Get a grip on tire claims

Several letter writers claim, without substantiation, that studless winter tires are just as good as studded ones.

Consumer Reports compared unstudded tires in November 2009. Three tires received a “Recommended” rating. The first scored best in ice braking but only fair in wet braking and hydroplaning. The second was more balanced, scoring very good in ice braking, wet braking and hydroplaning. Although highly rated studless, it is studdable.

Tirerack.com tested the same tire with and without studs (www.tirerack.com/tires/ tests/testDisplay.jsp?ttid=123). The studded set showed a 23 percent improvement in ice acceleration and 34 percent improvement in ice braking with a 5 percent reduction in wet or dry braking.

I recently bought a set. I opted for no studs, but not because of any delusion that they, or any other tire, are just as effective without them. My advice to those considering new winter tires: Do some research.

Consider your vehicle’s characteristics, the terrain and road conditions you will encounter, and your budget. Then ignore the pompous bombast of the studless zealots and choose whatever provides peace of mind for you and your family. It’s your life and property, not theirs.

Mike Perrin

Spokane Valley