Winter tyres in Germany (1 Viewer)

[sylvester1954]

We are considering a visit to Germany before Christmas to seek some of the Christmas Markets but have heard rumblings that new German laws insist that all vehicles should use winter tyres during the winter periods. Failure to do so will bring about a financial penalty. This includes anyone visiting the country ie tourists. Can anyone confirm that this is indeed a fact ? I certainly dont want to purchase an additional set of tyres that spend 6 months taking up storage space in my garden shed ?

 

[Tea Bag]

Hi.
I was told this 7-8 years ago,NOT being a tyre expert,i think M+S marked tyres qualify. 4x4's run on these all year and seem to get good mileages from them.
Tea Bag

 

[Chockswahay]

http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/overseas/snow-chains-winter-tyres.html

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[funflair]

Might be worth having a read of this and save my fingers, basically if it snowy or icy you need them, if you don't get caught out by dodgy weather you can get away without.

http://liner-forum.eu/clou-mobile/n...-clou-liner-broschueren-catalogues-brochures/

Martin

 

[Chockswahay]

Opps, hit the button early You can drive there on standard tyres but not in icy conditions!

I have fitted Mich Agilis which are stamped M+S, even tho they are not actually a full winter tyre they do meet the requirement

 

[Silver-Fox]

I ran winter tyres on my T5 work van

They make a masive difference in the grip area as they are designed to run at lower temps

You can run them all year round with very little degradation to the tyre during summer months

I have heard of harsh penalties in Germany if you slip up whilst driving

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[jongood]

Not another scary foreigners thread!

Dont go!!!!!!
if you make it out of Calais, the gendarmes will stop you as soon as possible, tear your MH apart looking for out of date breathalyser kits and ruin your satnav while they re checking that it absolutely definitely doesnt notify you of Speed cameras.

Dont go to sleep because you will definitely be gassed, raped and left on the tarmac.

believe it or not - other countries have the same issues as we do, they also have too many people and not enough police. As long as you behave like a responsible adult the police in most other countries will leave you alone to enjoy it.

bon voyage
Jon

 

[Chockswahay]

Not another scary foreigners thread!

Dont go!!!!!!
if you make it out of Calais, the gendarmes will stop you as soon as possible, tear your MH apart looking for out of date breathalyser kits and ruin your satnav while they re checking that it absolutely definitely doesnt notify you of Speed cameras.

Dont go to sleep because you will definitely be gassed, raped and left on the tarmac.

believe it or not - other countries have the same issues as we do, they also have too many people and not enough police. As long as you behave like a responsible adult the police in most other countries will leave you alone to enjoy it.

bon voyage
Jon

The OP has been advised of the law as it applies........ German police are thorough....... have you been to Germany in winter in ice conditions?

You can feel free to give advice like that but it won't be you paying the fine if the OP gets caught out in 'winter' conditions .....

 

[jongood]

I have been to germany many times in all weathers in Lorries vans and Motorhomes.

IMO the chances of the Polizei checking your tyres are very slim indeed.

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[funflair]

I have been to germany many times in all weathers in Lorries vans and Motorhomes.

IMO the chances of the Polizei checking your tyres are very slim indeed.

Hi Jon, You are lucky that you dont live with a worrier.

If SWMBO caught sight of these rules and I had not put the right tyres on I would have been in deep doo doo, she was bad enough going through a bit of Austria and then a bit of Czech before we bought the Premid box.

Martin

 

[jongood]

Hi Jon, You are lucky that you dont live with a worrier.

If SWMBO caught sight of these rules and I had not put the right tyres on I would have been in deep doo doo, she was bad enough going through a bit of Austria and then a bit of Czech before we bought the Premid box.

Martin

I know there are worriers out there Martin, but I dont think these 'scary foreigners' threads helps them.

Jon

 

[funflair]

Well the OP did ask.

But we do live in an information overload age, and not all of it is constructive.

Martin

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[s20hymer]

we have M@S tyres on our camper and run all year with no problems you might say never had my tyres checked but its when accidents happen it all goes wrong... insurance hate paying out and the police prosecute

 

[Mel]

They are only required on the drive axle.
And you will not have a problem unless you are involved in an accident.
However if you are going in a area when there is ice/Snow then it might be a good idea to have a M&S or winter tyre on

Mel

 

[Wildbill]

do your tiers hive a snow flake on them think that's all that is needed @jonandshell he go's skiing a lot
and is knows abut Theas things
this might help

http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/fuels-and-environment/european-low-emission-zones.html

bill

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[Chockswahay]

They are only required on the drive axle.
And you will not have a problem unless you are involved in an accident.
However if you are going in a area when there is ice/Snow then it might be a good idea to have a M&S or winter tyre on

Mel

Not so Mel, they must be on all axles in Germany

do your tiers hive a snow flake on them think that's all that is needed @jonandshell he go's skiing a lot
and is knows abut Theas things
this might help

http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/fuels-and-environment/european-low-emission-zones.html

bill

Nearly right Bill but the other way round.......... M+S will suffice, the snowflake indicates full winter tyres

 

[Tea Bag]

Hi "Snowballs ?" LOL
Should you ever have the misfortune to be pulled over at a roadside check,it just needs a sharp eyed officer to see that your tyres are not "correct",this then leads to perhaps being asked to go to a weighbridge,having the unit gone over with a fine tooth comb...Snowball effect.
IF,you were involved in a fatal crash...Lose everything.... M/home tyres are usually out of their sell by date before being worn out,so M+S will last just as long before having to be replaced. Why not go to your local friendly tyre fitters and ask about a trade in/price to swop over? Yes,it can be done.
Tea Bag

 

[alfandM]

The OP has been advised of the law as it applies........ German police are thorough....... have you been to Germany in winter in ice conditions?

You can feel free to give advice like that but it won't be you paying the fine if the OP gets caught out in 'winter' conditions .....

You are 100% correct it is best to be safe and sencible in winter,at least you can run on M&S all year round unlike up here with studed winter tyres,

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[Wildbill]

this has ben lifted straight off the Michelin web site so not my own work

As the cold weather approaches, it’s time to make sure your car is ready to cope with any potential snowfall and drop in temperature. One of the first things you need to think about, for the sake of your family’s safety, is Cold Weather tyres. But do you know the difference between a tyre with the “Three Peak Mountain Snowflake” symbol and “M+S” tyres? Read on.

As your tyres are your car’s only point of contact with the snowy, icy or wet road, you need to make sure you choose the right ones. Only tyres which have the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol (a snowflake inside a mountain) have been tested for use in severe snow conditions.
If you want Cold Weather tyres which are suitable for a wide range of wintry conditions, it’s worth looking at tyres such as Michelin’s Alpin range. Cold Weather tyres can halve your braking distance in snowy conditions and they adapt better than standard tyres to cool temperatures.

What are “M+S” tyres? “M+S” tyres, or Mud and Snow tyres, have been specially designed to improve your car’s performance in mud and fresh or melting snow. “M+S” relates to the tyre’s tread design which generally has solid grooves and/or the tread blocks are spaced further apart than those on standard tyres. Some “M+S” tyres are also all-season tyres, suitable for all year round, however their performance is not as high as designated summer tyres in hot weather or Cold Weather tyres in cold weather. Not all Mud and Snow tyres have been tested as Cold Weather tyres. On the other hand, all Cold Weather tyres carry the M+S mark.
Tips for tyres in Winter
Make sure you and your car are prepared for Winter. As well as choosing the right tyres, check their pressure, as it will drop in line with the reduction in temperature. Manufacturers also recommend changing all 4 tyres to Cold Weather tyres so you have maximum control of your car in difficult driving conditions. The speed index is often lower for Cold Weather tyres, so follow the tyre manufacturer’s recommendations. Driving with the right tyres for this Winter will increase your grip, maximise your safety and enable your car to perform at its optimum.
Brought to you by MICHELIN

 

[alfandM]

this has ben lifted straight off the Michelin web site so not my own work

As the cold weather approaches, it’s time to make sure your car is ready to cope with any potential snowfall and drop in temperature. One of the first things you need to think about, for the sake of your family’s safety, is Cold Weather tyres. But do you know the difference between a tyre with the “Three Peak Mountain Snowflake” symbol and “M+S” tyres? Read on.

As your tyres are your car’s only point of contact with the snowy, icy or wet road, you need to make sure you choose the right ones. Only tyres which have the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol (a snowflake inside a mountain) have been tested for use in severe snow conditions.
If you want Cold Weather tyres which are suitable for a wide range of wintry conditions, it’s worth looking at tyres such as Michelin’s Alpin range. Cold Weather tyres can halve your braking distance in snowy conditions and they adapt better than standard tyres to cool temperatures.

What are “M+S” tyres? “M+S” tyres, or Mud and Snow tyres, have been specially designed to improve your car’s performance in mud and fresh or melting snow. “M+S” relates to the tyre’s tread design which generally has solid grooves and/or the tread blocks are spaced further apart than those on standard tyres. Some “M+S” tyres are also all-season tyres, suitable for all year round, however their performance is not as high as designated summer tyres in hot weather or Cold Weather tyres in cold weather. Not all Mud and Snow tyres have been tested as Cold Weather tyres. On the other hand, all Cold Weather tyres carry the M+S mark.
Tips for tyres in Winter
Make sure you and your car are prepared for Winter. As well as choosing the right tyres, check their pressure, as it will drop in line with the reduction in temperature. Manufacturers also recommend changing all 4 tyres to Cold Weather tyres so you have maximum control of your car in difficult driving conditions. The speed index is often lower for Cold Weather tyres, so follow the tyre manufacturer’s recommendations. Driving with the right tyres for this Winter will increase your grip, maximise your safety and enable your car to perform at its optimum.
Brought to you by MICHELIN

correct

 

[Chockswahay]

this has ben lifted straight off the Michelin web site so not my own work

As the cold weather approaches, it’s time to make sure your car is ready to cope with any potential snowfall and drop in temperature. One of the first things you need to think about, for the sake of your family’s safety, is Cold Weather tyres. But do you know the difference between a tyre with the “Three Peak Mountain Snowflake” symbol and “M+S” tyres? Read on.

As your tyres are your car’s only point of contact with the snowy, icy or wet road, you need to make sure you choose the right ones. Only tyres which have the Three Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol (a snowflake inside a mountain) have been tested for use in severe snow conditions.
If you want Cold Weather tyres which are suitable for a wide range of wintry conditions, it’s worth looking at tyres such as Michelin’s Alpin range. Cold Weather tyres can halve your braking distance in snowy conditions and they adapt better than standard tyres to cool temperatures.

What are “M+S” tyres? “M+S” tyres, or Mud and Snow tyres, have been specially designed to improve your car’s performance in mud and fresh or melting snow. “M+S” relates to the tyre’s tread design which generally has solid grooves and/or the tread blocks are spaced further apart than those on standard tyres. Some “M+S” tyres are also all-season tyres, suitable for all year round, however their performance is not as high as designated summer tyres in hot weather or Cold Weather tyres in cold weather. Not all Mud and Snow tyres have been tested as Cold Weather tyres. On the other hand, all Cold Weather tyres carry the M+S mark.
Tips for tyres in Winter
Make sure you and your car are prepared for Winter. As well as choosing the right tyres, check their pressure, as it will drop in line with the reduction in temperature. Manufacturers also recommend changing all 4 tyres to Cold Weather tyres so you have maximum control of your car in difficult driving conditions. The speed index is often lower for Cold Weather tyres, so follow the tyre manufacturer’s recommendations. Driving with the right tyres for this Winter will increase your grip, maximise your safety and enable your car to perform at its optimum.
Brought to you by MICHELIN

I agree fully, that is why I have fitted Michelin M+S

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[Wildbill]

I agree fully, that is why I have fitted Michelin M+S

I have continentals

 

[jonandshell]

No snowflake and they aren't acceptable as winter tyres, simples!

 

[Chockswahay]

No snowflake and they aren't acceptable as winter tyres, simples!

True, but they do conform to the minimum legal requirement in Germany of having M+S tyres fitted when the roads are (potentially) icey

I am not really interested in having full winter tyres because I don't want to travel in snow type conditions, however if I am in (for example) Germany and a 'wintry' spell occurs then at least I won't be in breach of the law....

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[jonandshell]

M+S does not mean winter tyre.

There are all-season tyres that display the snowflake. These are the only all year alternative to a specialist winter only tyre.

You will be in breach of the law in Germany. Take this advice from somebody who has spent time living there. Failure to comply will mean a greater weight of responsibility being levied on the driver in the event of an accident.

All winterreifen have the snowflake symbol.

 

[Chockswahay]

M+S does not mean winter tyre.

There are all-season tyres that display the snowflake. These are the only all year alternative to a specialist winter only tyre.

You will be in breach of the law in Germany. Take this advice from somebody who has spent time living there. Failure to comply will mean a greater weight of responsibility being levied on the driver in the event of an accident.

All winterreifen have the snowflake symbol.

Broken Link Removed

Here's another one too

Broken Link Removed

'The new law also spells out what a “winter tire” is. Specifically, it is an M+S-Reifen, a mud-and-snow tire that has an official M+S (Matsch und Schnee) marking on it. (M+S tires do not have to be “winter” tires. All-year or all-weather M+S tires also qualify.) The German automobile club ADAC recommends going a step further and getting tires with the “three-peak-mountain” seal, an indication of snow tires that meet the highest standards.'

 

[Silver-Fox]

True, but they do conform to the minimum legal requirement in Germany of having M+S tyres fitted when the roads are (potentially) icey

I am not really interested in having full winter tyres because I don't want to travel in snow type conditions, however if I am in (for example) Germany and a 'wintry' spell occurs then at least I won't be in breach of the law....

Its not a case of being in breach of the law, to me its all about safety.

Especially when you could be pushing up top 7.5T along an icy road and you want to stop or change direction

Just my opinion by the way

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[Chockswahay]

Its not a case of being in breach of the law, to me its all about safety.

Especially when you could be pushing up top 7.5T along an icy road and you want to stop or change direction

Just my opinion by the way

Crikey, this is a thread that 'just keeps giving'!

I do not want to spend many hundreds of pounds on a set of tyres that will only be used for a short period. I am happy to 'compromise' on the M+S tyres but I certainly do not want to drive permanently on full winter tyres when I also spend a lot of time in hot climates on very hot roads (where the safety of winter tyres is seriously compromised).

 

[Silver-Fox]

Crikey, this is a thread that 'just keeps giving'!

I do not want to spend many hundreds of pounds on a set of tyres that will only be used for a short period. I am happy to 'compromise' on the M+S tyres but I certainly do not want to drive permanently on full winter tyres when I also spend a lot of time in hot climates on very hot roads (where the safety of winter tyres is seriously compromised).

I could suggest find a good hotel and fly there and back

Save buying tyres and fuel

Hows that

 

[Chockswahay]

I could suggest find a good hotel and fly there and back

Save buying tyres and fuel

Hows that

Pathetic I'd say....

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