Studded Winter Tires vs Non-Studded Winter Tires

Calgary winters can be brutal — icy roads, heavy snow, and sub-zero temperatures make driving a challenge. Choosing the right winter tires can mean the difference between a safe commute and a dangerous slide. But should you go with studded winter tires or non-studded (friction) winter tires? Let’s break it down.

What Are Studded Winter Tires?

Studded winter tires are designed with metal studs embedded into the tread. These studs bite into ice and hard-packed snow, giving your vehicle extra grip in slippery conditions. For Calgary drivers who face frequent black ice and icy highways, studs can significantly improve traction and braking performance.

What Are Non-Studded Winter Tires?

Non-studded winter tires, also called friction or performance winter tires, rely on special rubber compounds and tread patterns to grip snow and ice. These tires are quieter than studded tires, cause less road wear, and are often preferred in urban areas or for drivers who encounter more snow than ice.

Studded vs Non-Studded: Pros and Cons

Feature	Studded Winter Tires	Non-Studded Winter Tires
Ice Traction	Excellent	Good, but may struggle on thick ice
Snow Traction	Good	Excellent
Road Noise	Louder due to metal studs	Quieter
Road Wear	Can damage asphalt over time	Minimal
Calgary Winter Suitability	Ideal for icy roads, highway driving	Ideal for city driving with snow and occasional ice

In Calgary, choosing between the two depends on your typical winter routes. If you often drive on icy roads or commute on highways outside the city, studded tires can provide extra safety. For inner-city driving or short commutes, high-quality non-studded winter tires are usually sufficient.

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