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Kumho Tire has announced the launch of its Road Venture HT, an all-season road and trail tire designed for SUVs and pickups....
Kumho Launches a New All-Season Road Venture HT Tire
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Éric Descarries
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The Controversial Studded Tires
Éric Descarries
Hits: 1267
If you have customers who say they feel more confident with studded tires, you can always try to convince them to opt for the latest studless winter tires, which manufacturers now market as “studded without studs.” These are clearly premium products with softer rubber compounds, designed to technically replace metal studs.
That said, studded tires are still available on the market—but caution is needed. Several manufacturers offer highly specialized studded models. This setup requires that studs be factory-installed, sometimes using special techniques (for example, Continental’s studded tires are not only factory-installed but also glued to reduce the risk of studs coming loose, which can still happen).
Take Nokian, for example, which offers the high-performance Hakkapeliitta 10 studded model, or Michelin, which produces a studded version of its recent X-Ice Snow under the name North (manufactured in Canada!). Add to that Toyo’s G3-Ice, Pirelli’s Winter Ice Zero, and General’s Altimax Arctic 12. Most other manufacturers prefer to market “studdable” winter tires, which dealers or garages can stud themselves.
However, be sure to warn your customers that such tires are only legal on the road during a specific period (from October 15 to May 1 in Quebec for vehicles under 3,000 kg). In addition, studded tires may not be allowed in many underground (or above-ground) parking facilities, as they can damage the floor finish.
Studded tires are permitted in most North American provinces and states for visiting tourists, but before traveling, it’s best to check with local authorities. Generally, studded tires should only be considered if a driver regularly travels on icy roads, often in northern Quebec.
Otherwise, customers should understand that reasonably priced studded tires are usually of lower quality compared to the specialized products offered by major manufacturers mentioned above.
Nokian Hakkapelliitta 10
Premium Finnish-made winter tire, factory-studded.
Continental XTRM
German-engineered studded tire with factory-glued studs for extra security.
Michelin X-Ice North
High-quality studded tire, manufactured in Canada, based on the Michelin X-Ice Snow.
Éric Descarries
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