Who also has his car in Winter want to drive regularly, should now deal with the change to winter tires.
Even the most beautiful autumn will eventually turn into winter. Even if frost and snow cannot yet be seen, drivers should now look into the tires and clarify a few questions: Do I need new tires? Do I need a workshop appointment? And enough for me too All season tires?
Frost and summer tires are not good
Winter tires should be fitted at the latest when winter road conditions are even only temporary. This can happen overnight in autumn. If the first frost on the ground is a surprise, a car with summer tires should be abandoned. Winter tires are not compulsory in Germany, but anyone who slips on summer tires in winter conditions faces a fine of at least 60 euros and one point on their Flensburg account. There is still no legal requirement for the time of the tire change. A frequently cited rule of thumb for the use of winter tires is: from O to O, i.e. from October to Easter.
In many cases, the winter tires from the previous year are still suitable without any problems. However, they should be free of damage and, according to experts, have at least four millimeters of residual profile. The legislator in Germany only stipulates 1,6 millimeters, but stricter rules sometimes apply abroad. If new tires are required, good winter tires can be found on the basis of tests carried out by automobile clubs and specialist magazines. Here tires for different types and sizes of vehicle are tested annually. An important feature of the refrigeration specialists is the snowflake symbol on the flank, which all winter and all-season tires offered in Germany since 2018 have to wear in order to comply with the StVO. Older tires can still be used until the end of September 2024.
Avoid long waiting times for the winter tires
Many drivers now have their tires changed in the workshop. If you want to be on the safe side, make an appointment early - if possible before the first snowfall. Experience has shown that the appointments are quickly booked out, so there is a risk of long waiting times. Especially since the tire change in vehicles with modern tire air control systems (TPMS) - a regulation for new vehicles since 2015 - takes longer than previous changes due to the necessary calibration of the tires. Although you can assemble such wheels yourself at home, special tools are usually required to program the sensor units and set the tire data.
All-season tires are becoming more and more established as an alternative to classic winter tires. They are now available in many dimensions and speed ratings. As the name suggests, they are suitable for every season, but therefore represent a compromise. Their winter suitability depends on the area of application. Anyone who travels a lot in the mountains will certainly drive better with winter tires than with all-season tires. Conversely, residents of the Rhenish lowlands with all-season tires on their vehicle can probably defy the whims of the local winter weather.