Even non-studded tires need to be changed after winter. This is because winter tires in general are made up out of a special softer rubber compound that is made to endure lower temperatures. Temperatures below 45 degrees Fahrenheit call for winter tires, studded or non-studded tires. This is also why temperatures above 45 degrees Fahrenheit are not suited for winter tires. The winter tire’s rubber compound becomes too soft in warmer temperatures and not recommended on warm dry pavement. They will run hotter and hotter and will start to chemically degrade. This chemical degradation can actually cause the outside of the tire to degrade making them less capable to grip the road and making braking more difficult thereby increasing braking distance.
When to change out of winter tires can be a little tricky as often the transition from winter to spring is not so clear cut. Often warmer weather might come and stay just a few weeks followed by a dip in temperature with even occasional snow fall. All-weather tires hold an advantage over dedicated winter tires in that they can be used all through the year eliminating the need to change over tires. The all-weather tires like the winter tires hold the “Three peak mountain snowflake” (3PMSF) emblem which indicates that the tire meets required performance criteria in snow testing to be considered severe snow service rated.
This in turn makes the transition from fall to winter and winter to spring ideal. The all-weather tires are basically a hybrid between winter tires and all-season tires.
Whether choosing an all-weather tire or winter tires it is important to follow the manufacturer’s recommended tire dimensions which are noted on the tire’s sidewall.
If the tire dimensions noted are 265/75R16 then you need to use either 265/75R16 winter tires or 265/75R16 all-weather tires. Wrong size tires are not only bad for fuel economy but also for the functioning of the car. If running too large tires you will change the gear ratio which in turn can strain the transmission.
If looking for non-studded winter tires, then the Nokian Hakkapeliitta R3 non-studded tires might be an option. This non-studded tire rivals the grip and traction of a studded tire with its “Arctic Sense Grip Concept” offering relentless grip due to the addition of the “Biobased cryo crystal 3” particles to the rubber compound in order to improve grip on ice by grabbing onto the driving surface.
Even with newer innovations in non-studded tires and the absence of studs, the tires still need to be changed once winter is over. This makes the all-weather tires more attractive as with the advances in all-weather tires offering virtually the same grip and traction as winter tires, this will allow the driver to enjoy supreme driving comfort and safety. With winter tires, either studded tires or non-studded tires, or all-weather tires you will be well equipped to handle the most severe winter weather.
For more information regarding non-studded tires, visit nokiantires.com