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The Environmental Impact of Studded Tires and Promising Alternatives
While studded winter tires provide enhanced safety on icy roads, they are notorious for deteriorating pavement quality and generating harmful, breathable particulate pollution. Recent findings from a study conducted by researchers at the KTH Royal Institute of Technology in Sweden reveal that substituting traditional cobalt studs with an alternate hard metal can potentially lessen both road degradation and airborne particle emissions by up to 20%.
Comparative Research on Tire Materials
The research team at KTH evaluated the effects of asphalt wear and airborne pollutants generated from conventional cobalt-based studs compared to those made from iron-nickel composites. Their results indicated that the alternative material maintained effective traction on ice and compacted snow while causing notably less harm to road surfaces.
Professor Ulf Olofsson, who heads the Department of Engineering Design at KTH, explained, “Cobalt is seen as an affordable option due to its durability; however, it is this very hardness that leads to excessive pavement wear.” He underscored how asphalt’s softer nature allows for cobalt screws to erode it into fine particles which pose health threats when inhaled.
A New Approach: Suitable Hardness Levels
According to Olofsson, firmer but not overly aggressive studs—only about 20%–30% harder than asphalt—are sufficient for safer driving under icy conditions. Current market options, however, boast double the hardness compared to common road materials and are nine times as tough as glacial ice even at extremely low temperatures (-40°C). “This excess toughness,” he stated simply, “is unnecessary.”
Next Steps for Innovation in Tire Design
The research team is now focused on exploring the lifespan characteristics of these alternative materials as part of their pursuit for viable substitutes for cobalt studs.
Cultural Attitudes Towards Studded Tires Globally
In Sweden alone, studies estimate that studded tires contribute approximately 70 lives saved annually during winter months; nevertheless, several municipalities have implemented bans on their use in specific areas due to public health concerns associated with inhalable asphalt particles. In various U.S. states—including those where they face restrictions or outright prohibitions—their use remains contentious. While prevalent across most European nations, several countries such as Germany and Poland have chosen similar restrictions against them.
An Environmental Perspective within Europe’s Borders
The European Union observes non-exhaust vehicle emissions (from tire wear) comparable in magnitude to exhaust emissions regarding PM10 particulates (those measuring less than 10 µm). However, Nordic nations witness even higher PM10 levels from non-exhaust sources owing chiefly to frequent utilization of studded tires during harsh winters.
This situation escalates public expenditures related directly to roadway upkeep—a pressing issue highlighted by Olofsson’s assertion that Swedish roads often hold up only half as long compared with their German counterparts where a prohibition has been enforced against these specific tire types.
*For further insights:
Ulf Olofsson et al., “A study on the particle emission from cobalt-free studded tires against road materials,” Tribology International (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.triboint.2024.110365
