Cold temperatures, ice, and snow cause slippery and difficult driving conditions. For your own safety it is advisable to fit winter tyres to your vehicle during the colder season voluntarily. But please note that in several European countries there are laws and regulations that make the switch to winter tyres mandatory.
Further information about the regulations in Europe can be found in the graphic below or on the website of the European Consumer Center.
Winter tyres legal regulations in Europe
M+S symbol and the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) symbol
Winter tyres can be identified by special markings on the sidewall of the tyre.
For a reliable performance on icy and snowy road we recommend Semperit Speed-Grip 5. The attractive pattern of this winter tyre and its exceptional shoulder design guarantee a new level of stability in cornering for worry-free winter rides. The innovative technology of the sipe system with different angles ensures excellent grip and handling and shows reliable braking performance. In sum, Speed-Grip 5 combines strong winter features with a reliable dry handling and will impress you on both - dry and wet roads.
Several countries in Europe recommend or stipulate a set date for the seasonal tyre change. The period for winter tyres usually starts in November and ends in April. But of course, it is up to you, whether you start using winter tyres earlier. In case of constant low temperatures or a sudden onset of winter it is advisable to switch to winter tyres. The same applies in spring: if the weather conditions remain cold and wintery you can continue to use your winter tyres.
The answer to this question is a clear no. Safe driving on winter roads can only be guaranteed with a set of reliable winter tyres. There are several arguments against the use of summer tyres in wintertime.
Winter tyres perform the best at cold temperatures due to the rubber compound of the tyres. A higher percentage of natural caoutchouc guarantees a better grip and flexibility, while the profile ensures secure driving on ice and snow by virtue of the profound tread patterns and sipes.
Lower tread depth causes a decline of the braking performance on ice or snow-covered roads. Therefore, it is advisable to keep track of your tyre profile. Legal requirements vary strongly from one country to another. You must absolutely replace tyres when the tread depth falls below 1.6 mm – this is not only unsafe but also illegal. Some countries do request even higher standards though – e.g. Finland and Norway: 3 mm, Romania: 2 mm, Serbia or Austria: 4 mm.
We recommend consulting local laws and considering the regional weather conditions before taking a trip abroad in winter. For your own security please consider that tyre performances decrease with the tread depth.
