Temperature-adaptable Tire Technology Changes How Drivers View Studded Tires

A new national survey by Kal Tire finds most Canadian drivers recognize the extra confidence studded tires can provide on ice, but few use them. The survey* suggests temperature-adaptable studded tire technology could narrow that gap, with 76% of respondents saying studs would be a stronger option if they could better respond to changing road conditions and temperatures.

The findings point to a perception challenge. While 84% of respondents say studded tires provide extra confidence on ice, only 22% are very familiar with them and just 3% use them every winter.

“Many drivers know studs work on ice, but they haven’t seen them as a fit for a variety of winter driving conditions,” says Mike Butcher, senior vice president, stores, Kal Tire. “Temperature-adaptable studded tire technology gives them a reason to take another look.”

Why drivers rule out studded tires

For many drivers, the hesitation is not about whether studs help on ice. It is whether traditional studded tires suit the conditions they face day to day. The survey found 72% see them as mainly for drivers who regularly face severe winter conditions, 63% believe they can damage bare roads and surfaces, and 53% say they are too noisy for everyday driving.

Why drivers are taking another look at studs

Drivers often associate traditional studded tires with a fixed level of stud protrusion regardless of conditions. New studded tire technology takes a different approach. A temperature-adaptive compound beneath each stud changes stiffness as temperatures change. In colder temperatures, the material becomes firmer, allowing the stud to remain fixed in position as with traditional studded tires. In milder temperatures, the adaptive compound softens and the vehicle load causes the stud to recede into the tread during road contact. This adaptability helps address concerns drivers associate with traditional studs while preserving the added confidence they value most in slippery conditions.

Once respondents learned how the new technology works, 76% agreed studded tires would be a stronger option if the studs could better respond to conditions, and 33% would consider using them. Respondents also expected adaptable studded tires to cost more than they do, making the technology more attainable than many drivers may assume. Extra grip, adaptability and confidence stood out as the most appealing benefits.

“Adaptable studded tires could change the equation for drivers who previously ruled out studs,” says Butcher. “They provide extra grip when roads turn icy while reducing some of the trade-offs associated with traditional studded tires on warm or bare pavement.”

Where temperature-adaptable studded tires may gain traction fastest

Interest in adaptable studded tire technology extends across the country, but the reasons vary by region. The survey findings suggest drivers may be more likely to see value in the technology where icy roads, changing temperatures, mountain travel or local regulations influence winter tire choices.

• Atlantic Canada drivers report frequent freeze-thaw cycles and high exposure to freezing rain, slush and black ice, conditions that can make winter roads less predictable. Consideration for adaptable studded tires is highest in the region at 41%.
• In Quebec, winter tires are mandatory in the province, and 86% of drivers report using them. Among Quebec respondents, 34% would consider the new winter tire technology.
• Ontario respondents support updating the law in Southern Ontario to allow the adaptable tire technology by a margin of 2:1, suggesting interest could grow if drivers had the option to use it. In Ontario, 29% of respondents would consider using the technology.
• Alberta and Prairie drivers regularly face rapid temperature changes and winter roads that can vary over the course of a trip. Among drivers in the region, 38% would consider the new adaptable tire technology.
• BC drivers’ needs can change significantly by route and elevation. They are more than twice as likely as the national average to report driving mountain passes, where temperatures and road conditions can shift quickly. Among BC respondents, 31% would consider the new technology.

“The numbers tell us this isn’t just a regional conversation,” says Butcher. “There’s interest from Atlantic Canada to BC, even though drivers are dealing with very different winters. People are clearly open to taking another look at studs when the technology gives them a reason to.”

Source: Kal Tire