They are often confused, but is there really a difference between snow tires and winter tires? We take stock of the issue.
From the November, 1st, it will now be compulsory to equip your vehicle with specific tires, chains or socks if you plan to travel in one of the 48 departments concerned by the Mountain Law. Among them, let us quote among others Lozère, Hautes-Alpes, Gard or even Bas-Rhin, while the complete and final list of municipalities subject to this new obligation has not yet been communicated. Anyway, if you live or travel to these areas this winter, then you will need to be equipped, until March 31st. However, do not panic, since the government has specified that no sanctions will be applied during the first year of entry into force of this measure, in order to give motorists time to adapt, and thus avoid a massive stock shortage across the country.
Maps affected areas | New panel | What fines? | 4-season tire test | How many winter tires? | When to change? | Tires or chains? | Where to store?
But the arrival of this measure is also an opportunity to question a point often overlooked: the snow tires and are the winter tires the same or are there differences? Because very often, we use both terms to talk about the same thing, ie tires designed to run on snow. Yes but here we are, we are all wrong. Indeed, there are two types of gum for winter, as confirmed by the TNPF, the French professional association of tire manufacturers.
What are the differences ?
Snow tires : recognizable by the M + S (Mud + Snow) markings, they are designed for use in winter but do not necessarily guarantee the best performance on snow, particularly in terms of grip, since they have not undergone any weathering process. homologation as deep as a winter tire.
Winter tires : stamped 3PMSF and marked with the alpine symbol representing a snowflake in a mountain with three peaks, winter tires have been put to the test in standard tests and are approved as “tires for extreme snow conditions”. They are the only ones to have an efficiency equivalent to chains and socks.
All-season tires can also be considered snow or winter tires, depending on the logo they have on the sidewall. It should be noted that M + S tires will only be tolerated in the areas affected by the Mountain Law until 2024. From that date, it will then be necessary to use 3PMSF rubber, chains or socks.
Also read on Auto-Moto.com:
Winter tires: the salami tactic? – OPINION
Winter tires compulsory: can chains replace them?
Winter tires: more efficient than chains?
They are often confused, but is there really a difference between snow tires and winter tires? We take stock of the issue.
From the November, 1st, it will now be compulsory to equip your vehicle with specific tires, chains or socks if you plan to travel in one of the 48 departments concerned by the Mountain Law. Among them, let us quote among others Lozère, Hautes-Alpes, Gard or even Bas-Rhin, while the complete and final list of municipalities subject to this new obligation has not yet been communicated. Anyway, if you live or travel to these areas this winter, then you will need to be equipped, until March 31st. However, do not panic, since the government has specified that no sanctions will be applied during the first year of entry into force of this measure, in order to give motorists time to adapt, and thus avoid a massive stock shortage across the country.
Maps affected areas | New panel | What fines? | 4-season tire test | How many winter tires? | When to change? | Tires or chains? | Where to store?
But the arrival of this measure is also an opportunity to question a point often overlooked: the snow tires and are the winter tires the same or are there differences? Because very often, we use both terms to talk about the same thing, ie tires designed to run on snow. Yes but here we are, we are all wrong. Indeed, there are two types of gum for winter, as confirmed by the TNPF, the French professional association of tire manufacturers.
What are the differences ?
Snow tires : recognizable by the M + S (Mud + Snow) markings, they are designed for use in winter but do not necessarily guarantee the best performance on snow, particularly in terms of grip, since they have not undergone any weathering process. homologation as deep as a winter tire.
Winter tires : stamped 3PMSF and marked with the alpine symbol representing a snowflake in a mountain with three peaks, winter tires have been put to the test in standard tests and are approved as “tires for extreme snow conditions”. They are the only ones to have an efficiency equivalent to chains and socks.
All-season tires can also be considered snow or winter tires, depending on the logo they have on the sidewall. It should be noted that M + S tires will only be tolerated in the areas affected by the Mountain Law until 2024. From that date, it will then be necessary to use 3PMSF rubber, chains or socks.
Also read on Auto-Moto.com:
Winter tires: the salami tactic? – OPINION
Winter tires compulsory: can chains replace them?
Winter tires: more efficient than chains?
