From October, M+S tires may no longer be driven in winter weather
All-weather tires are a popular alternative to changing tires every six months. This is still possible as long as the tire models bear the Alpine symbol in the mountain as a legal identifier in addition to the “M+S” designation. In contrast to the M+S designation, only tires that have passed the relevant tire tests and achieve at least seven percent better traction on ice and snow than reference tires are allowed to bear the snowflake. Manufacturers are therefore encouraged to have all new all-season tires produced since December 31, 2017, additionally certified with the Alpine symbol.
“O to O” or “7-degree rule”: The right time to switch to winter tires
Drivers can use one of these two rules of thumb. Tire manufacturers recommend monitoring the temperatures and switching from summer to winter tires accordingly. They advise using the softer rubber compound of winter tires for safe driving behavior in winter conditions. The “O to O rule”, on the other hand, is based on the calendar. The requirement here is that drivers should use winter tires from October to Easter. Car insurers also recommend the calendar rule because it is the more reliable option. During this period, winter road conditions can also occur at short notice, to which drivers may not be able to react in time by changing tires. If summer tires or M+S tires are still on the car in such a case, then it must remain stationary.
Is there insurance cover in the event of damage?
“Drivers have to differentiate here. If I am driving on a normal road – i.e. in the city center, on a federal or state road, or on the highway – then I am only obliged to have appropriate tires fitted in winter weather, according to the definition,” explains Dirk Schäfer, Head of Processes and Markets at Ecclesia Mobility. However, if an accident occurs in winter weather and the car is not equipped with approved tires, the liability insurance will pay the victim's damages, but it is possible that the person at fault will be held liable for up to €5,000. “That depends on the circumstances of the individual case,” says the expert. The same applies to comprehensive insurance, which compensates for damage to one's own car. There is a risk here that the benefit will be reduced in whole or in part. “In addition to choosing the right tires, the condition of the tires must also be taken into account. In Europe, there is a legal minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm for passenger cars. If the tread depth falls below this, you could face a fine of up to 120 euros and a point on your license in Flensburg,” says Dirk Schäfer.
However, drivers are considerably safer on the road if the tread depth is not worn down to the legal minimum. For summer tires, a tread depth of at least three millimeters is recommended, and for winter or all-season tires, at least four millimeters – otherwise it could be critical in wet conditions, snow or slush. Roads with a sign indicating that snow chains are compulsory are a special case. In addition to the aspect of the right tires, there is an obligation to put on snow chains here.
The experts at Ecclesia Mobility can assist you in cost-effective tyre procurement. “With the two large workshop networks of A.T.U and Euromaster, we have been able to negotiate very good tyre conditions for our customers, among other things, to alleviate the steadily increasing cost pressure of operating a fleet,” says Dirk Schäfer. Please feel free to contact us!
i deas editorial team