If you are a driver in the UK, then you may or may not already be familiar with the design and benefits of winter tyres – specifically studded winter tyres with added studs for superior traction. The reality of UK driving is that the climate in most parts of the country is temperate, and so winter tyres are not strictly necessary or legally required. Rather, they offer a good option for those who live in remote or hilly climates that succumb to icy and snowy conditions at times during the year.
Most drivers you meet in the UK will opt for the convenience of all-season models. These tyres combine the benefits of winter and summer designs, to create a fitment that can be relied upon all-year round.
Winter tyres, in particular studded winter tyres, are usually chosen by those travelling overseas where winter tyres become a legal requirement – with use in the UK strictly monitored and reserved only for those in the hilliest and most unpredictable parts of the country in terms of weather. With that said, let’s take a closer look at the features of studded winter tyres and their uses.
What Are Studded Winter Tyres?
The first thing to note is that studded winter tyres are not the same as standard winter tyres – that is, not all winter tyres are studded.
Studded tyres are a step up from standard winter tyres and are formulated to offer maximum grip and traction on the most challenging surfaces and terrains that you could drive on. In terms of their design, these tyres do exactly as the name suggests, boosting grip thanks to a series of metal studs which protrude from the rubber surface of the tyre.
You will sometimes see these tyres referred to as snow tyres, owing to their ability to grip through settled snow and ice on the road.
Features and Benefits of Studded Winter Tyres
It won’t surprise you to learn that the metal studs embedded into studded winter tyres are designed to uphold a high level of grip between the tyre and the road surface. From icy surfaces to a blanket of snow, the metal studs support excellent grip and ensure that the vehicle remains safe to drive with reliable handling, cornering and braking.
In comparing studded winter tyres with standard winter tyres, the level of grip exerted under the added pressure of metal studs cannot be denied – especially on ice which can be unpredictable in terms of its density and how slippery it is.
But this does come at a cost. Studded winter tyres are regulated in many countries around the world, due to the impact that the studs have on the quality of the road surface. Exposing harsh metal studs to the road can cause undue and significant damage over time, meaning the benefits need to be balanced against when studs are actually necessary.
