This type of ‘shoe’ for the car is a legal alternative to the use of chains and increases safety at low temperatures
Unlike standard tyres, ‘winter certified’ tires use rubber compounds that retain their performance at low temperatures and have a tread pattern that allows
improves traction and grip on slippery surfaces. These are a legal alternative to the use of chains recognized by traffic controllers and increase safety at low temperatures.
In particular, the
winter certified tyres They are distinguished by the marking ‘M+S’ – ‘Mud and Snow’ – and the 3PMSF icon engraved on the sides. It is this last marking that guarantees that the tire has undergone an approval process according to the ETRTO (European Tire Run Technical Organization) certification method, in which the performance of the tire is tested in winter conditions. To be approved as a winter tire, certain minimum performance levels set by the regulations must be exceeded,
even heavy snowfall.
It is the design of the drawing that facilitates the evacuation of water, and the compound, with a predominance of silica, responds better to falling temperatures. In fact, the rubber does not harden like conventional tires. In addition, some blades on the studs improve grip on snow and the more elastic flanks provide a larger contact area with the ground.
Compared to mixed tires or summer tyres, even when the temperature drops below 7ºC, these tires offer surprising grip on wet, icy, muddy or snowy roads, even when it is dry. Thus, they guarantee reliability in low-grip conditions: traction, control in all conditions and the ability to stop safely.
For these reasons, this ‘footwear’ can legally replace chains in snowy or icy conditions. In fact, point out that in parts of the AP-67 (León-Asturias) and A-66 (Palencia-Cantabria), for example, it is forbidden -in red traffic level- to use chains, and only the use of tires is authorized for the winter.
Similarly, winter tires are 10% more expensive and, except in some exceptional cases, are only recommended between October and March, as with rising temperatures they lose their effectiveness and undergo more wear and tear, in addition to greater rolling resistance, which is reflected in consumption.
Winter tires are becoming increasingly popular in Europe, where they account for more than 30% of total sales. In Spain, however, this figure barely represents 3% of the total, despite the fact that its use is legally legitimized and that in many regions of the Iberian Peninsula there are climatic and orographical conditions that recommend its use. of winter tires to improve safety. Especially when the tire is responsible for 30% of mechanical incidents in winter. The main reason for this situation is the lack of knowledge of the real performance of winter tires among consumers, who continue to associate these tires with use on snow-covered roads.
In addition, the current road safety policy in Spain, unlike other European countries, does not take into account specific regulations for winter conditions, although the traffic authorities already include the recommendation to use winter tires, while until now only chains have been proposed as a solution. emergency.
They are more expensive than conventional ones, between 2 and 5% more, given the benefits and safety they offer in cold conditions and with little adhesion.
The costs for replacing summer tires with winter tires and vice versa are included in the installation and the price does not exceed 70 euros.
Although it may not seem so due to the greater balance, the increase in consumption is practically negligible compared to a conventional tire.
Tire manufacturers already use almost the same dimensions for winter tires as for summer tires, for every type of car.
Source: La Verdad
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
