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Mastering Winter Roads: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Winter Tires

It is difficult to maintain the elasticity of tires in cold weather. That's why winter tires have a tire structure developed to provide high grip and traction performance when temperatures drop below 7°C. According to European ECE regulation 117.02, the tread pattern of winter tires must be designed to offer better characteristics than other tires in terms of acceleration, traction and braking in harsh winter conditions. 


What are winter tyres’ benefits?


Reduced braking distance: In harsh winter conditions, winter tires help reduce your braking distance compared to summer tyres.


Better handling: The flexible rubber with enhanced elasticity used in winter tires allows you to get the best possible grip when driving in cold weather. 


Aquaplaning: The tread patterns of winter tires are designed to evacuate melted snow or rainwater, minimizing the possibility of aquaplaning. 


What are the symbols for winter tires? 


3PMSF Winter Tyres 

Tires with the 3PMSF ( 3 Peak Mountain snow Flake) symbol mean that they meet the criteria for use on snow set by EU Regulations 661/2009. 


M+S Winter Tyres 

The M+S symbol stands for mud + snow and indicates that the tread pattern of the tire has a tread design that can provide superior handling and braking in mud and snow compared to other tyres. 

Indicates that the tire was manufactured for use on snow, but has not been tested in winter conditions. 


Winter Driving Tips

Proper tire selection is crucial. Consult your dealer for proper tire selection. 

Slow down gradually in straight line before turning. 

Maintain constant speed and avoid sudden steering movements at turn, these can cause your tires to lose grip. 

Increase and keep your distance with other vehicles. Breaking lengths increase dramatically at snowy conditions. 

If your tires locks and start to slide during braking, release the breaks, recover grip than brake slower. 

Check tire pressure and if necessary restore it to levels recommended by the tire manufacturer. The pressure drops about 1 psi for every 5°C (9°F) drop in temperature.