I'm sorry

[Carsman]

I use 4wd and use good tires never had to use studded tires but I can see the advantage over chains. Chains are a PITA to put on and take off and they tear up the roads and would only use them if I had the travel lots of dirt roads. You can hear a studded car or truck going down the road they sound like rice krispy's when they're spinning and I get a kick out of people still having them on in the Summer. They eat up your gas mileage by about 5 mpg. Chains are worse but would use them in the mountains.

Studded Snow Tires are needed on hilly mountainous roads areas, (Like mine are) the traction was as good as chains. Especially on FWD cars, and I used Studded Snow tires on the rears as well. (So the car's ass end didn't swing out when turning corners)
Regular Snow tires wont cut it on snowy/icy hills/mountainous roads.
(Been there done that!)