Here in Ontario, we're not allowed to have studs. I've never driven a car with studded tires, but must say that regular snow tires(without studs) are far superior to regular all-season tires. My suggestion, especially in your area where there is sometimes snow and sometimes not, would be to not worry about the studs. They will help a lot in the snow, it's true, but snow tires on there own are good in the snow. The noise and such associated with the studs would not be worth it in my opinion. Anyways, good luck,

Nate Gundy
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'86 240DL sedan, 260K miles, M46, K cam, 25/23mm sways, 260 front and wagon rear springs; http://valvespringcompressor.weblogs.us/