Is it possible to ride studded tires without studs?

Winter tires come in two main types – friction (also called “velcro”) and studded. Both options have their advantages and purposes. Friction tires perform better on wet asphalt and packed snow, while studded tires reveal their potential on ice and rolled slippery roads. However, over time, even the highest-quality tires with metal inserts lose some of the studs. So,  is it possible to continue using such tires if a significant part of the metal elements has already disappeared?

This question is not as simple as it seems at first glance. It concerns not only safety, but also legislative requirements, the resource of the rubber itself and operating conditions. To understand how acceptable it is to ride studded tires without studs, you need to understand the physics of wheel contact with the road and the real risks.

How studs work on winter tires

Metal studs create additional points of adhesion to the ice surface. If friction tires use the tread compound and lamellas (small slots) to grip snow, then the studs work like small "claws" that dig into the hard surface. Thanks to this, the braking distance on ice is reduced several times. For example, tests show that at a speed of 30 km/h, the braking distance on studded tires can be 15-17 meters, while on "velcro" it reaches 25-27 meters.

When the studs start to fall out, the tire actually turns into a hybrid: it no longer has the full effect of studded rubber, but also does not demonstrate the properties of real friction. This creates the biggest problem.

Consequences of losing studs

The main risk is the loss of stability on ice. If some of the studs remain, the grip will be uneven. The wheel can hold the road on one side and slide on the other. This creates the effect of unpredictable car behavior, especially during braking or sharp maneuvers.

The second problem is noise and vibration. Tires without studs, but with holes from them, create different resonant sounds and can affect the comfort of the ride. In addition, the rubber base in places where there were metal inserts becomes more vulnerable, wears out faster and cracks. As a result, studless tires cease to be reliable in extreme winter conditions. They can still work on wet asphalt or snow, but on ice their characteristics will be much worse than those of a conventional friction tire.

Is it allowed to drive without studs

From the point of view of legislation, in Ukraine there is no direct ban on the use of studded tires without studs. The police do not fine for the mere fact of their absence. However, there are safety standards and recommendations that provide for the minimum number of studs for the normal operation of the tire. In Scandinavian countries, where the use of studded tires is strictly regulated, even specific percentages of retained studs are established, below which operation is considered dangerous. There are no such standards in Ukraine yet, but common sense suggests that driving on ice with tires that have only 30-40% of their studs left is a risky move.

Should I use studded tires without studs?

The answer depends on the operating conditions. If you drive mostly in the city, where the roads are regularly cleaned and sprinkled with reagents, then even studded tires without studs can last for several more seasons. They will behave like cheap "Velcro" and will not cause critical problems. However, if you often drive on roads where ice or packed snow are possible, then using such tires will be dangerous.

Experienced drivers advise in such cases to consider two options: either restore the studs (this service is available at some tire shops, although it does not always give a lasting effect), or replace the set with a new or high-quality used option.

If your winter tires have lost a lot of studs and it is impractical to restore them, the best solution would be to switch to friction winter tires. They are designed specifically for operation without metal inserts, have a different rubber composition and a tread that works on snow and wet asphalt. For Ukrainian winters with changeable weather, friction tires are often even more practical than studded ones.

In any case, it is better to ride on full-fledged «velcro» than on studded tires, in which most of the spikes have been lost. After all, road safety is always more important than economy.

Evrokoleso – a store of proven tires

If your old set of winter tires has already lost most of the spikes, it's time to think about replacing them. The Evrokoleso store offers a large selection of used tires from Europe that meet safety standards and can last for several more seasons. Here you will find both friction and studded tires from leading world brands at affordable prices. By buying from Evrokoleso, you save money and at the same time get a suresafety of every trip.

Our warehouse and office are located at: Kyiv, Saperno-Slobidska St., 8. Working hours: warehouse from 8:00 to 18:00, office from 8:00 to 21:00. We deliver throughout Ukraine, offer convenient payment terms and provide professional consultations. Eurowheels – is a guarantee of safety, affordable prices and quality, proven by the roads of Europe.