Everything you need to know about buying studded tires: are they worth it?

Canadian winters bring snow, ice, and slush, making roads especially slippery. Winter tires are mandatory in Quebec starting December 1, and some drivers wonder whether studded tires are your best option for safe winter driving. In this blog, your OCTO Auto Service Plus family mechanic breaks down the pros and cons of studded tires.

Pros

Studded tires have small metal spikes that grip thick ice, black ice and compacted snow, making it easier to brake and accelerate in slippery conditions. You should consider studded tires if you:

• Drive mostly in rural areas or areas with poorly maintained roads
• Often drive up or down steep, icy slopes
• Drive a rear-wheel-drive vehicle
• Have a low risk tolerance

Cons

Studded tires tend to be noisy and are usually more expensive than conventional winter tires. You must also keep in mind that they don’t improve handling on dry or wet roads, or in freshly fallen snow. Additionally, some facilities, such as indoor parking structures and certain condo buildings, prohibit the use of studded tires, as the studs can damage dry asphalt.

In Quebec, studded tires are more strictly regulated than standard winter tires. They are permitted only from October 15 to May 1. After that date, you must remove them, or risk being fined and getting some disapproving looks!

In short, buying studded tires makes sense if you mainly drive in rural areas where roads are often covered in ice. However, if you mostly drive in urban areas on well-maintained roads that are regularly cleared, a set of high-quality winter tires should be more than enough to keep you safe behind the wheel.

OCTO Auto Service Plus: More Than Just a Mechanic

Want to drive safely this winter? Book an appointment at an OCTO Auto Service Plus in your area to find the right high-performance tires for your vehicle and driving needs. Your family mechanic will be happy to give you personalized advice so you can make an informed decision.