• DRIVING TIPS
  • Some of the most FAQs on Winter Tires

    • WINTER DRIVING TIPS

      Here you can find some tips from the Pirelli engineers to get the best in terms of performance and safety from winter tires

      SMOOTH MOVEMENTS

      • SMOOTH MOVEMENTS

      Avoid abrupt acceleration or braking that can make the vehicle lose grip on wet or snowy surfaces. Also avoid exaggerated steering.

      ALWAYS USE FOUR WINTER TIRES

      • ALWAYS USE FOUR WINTER TIRES

      Uniform equipment is necessary to ensure excellent performance and safety while driving. Always use 4 winter tires of the same brand and with the same design characteristics.

      TIRES ROTATION

      • TIRES ROTATION

      Tire rotation gives tires even wear and increased durability. Rotation of winter tires must be carried out every 8,000/10,000 km.

      CHECK SPEED LIMIT

      • CHECK SPEED LIMIT

      Pay attention to the speed limits described on the external side of the tire. It is possible to use winter tires with a lower speed indication than that stated in by law.

      CHECK THE TREAD

      • CHECK THE TREAD

      Winter tire performance is excellent on snow at a tread depth of 4mm. By law, a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm is required for winter tires.

      STORE CAREFULLY

      • STORE CAREFULLY

      If you don’t use your tires, they must be stored inflated, with controlled pressure. The best way to preserve tires is to store them vertically in a single file of shelves, at least 10 cm above the ground.

    • I live in the city, and during the winter I travel on flat terrain, do I really need winter tires?
      Below 7°C, or for most of the period running from October to March, winter tires offer greater road holding ability than summer tires. During the cold months, the compound used in summer tires hardens which decreases its grip on the road, as well as its braking capabilities.
      Winter tires are more expensive, why should I buy them?
      It’s true, you have to buy two sets of tires: one for summer and one for winter. But when you fit winter tires, the summer tires should be set aside and stored appropriately. They can then be used again as the months get warmer ensuring safety in all weather conditions.
      But if it’s true that winter tires perform much better than summer tires why can’t I keep them all year round?
      Winter tires have been developed to offer excellent performance when the temperature is below +7°C. During the summer their compound, which is softer than that of summer tires, wears much more rapidly and hence doesn't perform as well.
      Can winter tires only be used on snow?
      Winter tires have been developed to respond actively in the presence of snow but also offer excellent performance, compared with summer tires, on wet and dry roads throughout the cold weather season. The tread pattern has been designed to reduce the risk of aquaplaning considerably.
      Can I fit two winter tires on the powered wheels and keep the summer tires on the others?
      This option is strongly advised against. In fact, if the car is a front-wheel drive, and you fit winter tires only at the front, there is a risk of losing control of the vehicle. If the car is rear-wheel drive, and you fit winter tires only at the rear, there is a risk of losing control when turning. Finally, if you fit winter tires to the non-powered wheels it will be very difficult to move on icy or snow-covered roads.
      With winter tires am I forced to reduce my driving speed drastically, like when using chains?
      No. With chains you can’t go more than 50 km/h. Some winter tires, however, are approved for speeds up to 270 km/h (speed rating W). Of course, you must always observe the speed limits set by the Highway Code and adapt your speed according to the weather conditions.
      If I continue to use summer tires in the autumn and winter will it be more difficult to retain control of the vehicle?
      The braking distance with winter tires is reduced by up to 10% on wet surfaces and 20% on snowy surfaces with respect to summer tires. This means that if you use winter tires below 7° C you can stop quicker and you have better control of your car.