Using the wrong tyres in Europe during winter can be snow joke!
An increasing number of British skiers and snowboarders are opting for self-drive holidays to European ski resorts to enjoy good snow and to save money. However, driving to ski resorts in many European countries brings with it driving dangers particularly in relation to tyres.
It is common for many European motorists to have two sets of tyres. At this time of the year winter tyres are fitted to deal with the very cold weather, ice and snow. According to Micheldever Tyre Services/Protyre this is not common practice in the UK, although there has been an increase in the sale of winter or cold weather tyres, most cars in the UK are fitted with summer tyres all the year round.
Winter skiers driving to German ski resorts for instance have, since 2006 under national legislation, been liable to on the spot fines if a vehicle becomes stuck in snow or ice because their tyres are unsuitable for the winter conditions. British motorists travelling to alpine resorts must be aware of the importance of tyre choice although the Department of Transport has confirmed that international conventions permit vehicles to circulate in international traffic as long as they satisfy general technical requirements.
Micheldever Tyre Services recommends that regular visitors driving to European ski resorts should consider having a set of winter tyres or as an alternative, switching to an all season tyre which has the capability of dealing with snow and ice better than summer tyres. Before setting off MTS suggests the following safety checks be undertaken:
Check all tyres for general condition
Check pressures
Where winter tyres are fitted a minimum of 3mm is required in most countries. Other tyres should also have a minimum of 3mm.
Check the spare tyre for tread depth and pressure
If in doubt with any of the issues involving driving on the continent during winter months, advice is available from any of the 64 Protyre outlets in the UK. A full list is available by visiting protyre.co.uk.
