Have you ever heard that studded tyres are noisy? That they damage roads? Or that they are prohibited?
Let’s take a closer look at some common beliefs about studs.
Studs are noisy
FALSE – Today, a studded tyre is a winter tyre. Its rubber compound remains flexible at low temperatures, and its tread patterns are more pronounced than those of summer tyres.
This allows the stud to sit within the tread with a protrusion of no more than 1.2 mm (compared with 3 mm in the 1980s). As a result, they are far less noisy, particularly for the driver inside the vehicle. It is also worth remembering that the tyre itself can generate noise.
Studs damage roads
FALSE – Before the 1985 French regulation concerning anti-skid devices fitted to tyres, studs were heavier, larger and longer. The tungsten carbide tips protruded much further, which did indeed damage roads.
In addition, tyres at that time were thick and made from harder rubber compounds, unlike today’s comfortable, safe and quieter studded tyres.
Studs for safety
Studs make driving uncomfortable
FALSE – Much lighter than their predecessors, modern studs for passenger vehicles weigh around 1.4 g (compared with 4 g in the past), providing driving comfort comparable to summer conditions.
Studs slip on dry roads
FALSE – The construction of a studded tyre is designed to ensure safety and comfort in all conditions. In France, tyres now feature fewer studs, and they are not positioned on the central part of the tread, which prevents slipping on dry roads.
Studs add nothing to winter tyres
FALSE – In general, winter tyres are sufficient in France. However, studded tyres provide added safety on black ice and compacted snow.
Another advantage is that studded tyres reduce braking distances on wet, snowy or icy roads.
During manoeuvres (braking, starting or cornering) without studs, a vehicle may slide on black ice or compacted snow. This is due to the tyre heating the surface, melting the snow and creating a thin film of water — a phenomenon similar to aquaplaning, which typically occurs around 0°C, as is common in the French climate.
Studs fall out and damage tyres
TRUE and FALSE – Today, the tyre-and-stud pairing is carefully engineered. Studded tyres are generally stored unused for one month so that the rubber can conform to the shape of the stud and ensure optimal retention.
A running-in period of around 500 km is then required, at speeds between 70 and 90 km/h, without harsh manoeuvres.
A stud may potentially be ejected if driving is aggressive and smooth manoeuvres (gentle acceleration, braking and cornering) are not respected.
Our advice: adopt smooth driving habits. Every driver shares responsibility for safety and for preserving both vehicle and tyres.
Studs are designed to last as long as the tyre itself, ensuring grip and safety throughout their service life: on average 30,000 to 50,000 km, depending on driving conditions and tyre quality.
Speed is limited with studs
TRUE – Under French legislation, the maximum permitted speed is 90 km/h for vehicles with a gross vehicle weight not exceeding 3.5 tonnes, including on motorways.
This measure was introduced at a time when studded tyres were widely used, and road preservation was a priority.
It is worth noting that every type of tyre has a speed rating, indicated on the tyre sidewall.
Studs are prohibited in France
FALSE – French legislation authorises studded tyres from the Saturday preceding 11 November until the last Sunday of March of the following year (Decree of 18 July 1985 concerning anti-skid devices fitted to tyres). Drivers must also display a “studded tyre” sticker at the rear of the vehicle.
As with all products, quality levels vary. You will gain greater benefits by choosing high-quality tyres and studs. However, the primary guarantee of safety and performance remains the driver’s behaviour behind the wheel.
