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Seasonal Tires

Should you buy winter tires?

Winter tires are designed to deliver traction and control during the colder months. They are a legal requirement in some European countries, but they can also be a smart choice even where winters are relatively mild. What makes a winter tire different?

They offer safer driving in cold weather: Fulda winter tires use a special silica compound designed to improve your tire’s performance once temperatures drop below 7C. This compound makes it easier to start, stop, and turn on cold roads. An all season or summer tire might still perform in winter, but a dedicated winter tire is made to deliver better control when it’s cold.

They’re designed for tough traction on winter roads: On our product pages, you’ll notice we talk about “sipes” on our winter tires. These extra cuts in the treads give the tire additional grip on challenging winter roads. Wider tread blocks enhance the ability to channel snow away from the tire. If you live where winters mean tough ice on the roads, studded winter tires offer extra-strong grip.

How to buy winter tires

Because the new EU tire label doesn’t rate winter performance characteristics, it’s a good idea to get independent guidance from another source. This is where the independent tire tests can be helpful. These unbiased reviewers can help you decide which tire features are right for your vehicle, climate, and driving style. Your local tire dealer will also be able to help you examine your options, and will know more about what works in your region.

Winter, summer, and all season tires grip the road differently. Mixing tires that don’t have the same tread patterns or features can reduce performance when you need it most. For optimal handling, use the same set of tires on all four wheels.

If you look after your winter tires properly, your smart investment will last longer. This means storing them on their sides, rather than with the tread side down. Keeping them in special bags also helps protect them in the off-season. If you lack adequate space where you live, talk to your local dealer about other storage options.

Winter tires are designed to help you grip winter roads. They can bring you driving enjoyment during the colder months, but you should always put road safety first. Winter tires can have a lower speed rating than their summer equivalents. Check your tire’s recommended speed rating and ensure you don’t exceed it.

In some EU countries you’re required by law to mount a winter tire in the colder months. Fulda all season tires are rated for snow and ice, but it’s important to know and observe the law in your area.

It’s a good idea to check your tire pressure and tread depth often. Keeping the right tire pressure helps you get the most out of your tires. Tread depth is important for maintaining optimal performance. Where winter tires are required by law, there is also normally a legal minimum tread depth. EU law requires a minimum tread depth of 1.6mm for summer tires. At Fulda, we recommend a winter tire tread depth of at least 4mm.