When my tire shop installed the Nokian Hakkapelitta SUV5 winter tire on my 2007 RAV4 V6 Sport SUV, they turned out to be studded instead of studless as I had requested. These tires have been top rated in test with Transport Canada and are considered as one of (if not the best) winter tire that can be purchased in Canada. My other winter tires include the Michelin X-Ice, another top-rated winter tire, a good basis of comparison.
A few quick calls from the tire shop to local police confirmed these studded were legal. After driving home, I did some research and was a bit surprised by what I found, and have identified a lot of myths and misconceptions regarding studded winter tires.
It appears that only Southern Ontario residents are restricted from the use of such tires since a ban was introduced in 1970 (yes, that was 37 years ago) on concerns that primitive heavy steel stud designs would cause excessive road damage.
Studies in Alaska and Scandinavian countries have shown the socio-economical (including environmental) cost-benefit favors studded tires over non-studded tires. The reports confirm increased safety (reduced injury rates), lower cost (vehicle damage claims) and reduced damage to roads & environment (from reduced use of road-salt).
Yet when you talk or read about studded tires, the amount of negative dis-information overwhelms the scientific information.
I?ve never seen/heard you opinions on studded tires. Given the popularity of your shows & the respect you have from your audience, you are in an ideal position to clear up a lot of these myths & misconceptions.
Would you be interested in commenting on this topic either on/off air?
Zack's Response: Great idea, we will do a show on winter tires.
I have Nokian WR's on my BMW X5 and love them. Studded tires are popular here in BC for mountain driving.
Motor Mouth - Car Reviews, Radio Show, Zack Spencer, Car Review Video, Zack Spencer, car review car review videos, car review articles,
Article, Host, Test Driving Motor Mouth is a perfect description for Zack Spencer. He loves to talk about cars on TV and on the radio. As host of Driving Television Zack gets a chance to produce great quality car reviews that have been seen on the Global Television Network for the past five seasons. Zack also host a weekly national radio show called Driving which is heard on Canada's top talk radio stations. Not only does Zack host Driving Television he is also the writer. He puts his writing skills to work each week with his column 'Two Boys one Toy' seen each week in Canada's leading daily newspapers. Zack is also the on-camera host of ICBC's current television campaign. Motor Mouth is where all of Zack Spencer's work is found on one easy to use web page. Enjoy! car reviews, radio show, host, driving television, corus, driving.ca, information, video, article, new automobile, vehicle, SUV, crossover, sedan, used, safety, quality, truck, van, manufacturers, automotive, engine, hybrid, horsepower, fast, styling design, test drive, test driving, vehicle review
When my tire shop installed the Nokian Hakkapelitta SUV5 winter tire on my 2007 RAV4 V6 Sport SUV, they turned out to be studded instead of studless as I had requested. These tires have been top rated in test with Transport Canada and are considered as one of (if not the best) winter tire that can be purchased in Canada. My other winter tires include the Michelin X-Ice, another top-rated winter tire, a good basis of comparison.
A few quick calls from the tire shop to local police confirmed these studded were legal. After driving home, I did some research and was a bit surprised by what I found, and have identified a lot of myths and misconceptions regarding studded winter tires.
It appears that only Southern Ontario residents are restricted from the use of such tires since a ban was introduced in 1970 (yes, that was 37 years ago) on concerns that primitive heavy steel stud designs would cause excessive road damage.
Studies in Alaska and Scandinavian countries have shown the socio-economical (including environmental) cost-benefit favors studded tires over non-studded tires. The reports confirm increased safety (reduced injury rates), lower cost (vehicle damage claims) and reduced damage to roads & environment (from reduced use of road-salt).
Yet when you talk or read about studded tires, the amount of negative dis-information overwhelms the scientific information.
I?ve never seen/heard you opinions on studded tires. Given the popularity of your shows & the respect you have from your audience, you are in an ideal position to clear up a lot of these myths & misconceptions.
Would you be interested in commenting on this topic either on/off air? 
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