Quote Originally Posted by tolx View Post
Indeed, tire makers produce a lot of different winter tires for almost every occasion. And they clearly differ north european winter tires from the ones suitable for central and south europe.
Northern ones are much softer, with different thread design (many small, soft blocks to get a grip). So called soft winter tires are actually a lot harder, thread resambles a combination of winter and summer tires and their main aim is to offer better traction/stability in cool and wet conditions, not proper snow/ice. Also, most of european countries don't allow studded tires, which are necessity in scandinavia. Even if want to go to Austria, where studs are allowed, I need to somehow drive around poland, where studs are prohibited. That's why i have a dillema, what to choose for next winter, because I like to put a car on track in winter too, when studless tires are sometimes powerless...
Snow chains are useful in situations like monte, where you are mostly on the dry tarmac and will encounter snow/ice only going up in mountains, when you can prepare before it.
I have been driving studless nordic winter tires for the last 10-12 years (RWD, FWD, 4WD, small cars, big cars etc). In our region the conditions change a lot but no real problems experienced. Have been spectating Rally Sweden about 4-5 times - FWD minivan studless tires, RWD minivan studded tires, 4WD cars with and without studs etc., again no issues whatsoever. You have to adapt to the car and tyre combo.

I would take studless winter tires any day - quiet and comfortable tires which are allowed throughout Europe.Universal choice for people who travel a lot. Studded tires only for specific regions - lots of ice, mountains etc.

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