What are Studded Snow Tires? 

Studded tires are just what they sound like – tires with metal studs embedded in them. These studs look small, but they give your vehicle a lot of traction in snowy and slippery conditions. Some tires come with studs already on them, while others come with stud holes to allow you to apply and remove them yourself.

Comparison of Snow Tires 

Studdless and studded snow tires each bring something different to the table in terms of driving in winter weather. You should weigh both options based on what road conditions you might commonly encounter.

Studless

Studless tires are a good option for those who experience more snowy road conditions than icy ones. Studless tires also have the added benefit of being much quieter than their studded counterparts.

Studless tires are also more forgiving when it comes to changing weather conditions, as studs should only be used when the road conditions are consistently wintery. This means that studless tires are a better fit for autumn and spring driving when the amount of road cover might vary.

Studded

Studded tires are what you want when conditions are icy or the roads are hard-packed with snow. The studs allow for more traction and more peace of mind when braking. People who live on the coast might be more likely to choose these, as winter conditions more easily freeze the roads.

When to Remove Studded Tires

Studded tires should be removed when your roads have cleared of ice and hard-packed snow for the season. Driving on dry or wet roads with them on your car actually cuts down on traction, and the loud noise the studs make on a bare road could be quite unpleasant.

Important: Understanding State Laws 

Be sure to check on your state’s guidelines as each has a different set of rules.

Pennsylvania Laws for Studded Tires 

In Pennyslvania, you are permitted to use studded tires between November 1st and April 15th. If you are caught driving with them outside of these dates, you could receive a ticket and a fine. It’s also important to note that tire studs are not allowed to exceed 2/32 inches.