Winter Tire Details: Cost, Customs Duty, and Symbol Explanation
In the colder months, it's crucial to ensure your vehicle is equipped with the right tires for winter conditions. Here are some key facts to consider when purchasing winter tires.
Firstly, it's advisable to research the test results of brands such as Dunlop, Continental, Michelin, and others before making a purchase. A set of tires with good test results for common sizes can typically cost between 400 and 600 euros.
The ADAC, a renowned automobile association, recommends changing winter tires for safety reasons when the tread depth reaches at least 4 millimeters. It's also important to note that winter tires should be replaced after a maximum of 6 years, and tires more than 10 years old should definitely be replaced.
The European Union (EU) tire label provides valuable information about fuel efficiency and other important parameters when buying tires. This label can help you make an informed decision about the tires you choose.
When it comes to winter tire usage, rules vary by country. In Germany, winter tires must be used when the situation requires it, and failing to do so can result in a fine of 60 to 80 euros and a point in Flensburg. Some countries, like Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Sweden, Serbia, Slovenia, the Czech Republic, have a general requirement for winter tires, while others, such as Belgium, Denmark, the United Kingdom, Italy/South Tyrol, Croatia, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Austria, Switzerland, Slovakia, have no general requirement. In countries without a general requirement, snow chains can be used as an alternative in winter road conditions.
Steel rims are more robust against winter influences and are suitable for winter tires without any issues. However, not all alloy rims are suitable for winter use, as they may corrode at the rim edge and cause slow air leakage.
The test winner of the winter tire test 2024 is the Bridgestone Blizzak LM005 XL. Other tires that have performed well in tire tests include the Goodyear Ultra Grip Performance 3 and the Michelin CROSSCLIMATE 2, which offer high performance on snow and in dry conditions, and particularly efficient low rolling resistance, respectively.
The Goodyear Vector 4Seasons Gen-3 and the Hankook KINERGY 4S also stand out for their well-balanced performance and good results on wet roads, respectively. The Affiliate Link for Continental Wintercontact TS 870 P XL offers advantages such as gentle load change reactions in the wet, withstands simultaneous steering and braking in the wet, lower rolling resistance, and short dry braking distance.
Lastly, it's important to remember that driving faster than the speed index indicated on winter tires can pose a safety risk. Always follow the speed recommendations for your tires to ensure a safe and enjoyable winter drive.
