Cold weather brings a wave of accidents every year. Last year, the number of insurance cases requiring ERGO car assistance increased by 46% in November and December. Since the weather forecast promises minus degrees and sleet for the weekend, it is worth putting on winter tires.
The statistics of OÜ Roheline Laine, which offers a round-the-clock car assistance service, show that the first frosts always bring chaos in traffic. “As soon as the weather gets cold, the work volume of car assistance immediately increases by leaps and bounds. In order to reach everyone in need, we increase the team when the cold weather comes. And the same thing happens every year: they slide against other vehicles, poles or are knocked off the road, car batteries and door locks also fail,” said Toomas Salumaa, head of car assistance operations.
Raido Orulaid, head of ERGO’s transport damage department, added that summer tires basically have no grip on slippery and slushy roads, and driving them can end in an accident. “Although changing tires becomes mandatory from December 1, it is not worth waiting until the last minute and thinking about changing winter tires much earlier than the law requires. This helps to prevent so many accidents,” Orulaid said.
Driving with studded tires has been allowed in Estonia since October 15. The last time to start using winter tires is when the temperature drops below seven degrees. “It is at this temperature that summer tires usually lose their effectiveness – the rubber compound that has hardened with cold temperatures no longer grips the road surface as well. Grip on the road surface is non-existent on a cold day, and any small amount of precipitation makes the journey risky. Changing tires should not be treated as a formality – the right tires suitable for weather conditions are one of the most important tools for ensuring safety on the road,” said Orulaid.
In the case of comprehensive insurance, the use of unsuitable tires can also be considered as an increase in the insurance risk. “If it is determined that the cause of the accident is precisely the use of the wrong tires, it may affect the amount of insurance compensation or the receipt of it, because each of us must be able to assess the risks in order to exclude the occurrence of damage,” explained Orulaid.
Drivers should know that the tread depth of winter tires must be at least 3 mm, but the recommendation is that such tires could already be replaced with new ones. Tires on the same car axle must be of the same type and, importantly, with the correct marking. In Estonia, it is allowed to use only such winter tires that have the symbol of three mountain peaks and a snowflake. You should also remember to check the tire wear.
In addition, the tires must be installed correctly: they should not come into contact with the vehicle’s body or suspension parts, and the tires should not extend beyond the dimensions of the car. Proper storage and maintenance of removed summer tires should also be ensured. “Summer tires should be stored until next spring so that they are not affected by temperature differences or humidity. Otherwise, they may not be suitable for the next season,” said the representative of the insurance company.
Being late with a tire change can lead to a major accident and, in addition, a fine and the obligation to undergo an emergency technical inspection.
2024-11-20 09:29:00
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### Interview with Raido Orulaid, Head of ERGO’s Transport Damage Department
### Interview with Raido Orulaid, Head of ERGO’s Transport Damage Department
**Interviewer:** Good morning, Raido! With the cold weather arriving and the forecast indicating some tricky conditions ahead, can you share why changing to winter tires is so crucial?
**Raido Orulaid:** Good morning! Absolutely, changing to winter tires is essential for a few reasons. During the colder months, and especially when temperatures drop below seven degrees, summer tires simply lose their grip on the road. The rubber compounds in summer tires harden in cold weather, making them less effective and increasing the likelihood of accidents.
**Interviewer:** That makes sense. We’ve seen reports that car accidents increase significantly in November and December. Can you elaborate on the kinds of incidents that typically occur?
**Raido Orulaid:** Certainly. Every year, we notice a noticeable spike in car accidents as the first frost hits. Common issues include vehicles sliding into each other or getting stuck due to icy conditions. This isn’t just about collisions; we also see a lot of failures in car batteries and door locks as they respond poorly to the cold.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned that it’s important not to procrastinate on changing tires. What do you recommend?
**Raido Orulaid:** I advise drivers not to wait until the last minute to switch to winter tires. While the legal deadline is December 1, it’s wise to do it much earlier, especially when forecasts predict freezing temperatures. Being proactive can significantly reduce the chances of accidents.
**Interviewer:** What about studded tires? When should drivers start using them?
**Raido Orulaid:** In Estonia, studded tires have been permitted since October 15. They provide much better traction on icy roads compared to regular winter tires. If you’re in an area prone to icy conditions, switching to studded tires as the temperature begins to dip is a smart choice for safety.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Raido! Your insights on vehicle safety during the winter months are invaluable.
**Raido Orulaid:** Thank you! Stay safe on the roads and remember that proper tire management can truly make a difference in winter driving safety.
