europe winter tyre policy

Germany
Motorists are obliged to make sure they have correct tyres to suit the winter weather conditions. This may mean the use of winter tyres (with M&S or snowflake symbol) and in extreme weather, the additional use of snow chains. Vehicles with summer tyres fitted are not allowed to be driven on roads covered with snow and ice. Fines are in place for vehicles found to be doing so.

France
The use of winter tyres is not mandatory in France. Nevertheless in some mountainous areas signs warn drivers that snow chains are necessary. In France, drivers of vehicles that weigh up to 3.5 tonnes can use spikes from November until the end of March. Vehicles using spikes are restricted to a maximum speed of 90 km/h on out-of-town roads and 50 km/h in residential areas. In addition vehicles have to bare a badge indicating the use of spikes.

Switzerland
Winter tyres are mandatory in Switzerland between 1st November and 15th April for vehicles not using snow chains. These dates may be extended in weather conditions persist. Snow chains can only be used if the roads have a complete covering of snow and must be fitted on at least two driving wheels.

why are 4 tyres needed?

Robert Ferguson, MD Discount Tyres, states "We're Irish. So lets face upto it in Winter! We will only buy winter tyres when it starts to snow. But at this time, its too late. And whatever tyres are left in stock, the price from supplier will go up like RyanAir ups its prices the later you leave it to book yourflight."

"Based on a New Zeland weather forcaster, he believes we are in this weather cycle for at least a decade. We now need to start planning for winter driving. You need to call us and order your cold weather tyres now for winter 2012. Fitting in October 2012 and removing in March 2013."

"All season tyres can be a poor compromise. For example, Europe's famous Kleber Quadraxer “All Season” tyre range is designed for drivers who don’t want separate tyres for summer and winter conditions. This genuine “All Season” Quadraxer has a silica based compound and is engineered to keep supple in cold wintry conditions with optimal rigidity in warmer summer conditions. Becareful with many all season tyres. unless the tyre carries the important “3 Peak Mountain Snow Flake” which means it meets the mandatory legislation for use in severe snow conditions, it will not have genuine traction in the snow. It is just a mud and snow tyre, which will be poor in summer and cold weather."

COLD WEATHER tyres (WINTER TYRES) are specifically designed to create more traction and makes it safer to brake in wet, snow and icy conditions below 7°C.

"Fitting cold weather tyres can provide significant safety benefits for motorists," explains Robert ferguson. "With temperatures frequently below 7°C in Ireland over the winter, particularly in rush hour when the traffic is at its heaviest, cold weather tyres offer a sensible alternative on the wet roads. They are designed to perform more effectively in the cold and wet weather, dramatically improving stopping distances. Motorists can also benefit from using cold weather tyres in snowy conditions, as they have many more delicate cuts in the tread which are designed to absorb snow, allowing the tyres to maintain their grip when driving over snow-covered roads."

Cold weather tyres are specifically engineered to offer improved vehicle performance and reduce stopping distances in cold, wet conditions. They contain a higher quantity of natural rubber compound, which stops them from hardening as much in the cold. Instead of hardening up in low temperatures and riding over the road surface, the tread on cold weather tyres keys into the road surface, allowing them to grip the road better. Braking tests conducted by a leading tyre manufacturer and TyreSafe member revealed that at 5°C a vehicle fitted with cold weather tyres travelling at 100 kph stopped a full five metres earlier than the same vehicle with standard tyres.

allseason or winter tyres?

We have been taking orders for this winter, since March 2011.
We now have limited stocks arriving weekly. If you do not order your cold weather tyres now, for November fitting, you are relying on extra stock being available. Hence, the problem of no winter tyres in 2010.

Premium Winter tyres left free to sell, PLEASE CALL to check availability:
225/45R17 Michelin Alpin PA3
€195.00 PER TYRE (last 3 SETS before dec)

225/50R17 BFGoodrich Winter
€170.00 PER TYRE (last 2 SETS before dec)

225/55R16 Michelin Alpin A4
€175.00 PER TYRE (last 5 SETS before dec)

225/55R16 BFGoodrich Winter
€150.00 PER TYRE (last 3 SETS before dec)

205/55R16 BFGoodrich Winter
€115.00 PER TYRE (last 5 SET before dec)

205/55R16 BUDGET Winter
€95.00 PER TYRE (last 2 SET before dec)

195/65R15 BUDGET Winter
€85.00 PER TYRE (last 5 SET before dec)

185/60R14 BUDGET Winter
€80.00 PER TYRE (last 3 SET before dec)

GENUINE all season tyres:
KLEBER Quadraxer (3 PEAK/ SNOWFLAKE)

all season tyres:
Bridgestone A001 (just M+S)
hankook Optimo 4S (just M+S)

winter socks:
Good initially, but they can wear out or rip after 60kms. They are just a short term "get me moving" solution, due to our patchy snow covering. Max speed is 40kph.

snow chains:
NOT LEGAL, SUITABLE OR SAFE FOR IRISH ROADS. farmers choice for the fields. They rust, nightmare to fit AND DANGEROUS ON TARMAC roads. just not worth it in cities.

STUDDED TYRES:
NOT LEGAL, SUITABLE OR SAFE FOR IRISH ROADS.