Studless snow tires are the most popular style of snow tire. The tires lack the small metal studs that poke out from the treads of studded tires.
Studless snow tires offer 20 percent better traction than all-season tires in wintry road conditions, such as snow and ice, according to Motor Trend, though studded tires perform better than studless tires in those conditions.
Studless snow tires handle better than studded tires on dry roads, as well as on wet, non-frozen roads, according to Motor Trend.
Studless snow tires do not make as much noise as studded tires and offer better ride comfort, according to Motor Trend.
According to Motor Trend, the Rubber Manufacturers Association has requirements for tires that are designated for "severe winter conditions." Tires that have met the requirements will have on them an image of a mountain and a snowflake and the letters M and S.
Some states limit the use of studded snow tires because of the damage they do to roads, but studless snow tires are not restricted in the same fashion.
