Nokian Hakepellita Studded Ice Radials
Now legalized in certain northern regions across Canada, studded tires came rolling onto the scene promising even better winter performance and safety. But, despite expectations, the best stopping distance I achieved with the Nokians mounted was a full foot longer than the Winter Slaloms. On average, they required another 5 feet to stop.
Surprised? I was too. Does this mean that the studs aren't worth the extra cost? No, not a bit. A few more tests would demonstrate why.
Emergency Lane Change:
This test consists of applying full brakes and steering as sharply and quickly as possible around an obstacle. It's for that kid who goes chasing his hockey puck into the middle of the street without looking, or for his pal who thinks that the hill beside the road is an irresistible target for his crazy carpet, just once. With the all-season tires installed, this maneuver saw the rear of the truck trying to overtake the front, requiring a considerable effort to keep in line. With the Winter Slalom tires installed, there was a hint of a slide, albeit easily controlled. Rolling on studs, the results were even better--there was almost no trace of a slide and the Escape held its line with ease.
Acceleration:
Have you ever startled a cat, and watched it claw into the ground and flee? That's what the Escape resembles when accelerating off the line with studded tires mounted. They far exceeded even the Winter Slalom tires in off-the-line acceleration. This is important in winter driving: for instance, if you need to get out of the way of something in a hurry. All of this to say that as a complete package, studded Nokians are the clear winner of the test. The Winter Slalom tires can be had with studs as well.
Note that this test is not meant to be a completely exhaustive or scientific procedure by any means. Vehicles, tires, and road conditions vary. Snow tires, like any other safety feature, are completely useless unless used with a certain degree of common sense. The most valuable safety feature in your vehicle is your own good judgment--so use it.
Visualization:
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Surprised? I was too. Does this mean that the studs aren't worth the extra cost? No, not a bit. A few more tests would demonstrate why.
Emergency Lane Change:
This test consists of applying full brakes and steering as sharply and quickly as possible around an obstacle. It's for that kid who goes chasing his hockey puck into the middle of the street without looking, or for his pal who thinks that the hill beside the road is an irresistible target for his crazy carpet, just once. With the all-season tires installed, this maneuver saw the rear of the truck trying to overtake the front, requiring a considerable effort to keep in line. With the Winter Slalom tires installed, there was a hint of a slide, albeit easily controlled. Rolling on studs, the results were even better--there was almost no trace of a slide and the Escape held its line with ease.
Acceleration:
 |
Note that this test is not meant to be a completely exhaustive or scientific procedure by any means. Vehicles, tires, and road conditions vary. Snow tires, like any other safety feature, are completely useless unless used with a certain degree of common sense. The most valuable safety feature in your vehicle is your own good judgment--so use it.
Visualization:
 |
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