When we drive during the winter and there is snow, slush or ice, you will need to make sure that you have tyres that are approved for winter use. There are two types of tyres that are approved for winter use, the winter tyres and some of the all-weather tyres. By using one of these options you can drive safely during winter conditions. You shouldn’t drive with summer tyres or tyres that have the M+S marking but not the Alpine symbols with a mountaintop with a snowflake inside it (3PMSF).
The tyre options that are most suitable and will vary based on where you live. It is basically that in Northern Europe you need only winter tyres and in Southern Europe you need only summer tyres. It isn’t that bad though, but in Southern Europe you can basically manage with just summer tyres, while in the Nordics you definitely need winter tyres, but you do have some summer, so you will alternate between summer and winter tyres. Central Europe will have different needs to some areas needing winter tyres, others are better off with all-weather tyres and some areas studded tyres are not allowed, like Germany and Poland.
Winter tyres
For winter tyres you definitely have the advantage that you have the bet safety performance and you also have two different options, as you have non-studded and studded tyres. When it comes to disadvantages you have to switch to summer tyres after the winter ends to avoid excessive wear. You also have to make sure that you have the winter tyres mounted before the first winter weather arrives, as otherwise you diminish the safety if you have to drive with summer tyres to your tyre service station to make them change to winter tyres. You are already unsafe as you drive there, which should be avoided.
All-weather tyres
Here you have the advantage that you have the convenience of not having to change tyres.
You can always drive regardless of weather, even if you have better performance out of dedicated tyres, but you have the advantage of always having the correct tyres on your vehicle. You do need to rotate the tyres more frequently as you are using the tyres during the whole year instead of approximately half the year as is the case with winter and summer tyres if you alternate between them.
You have to figure out if you need to have tyres for winter conditions or not. If you do need them, you will need to consider which are the best option for your area and driving habits. Once you select tyres it is important to select premium tyres and also if you buy them for an electric car or hybrid that you make sure that they are recommended for this use. If you buy them for an SUV, you will need to make sure that the dimension is correct. Once you have figured all this out you will be able to drive safer and more comfortable during the winter.
For more information regarding different tyre options, visit: https://www.nokiantyres.com/