Frequently asked questions about winter tires

What is the advantage of driving on winter tires?

Winter tires can have more grip in winter conditions and are therefore safer. However, this is not necessarily true, because on a dry road surface, a summer tire in good condition can also compete with a winter tire at low temperatures. Even on wet roads, a winter tire is not necessarily safer. However, on slippery surfaces such as snow, the winter tire has an undeniable advantage.

Do winter tires benefit in freezing or snowing conditions?

The advantages over summer tires are most noticeable in snow. It is difficult to say exactly under which conditions a winter tire is safer than a summer tire. During the AutoWeek Winter Tire Test, it has been shown several times that summer tires are superior in many situations. As a rule it is said that at 7 ºC the winter tire has an advantage, but that rule is also under discussion. For the time being, the winter tire only proves its value in snow and sleet.

In which countries are winter tires mandatory?

The use of winter tires is mandatory in

• Germany
• Estonia
• Finland
• Austria
• Sweden
• France (in mountainous areas)

There is therefore no obligation in the Netherlands.

In Germany, winter tires are not literally mandatory, but motorists must always use the correct tires. In practice, this is the same as an obligation.

In France there is an obligation in mountainous areas between November 1 and March 31. In addition, in other places if this is indicated with signs. However, if a motorist is involved in an accident in winter conditions while driving on summer tires, he can be held liable.

The same applies to Italy, where the mandatory use of winter tires or snow chains is indicated by road signs.

In the Czech Republic, too, road signs are used to inform about the local obligation to use winter tires.

When should I change my summer and winter tires?

An exact date cannot be given. The 7 C is often used as a limit value. If the temperature during the day no longer exceeds 7 degrees Celsius, it may be advisable to switch to winter tires. If the weather is systematically warmer, summer tires are a safer choice.

How do you recognize a winter tire?

A winter tire has the so-called ‘three peak mountain’. That is a symbol in the shape of a three-pointed mountain with the snowflake symbol in it.

The letters ‘M + S’ or ‘M & S’ (Mud and Snow) on a tire are no guarantee that the tire in question is a winter tyre! Some tire manufacturers also place this symbol on summer tires.

The tread blocks of a winter tire have clearly visible notches, the so-called sipes. These provide extra grip.

Is a tire with an M&S or M+S marking a winter tire?

The letters ‘M + S’ or ‘M & S’ (Mud and Snow) on a tire are no guarantee that the tire in question is a winter tyre! Some tire manufacturers also place this symbol on summer tires.

Can I also only mount winter tires on the drive wheels?

New. Always fit four winter tires.

My car has ABS and ESP. Are winter tires useful?

Yes. ABS and ESP do not improve tire grip!

My car has four-wheel drive. Are winter tires useful?

Yes. Four-wheel drive does not improve the grip between a tire and the ground. A winter tire does.

Can I use winter tires all year round?

At higher temperatures, winter tires wear out faster than summer tires. In addition, the handling of winter tires at higher temperatures is less good. It is therefore recommended to use summer tires during the summer time period.

Do my winter tires have to be the same size as my summer tires?

New. It is often possible to fit a smaller wheel size and/or narrower tires in the winter. A narrower tire offers more grip in the winter. An additional advantage of mounting smaller winter tires: the tires are cheaper.

Do my winter tires have to have the same speed coding as my summer tires?

New. Summer tires must always be suitable for the maximum speed of a car. With regard to winter tires, it is permitted to fit tires with a lower speed rating. In this case it is mandatory to stick a sticker with the speed limit in the driver’s field of vision!

Is the recommended tire pressure of a winter tire the same as the pressure of a summer tyre?

The recommended tire pressure for a winter tire may be higher. This has to do with a lower load capacity (load index) of the tyre. Ask your tire supplier about this.

Is it advisable to purchase a separate set of wheels for my winter tires?

Mounting and removing tires twice a year increases the risk of damage to the rim flange and the so-called bead of the tire. In addition, installation costs time and therefore extra money. It is therefore advisable to purchase a separate set of steel or alloy wheels.

Where do I put the set of tires that I am not using?

Most garages and tire specialists offer the possibility to store the unused set with them. If you store the leftover set yourself, make sure to mark the position of the tires so that you can mount them in the same place next time. Tire-wheel combinations should be stored horizontally and preferably in the dark. ‘Loose’ tires, without a wheel, should be stored upright.

Winter tires lose their specific properties at 4 mm profile. Can I still use them afterwards?

Yes, as a ‘summer tire’. With a 4 mm profile, the tire is no longer suitable as a winter tire. However, you can ‘drive on’ such a tire in the summer to at least the legal minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm. However, it is advisable to replace the tires earlier, with at least 2 mm profile.

What are the costs of winter tires?

The costs of winter tires are limited. After all, the moment you drive on winter tires, your summer tires do not wear out. However, there are costs associated with changing the tires in the spring and autumn and any storage. The price for a new set of winter tires varies widely, but count on at least €300 for a set of four new tires. You can orientate yourself in the Autoweek Car Tires price comparator. Mounting, aligning and balancing the wheels costs around €100, depending on the company concerned.

Are winter tires less comfortable than summer tires?

Modern winter tires are just as comfortable and quiet as summer tires.

When and in which countries can I or should I use snow chains?

The use of snow chains is mandatory for part of the year in the following European countries:

• Albania
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• Macedonia
• Norway.

The use of snow chains is mandatory in the following European countries if indicated by a sign:

• Andorra
• Armenia
• Germany
• France
• Georgia
• Greece
• Hungary
• Poland
• Portugal
• Spain
• Czech Republic
• Switzerland

In the following European countries it is mandatory to have snow chains with you:

• Croatia
• Austria
• Slovakia
• Slovenia
• Turkey

The use of snow chains is permitted in the following European countries:

• Belgium
• Denmark
• Ireland
• Luxembourg
• United Kingdom
• Iceland
• Sweden

The use of snow chains is prohibited in the Netherlands!

Can you also rent snow chains?

Yes. Please ask your tire specialist.

What should I do before going on winter sports by car?

Have winter tires fitted and buy or rent a set of snow chains. Practice changing the chains at home!