snow.

[@CarQuestion]

the perfect snow machine! :)

[@Caassiopeia]

I remember getting a lot of hesitation when I asked for studded tires in my area. Not sure why, my studded tires work wonders. It's just not very popular where I live, which is weird, because I live in the northern US.

[@jarrettmaltry6305]

Caassiopeia same I live in Ohio and didn’t know they existed until I got them 5 years ago and everyone who gets in my car acts like they’re space age technology 😂

[@joshmuller4716]

I live in a place where we get a lot of bad winter roads but then it will warm up and we will have a month or two of dry roads, then ice again. Would you still recommend winter/studded tired or all season?

[@CarQuestion]

Where do you live? :)

[@nukemanmd]

I'm curious to know if modern studded tires still cause harm to road surfaces. In the early 60s studded tires were an option in the U.S. state of Maryland. However, due to the damage they inflicted on our roads, they were eventually banned. I would imagine Finland's climate provides are more compelling case for very effective winter tires, so it may be willing to trade road safety for road damage. However, if recent developments in studded tire technology have reduced road damage, it might be time to ask the state to reconsider their use.

[@gammapragmatic8327]

Hi Stephen. The big difference has been in how roads are being made these days. Some roads are very dense like concrete and are less affected by studs and some roads of the asphalt variety are not very dense because they are ment to absorb water, preventing hydroplaning but are very susceptible to studded tire damage due to their lesser density. The major cause of road damage is caused by tire chains or cables, expecially when semis, buses and large trucks use them on plowed roads. Or when water freezes in small cracks and expands in the road surface, causing the road to break up. I'm pretty sure that tire rubber viscosities are still about the same as they've always been ranging from very hard to very soft like a good winter tire. I'd have to say roads have adapted to tires more so then tires have to roads. Generally speaking roads are often older then the towns they lead to and have been patched instead of replaced, contributing to the problem in my opinion. Chances are if studded tires are banned in your area you more then likely have less dense streets because rain poses more of a liability then winter weather.

[@miikaleskinen7345]

in Finland we drive with those witer tires about 6-7months per year and yes in some places asphalf so Fu*king worn cause of that...

[@VilleAlama]

But take in count, theres about 5 million people in some cities in U.S. In finland, theres about that many people in the whole COUNTRY. The difference in road damage is big.

[@OldAccountUser]

just saying asphalt in canada is worn to dead and we dont even use studded tire. 99% of car use winter tire without atud

[@darengauthier522]

VilleAlama .... people should stop building such pussy roads I live in the northern eastern part of the United States called Maine November to April with the studs legally and we have some of the best Roads on the planet... I've never even heard of such a thing stud image except for concrete like garages people don't know how to drive properly in about 15% of the people that use studded tires leave them on all year 50% of the rest are on from the beginning of October till the beginning of May I've never even seen or heard of these new ones that are flush with the tire and I'm sure they cause far less damage and much better traction so I can't wait to see people in Maine start buying them but like I said very little to no stud damage on our streets and you definitely need them with most vehicles because of the inclination and declines

[@larryestrada4386]

can you stud existing snow tires ?

[@therandomtester9561]

Always studdless, Trondheim, Norway. They use so much salt on the roads, so most of the time it's wet tarmac. No use in the studds on tarmac.. Using salt, they often create a very thin layer of ice on the road, that nothing bites on. Some say that on wet ice only studded tiers do the job, but I disagree, the only thing worth using then are chains. Studded might give better traction in some cases, but the benefit of lower noice, freedom of when to change and no worries about loose or missing studs makes me choose studdless every time.

[@muffy469]

There is alot of wilderness in norway, so i would use studded tires if i lived on the countryside.

[@effemmelle]

the marittimal part of norway especially the south-west part between Bergen and Stavanger has absolutely warm and extremely wet winter where studded tyres would be unusufull and dangerous. so, except for region like Finnemark. Oppaland, Hedmark and mountains locations (there are a lot) elsewhere in norway you will not need studded tyres.

[@jimmyosterlund2538]

Always studded! Hakka 8 best winter tier there is! Finland btw

[@CarQuestion]

thanks for sharing! we will probably visit finland soon in 2017! :)

[@jimmyosterlund2538]

CarQuestion Welcome to the winter wonderland :D

[@lfsracer79]

Yeah welcome, we have the loudest roads in the world, thanks to studs!

[@mjv1967]

You should test the non studded Nokian Hakka 8 SUV. The El-Supreme-o tire for SUV's. Especially for us in Southern Ontario who cannot use studs and do not need a Light Truck Tire.

[@tomlarocque4720]

You know their is no good reason why you can't run studded tires, that is such an outdated law, you should challenge it.. Here in Quebec the studded tire is king.

[@pradeepsubasinghe23]

Goodyear Artic Grip tires are OK for winter..I wonder using studed tires are legal to dive in some states..but I like the idea..nice

[@HypocriticYT]

outlawed in Canada. Studs works very well and we could use them.

[@rollthefilmutube]

Studded tires are not outlawed in Canada [but restricted to dates in some provinces ... ] check this link out: www.canadianoffthegrid.com/canadian-studded-tire-regulations/

[@HypocriticYT]

Ontario! Only place I drive, allowed too far north only.

[@CarQuestion]

in Québec, it's a must :)

[@ph11p3540]

I live in a province where studded tires are acceptable in the winter as long as the studs are professionally installed. I just discovered that my condominium forbid vehicles with studded tires of any kind because of the problem with the studs slowly damaging the pavement. I would love studded tires just in case of black ice but not if I get a fine for using the tires. Our condominium driveway ends onto a road with a gentle hill so I will assume they may be convinced to legalize studs once the first sliding car slides into someones suite.

[@Subie-Driver]

I have driven our cars both with and without studs...they are extremely noisy on the roads especially at highway speeds and for the number of times they are really needed it’s not worth the hassle...plus winter tire rubber compounds combined with great tread pattern/sipes makes them moot for me

[@kenmarchlenski4477]

A couple of years ago (2018) I bought a new Subaru Outback and did some Winter tire research and chose Nokian studed 9's. I put ordered them online along with four nice looking Wheels. Had them mounted for winter and now I run Studed Nokian for Winter and OME's for summer. Therefore, now Mounting costs after first mount. Tire tread depth looked less than I expected but then I grew up in the 60's where 'Snow' meant 'Deep tread". Funny. So far in Pittsburgh Pa, we've not had much snow since but plenty of Rain. I do have great Peace of mind though! I study Christian End-times aka Eschatology and 10 year ago, a PhD meteorologist named Pierce Coyben said a "Mini Ice-Age" was starting and its Cycle would increase to around 2034 and the just as slowly decrease back to normal. He also said that the Cold would not be uniform and that Jet-Streams would bring Artic Air down in troughs. This was certainly true for the US Last Winter for Texas's Sub-zero tempt! He also said that Global devastating "RAIN" would be be an Equal Factor with Temp dips. Two years ago I heard a New Terms "Rain-bombs" and "Rain-rivers" used and now have 'Seen' them in videos. Pierce was RIGHT! Why this Information? Get the Best rain and Snow tires you can afford because it'll worsen for the next 12 years! Start learning to Stay-home more!

[@mjv1967]

Being in Souther Ontario and not able to use studded tires I chose a set of Gislaved Nordfrost 200's for my 4Runner. They can take a stud if the rules change.

[@CarQuestion]

yep but the studs wont stay there if you install them after rolling the tires outside.

[@mjv1967]

Ok. Good to know. I had thought about going to a shop and getting 8-16 studs put in per tire maybe to be below the radar with the police. I guess not.

[@miroslavvarga3707]

I bought studed tires feb 2019 .I drove it from feb 2019 till April 2019,and again late October 2019 till feb 2020,and last couple of weeks I did notice that tires not performing like on begining.I am driving UBER in Canada Alberta,so these tires would be great choice if I could replace studs every season.But according to fact that studs run out pretty quick I should buy new tires every season or every 15 monts.It is really expensive.I think that great option would be to every year to replace studs,and tires would be perform wonderful.But it is not available producer likes money much more than our safety,hahaha naturaly. But if you drive your car to the work place and back studded tires are excellent for you.But if you drive UBER or Taxi be ready to change tires every season.

[@blackhawk2475]

Great tutorial... Are all 4 tires studded or just the powered wheels (front wheel drive or rear wheel drive)?

[@ThePauliebuck]

Always 4 tires studded on a front wheel drive car.

[@jaoautomotive338]

Never had to but would like to try them one day.

[@muaythai193]

Let’s say I install studded tires and it doesn’t snow. Will they get worn down and will handling suffer in non-snow conditions?

[@richk3325]

I am running studs this year in northern Ohio because cities around me like to conserve their salt and I work on top of a hill...I am tired of getting stuck going to work because everything is covered in ice. Studding will turn a one wheel peeler into just that (A STUD)...

[@irdumitru]

I have a Macan, i wonder if studed tyres are better than normal tyres. I live in Romania, we don’t have the winters from Finland but our roads are not properly cleared. Most of the time i will drive on asphalt but there are many times when you have to drive on icy roads. I wonder i should buy this kind of tyres.

[@mfer134]

The Nokian Hakkapeliitta 8 are now the Nokian Nordman 9. It's the same tire, just $50 cheaper per tire.

[@richk3325]

I'm in the process of pushing studs into my tires now with a tube and T handle.. It's a lot of work but effective... I didn't want to spend 500 for an automatic tool. I will be sore tomorrow....

[@_dinesh]

Thanks Guys. Nice video!

[@MrSprintcat]

I have a Honda Accord front wheel drive I just you started tires on the front. Is it recommended to use them in the rear also? Thanks for any input new subscriber here

[@CarQuestion]

all tires need to be identical, same for studded tires.

[@morgfarm1]

Here in the USA, laws vary. Californians rarely need winter tires, let alone studs or chains. The main exceptions are those in the High elevations and Mountain passes. Here in Oregon, Everyone East of Interstate 5 should have Studs available. The rest of us are wise to carry Chains from September into April. Personally, And I live in Southwest Oregon in a valley, Snow is rare to stick. When it does, Chains are a good idea. The only time I've had to handle snow and ice on my own I had a rental vehicle with Non-studded all-season tires. I was passing police cars thanks to the tires and electronic stability control systems in modern cars. I don't recommend Studded tires in my area because 1) Unless you make trips across the mountain passes, which are easily over 50 miles/83Km away, You don't need them. 2) Chains/cables are a cheap alternate for short distances anyway and 3) They're only allowed between November 1 thru April 1, after that, You face a very steep fine for using them unless the time has been extended due to more winter weather than expected. and 4, They are EXPENSIVE to people that live in a rural region like I do. As for this video in general, I like how everything is explained in detail. and the Nokian rep is right, Studs are not usually installed correctly nor are they very high quality. If I had a need for these tires and lived in an area they were sold (and had the money) I'd be all over a set of them, Just because of how they've been represented.

[@CarQuestion]

thanks for sharing Jared!

[@henri.p.levesque3015]

Peut-t'on acheter au Nouveau-Brunswick les pneus avec des clous déjà dedans?

[@goudan]

Je viens de me commander 4 Nokian nordman 7 cloutés pour mon Tacoma à mon petit garage du cartier. Je crois avoir fait un bon choix sécuritaire. Ma question est : Est-ce que le pneus est assez fort pour soutenir le poinds avant du mon camion ou j'aurais dû choisir un model de pneuf différent avec des flancs renforcis(plus de plis)?

[@Mitahanvittua]

Pretty much everyone in Finland uses studded tires in the winter.

[@johngiuffrida]

Good job guys.