Polish MPs are preparing a bill that will force drivers to use appropriate tires in winter. For now, it is a voluntary matter. But when going abroad, we should check what regulations apply in a given country.
If we only drive on Polish roads, for now the decision rests with us - drivers. Current regulations require that a tire - whether summer, winter or all-season - must have a tread of at least 1.6 mm. However, in winter conditions this is definitely not enough. Specialists recommend using tires with a minimum tread in winter. 3.5mm.
Is it worth changing tires?
It is best to change from summer to winter tires when the outside temperature during the day begins to stay below 7 degrees Celsius. Winter tires are made of a compound that achieves the appropriate degree of hardness at low temperatures. Driving on such tires when the temperature is higher may be dangerous. Especially in late spring and summer, using winter tires will significantly extend the braking distance and loss of vehicle control in emergency situations. According to research conducted by Continental, braking distances in summer with winter tires can be extended by up to six meters!
It will be similar if we use summer tires in winter. On a slippery road, braking may not only become a nuisance for the driver, but also a threat to other road users.
A compromise may be all-season tires, which look similar to winter tires, but their tread is slightly shallower. In winter, universal tires can be recommended mainly to drivers who drive on snow-cleared city streets. However, such tires will almost never be as good as winter tires in winter and summer tires in summer. Unless we compare branded all-season tires with the cheapest "Made in China" products.
Let's also remember that tires have a lifespan that depends not only on mileage. Therefore, you should not only check the tread depth, but also replace your tires at least every 6 years.
Where are the mandatory winter tires?
In some countries, winter tires are already mandatory. They are absolutely required in Sweden, Finland, Estonia, as well as in Lithuania, Latvia and Slovenia . In most of these countries, they are obligatory in the period from December 1 to the last day of February or the first of March (in Sweden until the end of March). The exception is Slovenia, where you must use winter tires from November 15 to March 15, and Lithuania - from November 10 to April 1.
In most European countries, the requirement to have winter tires depends on the current weather conditions. When the weather requires it, winter tires are mandatory throughout the country or in selected regions in Austria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Germany, Norway, Romania, Slovakia and Switzerland. Local regulations may also require the use of winter boots in France, Spain and Italy. Information that winter tires or chains are required in a given area can be found on road signs.
Countries where winter tires are not mandatory include Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Denmark, Greece, the Netherlands, Ireland, Portugal, Malta, Hungary and Great Britain. This requirement does not apply in Iceland either, but please note that if there is ice or snow on the road, the driver should be armed with chains.
In which countries winter tires are mandatory, you can check on our website in the tab: Road traffic regulations.
Sometimes it is better to get lost than to ask for directions too much. Aldous Huxley
