I had a chat with a colleague today while waiting for rest of the team to join a meeting. Not surprisingly the topic quickly turned into the weather and upcoming winter forecast has promised snow this week).
Logical next step was discussing the preparation for winter, more specially car and the tires. That can be a controversial topic as there are those with strong opinions regarding are the friction tires or studs a better option. As my colleague told me he hasn't changed his tires yet it was obvious to me he's a studs guy.
I have no doubts studs are better in many extreme conditions. I would definitely prefer them if I would live a bit more up north where those extreme conditions are more common. But around here there aren't that many days when the studs would be a noticeably better option. It's just a matter of acknowledging their weakness in such situations and driving more carefully.
The strength of the friction tires is you can change them under your car way earlier and be prepared. Studs are irritating to drive on dry roads. As the example with my colleague shows it's tempting to postpone changing them as late as possible, just in time for the first snow. But then you will be in a hurry. I'm sure there will be many "surprised" by the sudden winter and the need to change their tires before the end of the week.