While winter tires will soon be mandatory in some departments, how much should you really put on your car?
It is a measure that has been in the pipeline for quite a while now, and now it is about to come into force. As of November 1, therefore, no less than 48 departments will be subject to the obligation to install winter tires, as part of Mountain Law. In concrete terms, whether you live or work on site, or whether you are simply passing through a town concerned, you will then have to install specific tires in order to benefit from optimal grip. If the full list of cities has not yet been released, 48 departments are concerned, some in their entirety, others not. But in any event, all motorists crossing areas subject to this new measure will therefore have to install tires marked with the initials M + S or 3PMSF (3 Peaks Moutain Snow Flake), with the logo representing a snowflake and mountains.
So how many tires do you really need to install for optimum safety? If the Highway Code does not specify anything on this subject, it is rather a question of common sense. Indeed, the ideal remains to install four Winter tires on your vehicle, not just two on the drive wheels. In fact, in this case, the rear axle then runs the risk of skidding if it is not correctly equipped, whether during acceleration or in bends. If, on the other hand, you only want to install snow tires on the rear axle, that is also a very bad idea. And for good reason, the front will no longer adhere to the ground, thus causing problems related to braking and steering, but also to traction if you have a front-wheel drive vehicle. So always raise your snow tires by four, as soon as the outside temperature drops below 7 °. Do not wait until November 1st and apply this advice even if you live in a region that is not affected by this new measure.
Specific tires
But what exactly is a snow tire? This is a type of mount specifically adapted to difficult winter conditions and designed to provide optimum grip on snow and ice. Made with materials resistant to cold and remaining flexible and elastic in all circumstances, these gums are also counted with specific lamellae and notches, in order to better evacuate water and snow fondue. On average, the braking distance of a summer tire on snow is 61 meters, compared to only 29 meters for a winter tire, hence the importance of opting for this type of fit if you plan to go to the mountain. Note that it is also possible to install chains or socks on your vehicle. If you can put them only on the driving wheels, the ideal remains to equip all the wheels for increased safety.
Also read on Auto-Moto.com:
Mandatory winter tires: are all-season tires tolerated?
Snow and winter tires: where will they be (really) compulsory?
Test: we drove for a year with all-season tires
While winter tires will soon be mandatory in some departments, how much should you really put on your car?
It is a measure that has been in the pipeline for quite a while now, and now it is about to come into force. As of November 1, therefore, no less than 48 departments will be subject to the obligation to install winter tires, as part of Mountain Law. In concrete terms, whether you live or work on site, or whether you are simply passing through a town concerned, you will then have to install specific tires in order to benefit from optimal grip. If the full list of cities has not yet been released, 48 departments are concerned, some in their entirety, others not. But in any event, all motorists crossing areas subject to this new measure will therefore have to install tires marked with the initials M + S or 3PMSF (3 Peaks Moutain Snow Flake), with the logo representing a snowflake and mountains.
So how many tires do you really need to install for optimum safety? If the Highway Code does not specify anything on this subject, it is rather a question of common sense. Indeed, the ideal remains to install four Winter tires on your vehicle, not just two on the drive wheels. In fact, in this case, the rear axle then runs the risk of skidding if it is not correctly equipped, whether during acceleration or in bends. If, on the other hand, you only want to install snow tires on the rear axle, that is also a very bad idea. And for good reason, the front will no longer adhere to the ground, thus causing problems related to braking and steering, but also to traction if you have a front-wheel drive vehicle. So always raise your snow tires by four, as soon as the outside temperature drops below 7 °. Do not wait until November 1st and apply this advice even if you live in a region that is not affected by this new measure.
Specific tires
But what exactly is a snow tire? This is a type of mount specifically adapted to difficult winter conditions and designed to provide optimum grip on snow and ice. Made with materials resistant to cold and remaining flexible and elastic in all circumstances, these gums are also counted with specific lamellae and notches, in order to better evacuate water and snow fondue. On average, the braking distance of a summer tire on snow is 61 meters, compared to only 29 meters for a winter tire, hence the importance of opting for this type of fit if you plan to go to the mountain. Note that it is also possible to install chains or socks on your vehicle. If you can put them only on the driving wheels, the ideal remains to equip all the wheels for increased safety.
Also read on Auto-Moto.com:
Mandatory winter tires: are all-season tires tolerated?
Snow and winter tires: where will they be (really) compulsory?
Test: we drove for a year with all-season tires
