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To remove studs from tires is no big feat. You can do this in a few simple steps. This article will guide you.
For starters, what are tire studs?
Tire studs are short, fat nails with a flat head on the bottom and a tungsten pin on the top. They are put up flat-head-down into holes molded in a unique design when the tire was manufactured. The extended parts of the stud gun are inserted into the molded holes and expand the tread rubber, insert the stud, and are then withdrawn from it. So this allows the tread rubber to nearly return to its original position and press against the stud back, holding it in its place.
Ok, so the thing is, winter’s gone, and the summer days are coming. So how to remove studs from tires? Is it easy to do this job at home, or should we bring our car to the garage? Winter studs are very useful for use during the winter season. It ensures more movement for tires in the winter season. But studdable tires come in the market having no studs. It must be bought separately and set up in another way.
Why do We Need Studded Tires?
Studded tires are a great option. Opposing popular belief, studded tires are allowed everywhere in Canada during winter, except in southern Ontario. According to the location and our commuting habits, we could benefit from that type of tire.
In rural areas, use secondary roads and sometimes visit resorts on the weekend; studded tires may save you some trouble. This will make us feel safer because it provides effective braking and enhanced grip on ice.
Conversely, traditional winter tires are a better option if we primarily drive in a city where paved roads are rarely found with ice or snow.
If you choose to install studded tires on your car, you have the legal obligation to change all four at once. Moreover, you should know that studded tires are forbidden in several parking garages and lots.
How to Stud Tires?
- Snap a stud into the tip of the tool.
- We must position the end of the stud’s auger firmly against a thick knob of the tire and then apply pressure straight down while slowly screwing the stud. Studs may emerge if they are not adequately sunk into the rubber.
- Remove the tool from the stud.
- One thing to note is stud sizes are varied in nature. The manufacturers will have a particular format to follow for each of their studs. So we should check with the tire manufacturers about the tires and the size of the studs to understand it nicely.
How to Remove Studs from Tires
1. Pick up the Right Tool
Car shops use a stud removal tool to remove studs with the least force and without damaging the tire. You can use either a small flathead screwdriver or needle-nose pliers. If either of these is absent, use a small knife, but you must be extra careful not to puncture the tires. It is always safer for first-timers to use a tool like pliers that lift the studs instead of digging them out.
2. Take Off the Wheel
Some people want to work on their tires while still in the car, making the process unnecessarily complicated. It can also be more dangerous, and you need to move the vehicle to reach the entire tire.
Use a jack to keep your car supported. Taking off the wheel will give more room or area to work and allow better control of the studs. Using a lug wrench, we can safely remove the wheel and support it on the ground.
3. Apply lubricant
Putting some lubricant in the stud will help you loosen the rubber and get the tire studs out with little effort. Nothing is to be bought at a store; a spray of soapy water on tires will do, or apply some dish soap directly onto the tire.
4. Pop Them Out
Apply the lubricant directly to the tire. A stud removal tool has a round tip that has been designed to go around the stud to lift it off. To use it, you only need to place it on the tire and drive the tool gently under the stud. Then, twist it slightly.
5. Check the Tread
Go around the tire before you put the wheel back on the car. Ensure there are no punctures or other damage and the air pressure is normal.
6. Put the Wheel Back on
It’s time now that we put the wheel back, move on to the next one and repeat the process. When you’ve finished, remember to secure the lug nuts properly.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
Is it possible to remove studs from tires?
It is possible to achieve this by lubricating the studs on an inflated tire (it is advisable to use the same tire lube used to install tires, as alternative lubricants may actually hurt the rubber), gripping the top of each stud with pliers, and twisting as you pull the stud out.
Do studded tires ruin roads?
Millions more are lost due to damage to municipal streets and county roadways. When water gathers in pavement ruts generated by studded tires, it causes dangerous driving conditions such as hydroplaning and enhanced splash and spray, reducing road safety for all motorists.
How much does it cost to Restud a tire?
Why is it such a difficult task? It would not be easy to carry out the actual restudding process. The heads of the worn-out studs may snap off when you remove them. That is why businesses charge roughly $140 or more to service all four tires.
Conclusion
So get set, go to work and get those snow tires ready for the summer roads. Grab a stud removal tool, some pliers, or a screwdriver, and don’t forget to use some soap as a lubricant to loosen up your tire studs.
Learning how to remove studs from tires is easy and doesn’t take much time. Remember that you should only stud new tires and that it’s not safe to stud your tires again after removing the studs.
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Terry is an Automotive Enthusiast and the face behind TopTireReviews. He's an avid reader, mechanic and loves writing blogs about car guides. You can find him on Linkedin
