When have you been obliged to use winter tyres ?

According to the Regulation of the Minister of Roads and Communications, vehicles with a registered weight not exceeding 3.5 tonnes 1. From 1 December to 1. Use of winter tyres is compulsory until 31 March. Tyres must be marked M+S, MS, M.S. or M&S and have a tread depth of at least three millimetres. With studded tyres you can drive 15. from 1 October. until April. When driving with studded tyres, they must be fitted on all wheels. In the event of a puncture, a normal tyre can be used as a spare.
However, even if the law allows or requires it, it is up to drivers to decide when it is the right time to change tyres. Many know from experience that the criterion for changing tyres in autumn is the first snow. Drivers generally don’t change their tyres after the first snowfall because it is expected to melt soon. Tyre manufacturers recommend fitting winter tyres when the average daytime temperature drops to +7°C, because at this temperature summer tyres lose their properties and become unsafe to use. Queues at tyre shops occur when the roads have already become really slippery or when the weather forecast is promising snowfall.

What are the legal requirements for summer and winter tyres on vehicles ?

When choosing a tyre, you must follow the regulations in force and the recommendations of the vehicle or tyre manufacturer or official organisation (size, load and speed index, tyre construction, etc.). Winter tyres must be used in winter and M+S marked tyres or summer tyres are allowed in summer. The conditions of use of the tyre also need to be taken into account to ensure that its performance meets the user’s expectations.

Can I use tyres that are not mentioned in the vehicle passport?
Only use legally allowed tyres, as stated in your vehicle passport or registration certificate. You can also find information on tyre size, load capacity and maximum speed.

Allowed pattern depth for winter and summer tyres?
Winter tyre: minimum pattern depth of 3 mm (4-5 mm recommended).
Suverhoe: minimum pattern depth of 1,6 mm (preferably 3-4 mm).

Is it allowed to fit different tyres at the same time?
Different tyres are allowed if the same type of tyres is fitted on one axle. However, this is not recommended, as different tyres can significantly degrade a car’s driving performance – especially on wet or slippery roads. When driving with studded tyres, they must be fitted on all wheels. In the event of a puncture, a normal tyre can be used as a spare.

Correct seasonal storage of tyres

Have you cursed your dusty trousers twice a year, your dirty boot and your tyres clogging up the shed or basement?
Seasonal tyre storage gives you the possibility to store winter tyres for the summer and summer tyres for the winter in a “tyre hotel”. Many tyre companies offer this service.

What are the requirements for storing tyres?
Tyres should be stored in well-ventilated, dry, moderate-temperature rooms protected from direct sunlight and adverse weather conditions. Keep away from chemical substances, solutions and hydrocarbons that may affect the properties of the rubber. Tyres should be kept away from objects that could puncture the rubber (sharp metal, wood, etc.). There should be no hot sources, glowing objects, sparks or electrically charged materials and ozone sources (transformers, electric motors, welding equipment, etc.) in the vicinity. If the tyres are stored in a stack for a long time, move them around in the meantime (change their order in the stack). Avoid getting the tyres under other objects. Always use tools and equipment that do not damage tyres when handling tyres and their accessories.

Short-term storage (up to 4 weeks): Tyres can be stacked on top of each other, preferably on trays. The height of the stack must not exceed 1.20 metres. After 4 weeks, the stacks need to be moved. If the tyres are mounted on rims, they must be stored in the inflated vertical position or on a shelf in a single row.

Long-term storage: Tyres must be stored vertically on a shelf at least 10 cm above the surface. To avoid defects, they should be moved lightly once a month.

Why is the right tyre pressure important ?

Maintaining the right tyre pressure prolongs tyre life and ensures optimum handling, braking and fuel economy.

All tyres lose pressure, typically around 0.69 bar or 1 pound per square inch (psi) per month. The process is accelerated by frequent long journeys, uneven road surfaces and heavy loads. Air loss also increases with warmer weather. Check the pressure once a month. At the same time, it is also advisable to check the coat pattern.

As the air in your tyres heats up and expands when you drive, the best time to measure the pressure is in the morning before you start driving.

Overinflated tyres become overly rigid, further reducing the already small contact area with the road surface. The result is poor tyre grip and poor vehicle handling. Signs of underinflation include “floating” on the road and “heavy” steering. In addition, fuel consumption increases significantly.