What is a studded tyre?

Studded tyres, also known as spiked tyres, are specialised winter tyres fitted with metal studs embedded in the tread. Their primary purpose is to break through the layer of ice to deliver grip where rubber alone can no longer provide sufficient traction. Their design is based on two technological pillars:

• A specialised rubber compound: They use a "thermo-compound" rubber designed to remain flexible even in severe cold, to maintain optimal road contact.
• Stud anchoring technology: Metal studs are strategically distributed across the tread. They act like claws to maximise traction, braking performance and directional stability on black ice.

The addition of studs delivers unmatched safety performance:

• Superior traction when pulling away on frozen surfaces.
• Significantly shorter braking distances on icy patches.
• Improved lateral stability to reduce the risk of skidding when cornering.

In which conditions are studded tyres useful?

Studded tyres are particularly recommended in the following conditions:

• Icy roads or black ice: Where regular winter tyres lose their grip.
• Extreme geographical areas: Mountain or rural regions where snow clearance is limited.
• Very cold climates: Areas experiencing frequent freeze–thaw cycles that create patches of ice.

When should studded tyres be fitted and removed?

The use of studded tyres is subject to strict rules that vary by country to limit road wear.

• Fitting: Generally permitted from autumn (October or November) when winter conditions become established.
• Removal: Compulsory at the beginning of spring (March or April) as soon as the risk of persistent frost disappears.
• Regulations: Specific dates and speed limits depend on your local legislation.

Warning: use is prohibited in certain countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Portugal, etc.

Studdable tyres: the adaptable solution

There are also "studdable" tyres. Unlike factory pre-studded models, these tyres are designed with premoulded locations (recesses) ready to receive studs but are supplied without them. This option offers several strategic advantages:

Use without studs: You can use them like conventional winter tyres, delivering very good performance on snow.

Use with studs: If you live in an area where black ice is common, you can choose to have them studded by a professional before fitting to achieve maximum safety.

Expert tip: To ensure the studs hold, studding must be carried out on a clean tyre, ideally at the start of the season before any use.
If the tyre has already been driven on, impurities lodged in the recesses will prevent proper anchoring of the studs.

Which tyre should you choose for winter?