Causes of rapid tread wear

The season for using studded tires has arrived. These tires have a distinctive element that is conspicuous by its absence. Many people notice when they lose studs and probably associate it with their driving style. However, in most cases, car owners blame the manufacturers and the quality of the studs themselves. In this article, we will discuss what is real and what is just an assumption.

Firstly, it should be noted that anti-skid studs are a foreign element consisting of two types of metal alloys: aluminum and tungsten carbide. This development, once proudly called "Pobedit" by Soviet engineers, is used in construction and mining equipment, as well as to provide traction on icy roads. Of course, there are cases where the manufacturer can make a mistake with the alloy, but in such cases, the hard alloy insert becomes more brittle, and the stud itself, due to lower pressure, remains intact.

If there is a noticeable absence of anti-skid studs, it is worth paying attention to whether all parts of the studs are missing. If the studs are broken, and the tread depth is still more than 7 mm, then there may be a problem with the production. If the tread depth is less than 7 mm, then this is normal. The amount of reagents on the roads has made stud breakage a common occurrence.

It is worth remembering that when starting to use winter studded tires, it is necessary to conduct a run-in, that is, not to make sharp maneuvers for the first 700-1000 km, not to exceed a speed of more than 100 km/h. And, of course, it is necessary to refrain from sharp starts and braking. The distance required for stud run-in is conditional. Many manufacturers use run-in indicators that clearly indicate when the studs are considered run-in and the tire can be operated in the usual mode.

We can draw the following conclusion: losing studs is a natural process of tire wear, just like the wear of the tread rubber. But we can extend the service life by conducting a proper run-in and carefully operating the tires. Manufacturers do not bear any responsibility and do not provide a guarantee for the retention of studs, just as they do not guarantee minimum mileage. But it should not be forgotten that a lost stud is not a problem, and this defect can be eliminated long ago, and in general, a tire without studs does not cease to be a tire.