Winter tyres

[Anne_374532710]

Is it compulsary to fir winter tyres when driving in Germany during the winter months?

 

[Lutz]

The short answer is, yes. One must have tyres 'suitable for the prevailing weather conditions', which basically means winter tyres are necessary.

 

[Lutz]

ps: As a rule of thumb, tyres with a winter rubber mix are recommended if the ambient temperature drops below 7

 

[Guest]

It is the same in Austria, even if you are miles away from the Alps.

However, I would be curious as to how the authorities view tyres that are classified as 'all season tyres'. However, having lived in Austria for a number of years one learned that if it did not 'tick their particular box' then no other explanation was acceptable.

 

[Lutz]

All season tyres are acceptable as they have a similar rubber compound to winter tyres. For people who drive a low annual mileage, it may even be more economic to use winter tyres all year round. The only disadvantage that they have in summer is that they wear quicker because of the softer rubber. Many winter tyres have the same or very similar tread pattern as summer tyres.

Having to have winter tyres has nothing to do with being in or near the Alps. They are required just as much on perfectly dry roads, without snow or ice, as soon as the temperature drops close to freezing.