law on studded snow tires in Pgh (car, friendly)

[creepsinc]

I just bought a new-to-me car 3 days ago with snow tires on the front. Luckily, the dealer had the regular tires too, so I'll be switching them this weekend. I didn't know about the snow tire law, but I hate the sound of them and can't wait to throw them in the basement until November. Also, what happens if it starts snowing in October like it did last year?

[Tallysmom]

Originally Posted by creepsinc

I just bought a new-to-me car 3 days ago with snow tires on the front. Luckily, the dealer had the regular tires too, so I'll be switching them this weekend. I didn't know about the snow tire law, but I hate the sound of them and can't wait to throw them in the basement until November. Also, what happens if it starts snowing in October like it did last year?

I think the regs are on *studded* snow tires. Not all snow tires have studs. The only difference between a regular tire and regular snow tire is tread width.

Tread wouldn't tear up the road -- studs do.

[creepsinc]

Originally Posted by Tallysmom

I think the regs are on *studded* snow tires. Not all snow tires have studs. The only difference between a regular tire and regular snow tire is tread width.

Tread wouldn't tear up the road -- studs do.

Mine have studs. Tomorrow morning, they're coming off.

[Drover]

I realize this thread is old, but for the benefit of those who see it since it has been revived... putting studs on the front tires only is a bad idea. That creates a huge difference in the levels of grip between th front and rear end of the car, which in turn greatly increases the chances the rear end will break lose and cause a spin-out. If you're going to get studs, put them on all four wheels.

[creepsinc]

Originally Posted by Drover

I realize this thread is old, but for the benefit of those who see it since it has been revived... putting studs on the front tires only is a bad idea. That creates a huge difference in the levels of grip between th front and rear end of the car, which in turn greatly increases the chances the rear end will break lose and cause a spin-out. If you're going to get studs, put them on all four wheels.

I suspected that, but it only came with them on the front. If I even use them next winter, I'll get two more. I've made it through two PGH winters with a 200+K mile 96 Golf with normal tires (the cheapest at Firestone), which aren't exactly award winners for their handling in the snow. I've done fine so far. It seems like I could probably drive the speed limit in my new car. I won't, though.

[Jamesff]

If you have a front wheel drive vehicle you must - in the winter - use the same tires on the back that you have up front - all season - winter tires -or winter tires with studs - very dangerous if you have winter tires (studeded or not) up front and all season or summer in back - ask any tire dealer

[spence57]

I have to disagree. I'd say that the whole issue revolves (pun intended) around under-steer or over-steer. Race drivers know how to control over-steer but the rest of us don't. If grandma comes around the right turn corner, her front tires lose traction, her car starts drifting toward the center she's going to slam on the brakes and end up in the other lane of traffic. If she had sense enough to put her studded tires on the front then the back-end will break lose first and she will countersteer toward the way that she's going. Her car will take up more of the road going somewhat sideways but she will have some chance of not crashing. I see 3 types of people, 1 will push cars to and past their physical limits and crash whatever they are driving. Another will never push cars to any limit. Most people though will push their cars to what they feel is a reasonable limit. Those people, who are most of us, will crash if a car has less road-holding power than we think it should. Studs on the drive wheels will allow cars to negotiate sharper curves and save some people from accidents. When studs are on the front they will also tend to cause over-steer and that isn't as dangerous as under-steer. Most cars are front-wheel drive and will lose traction first on the front end so it makes more sense to put studded tires on the front first. That said, you may be safer from lawyers putting people's studded tires on the rear because there is that other belief. They won't be safer though. Of course you can always tell people they have to have studs all around. The people who do will be safer and those who can't afford to will be more dangerous to all of us!

[aveojohn]

I am not sure what the law is, but I would not put studed tires on the front only.

[bradjl2009]

no need for them at all here. the closest place i know that has them by law in Quebec so that puts in prespective how much snow you need before they are really a necessity.

[SoButCounty]

You don't really need studded tires here. A front wheel drive car with all season tires will get you through 95% of what ol' man winter will throw at you here. Don't waste your money. If at some point you need something better (that elusive 5%) then maybe you shouldn't be out in it anyway.