Navigating Winter Roads in Vermont

As winter's icy grip tightens its hold on our roads, the age-old debate resurfaces: Are studded snow tires or regular winter tires the better choice for tackling snowy and icy conditions? Let's dive into the details and discover which option might be your best bet for a safer winter driving experience.

Driving in winter weather can be downright frightening. Is your vehicle ready to handle ice, slush, and snow, or at times all three on the same day? The safest way to be ready for winter driving is installing a good set or winter tires, but the question is which studded or regular winter tires.

There are two main types of winter tires, studded and studless. Studded tires have been considered by some as the must-have tire for Vermont's roads, but advances in tread patterns, rubber compounds and other winter tire technologies have changed the profile and grip of studless winter tires over the past decade.

Let's look at the pros and cons of the two types of winter tires.

Studded snow tires literally have metal studs inserted within the tread. These small pieces of metal are designed to dig into ice, providing additional traction.

Pros:

Ice-Crushing Power - Studded tires excel in extremely icy conditions. The metal studs grip the ice, providing better control and reducing the chances of skidding.

Enhanced Braking - Studded tires can improve braking performance on icy surfaces, crucial for avoiding accidents in winter weather.

Cons:

Noise and Vibration - Studded tires can generate more noise and vibration on dry roads, which may affect the overall driving comfort.

Road Damage - The metal studs can cause wear and tear on road surfaces, leading to potential damage and increased maintenance costs for municipalities. Though Vermont has not outlawed the usage of studded tires any time during the year, certain states in the country may limit when you can run studded winter tires. You may want to check state regulations, should you travel out of state with studded tires outside of snow season.

Regular winter tires, on the other hand, rely on advanced rubber compounds and unique tread patterns designed specifically for cold weather conditions. While lacking metal studs, these tires are engineered to provide optimal traction in snow and ice.

Pros:

Versatility - Winter tires are suitable for various winter conditions, including snowy and slushy roads. They offer a good balance of performance on both icy and dry surfaces.

Quieter Ride - Without the metal studs, regular winter tires tend to provide a quieter and smoother ride on dry roads.

Cons:

Icy Surface Limitations - While effective in most winter conditions, regular winter tires may not perform as well on extremely icy surfaces compared to studded counterparts.

Regardless of which option you choose, proper tire maintenance and cautious winter driving are essential for staying safe on Vermont roads. Understanding which is better - studded or non-studded winter tires - depends on your driving habits, road conditions, and where you travel most often throughout the winter months.

At Central Vermont Auto Mart, our service team helps drivers compare studded and non-studded winter tires every season. We take the time to explain the differences in traction, braking performance, road noise, and legal considerations so you can make an informed decision that fits your vehicle and your winter driving needs.

In addition to helping you choose the right tires, we offer professional tire mounting and balancing in Montpelier, ensuring your winter tires are installed correctly for optimal performance and longevity. We carry discounted winter tires from over a dozen trusted tire manufacturers, including both name-brand and budget-friendly options, and are always happy to provide a no-obligation quote.

If you have questions about winter tires, need help deciding between studded and non-studded options, or would like to schedule tire installation, our service professionals are here to help.