2023-02-22 08:00:00
Winter is not over yet: Even if the gradually warming rays of the sun give rise to the first spring fever, drivers still have to reckon with smooth, slippery roads – especially in the evening and morning hours. It is not for nothing that the rule of thumb for winter tires is from “O to O”: that is from October to Easter. Winter or at least all-season tires should therefore be used during these months.
In tests, however, all-season tires regularly do not come close to the virtues of real winter tires in difficult weather conditions. In addition, they wear out more quickly in summer and have a negative effect due to their higher fuel consumption. All-weather tires are permitted in Germany if they meet the legal requirements for winter tires. To meet these requirements, since January 1, 2018, new all-season tires must display the “Alpine” symbol, which shows a mountain and a snowflake. This is the only way that all-weather or all-season tires can be used in winter according to legal requirements. However, the use of all-season tires that are only marked with the lettering “M+S” without the snowflake symbol is still permitted until September 30, 2024. After that, these tires are no longer allowed.
In Germany, word should have gotten around by now, that there is no general winter tire requirement, but an appropriate one. This means that in wintry road conditions, drivers must drive with winter tires – i.e. when there is ice, frost or snow, slush or black ice. And this requirement may also apply following Easter.
Anyone who violates the situational winter tire obligation not only has to expect a fine of 60 euros and a point in the central traffic register in Flensburg, but can also have problems with their insurer in the event of an accident, warns the Goslar Institute for HUK-Coburg consumer-oriented insurance. Because he may reduce his benefit because the insured person is partly to blame for violating the winter tire requirement.
Apart from that, winter tires are of course the best protection for your own safety. The thermometer doesn’t have to fall below zero for this to happen. Extreme caution and alertness are required even at temperatures close to freezing point. It is not for nothing that modern cars warn the driver of a possibly slippery road surface at five to three degrees Celsius. Because then the braking distance is significantly longer, so that more distance should be kept to the vehicle in front than in summer. If you are unsure regarding the road conditions, you can carefully try braking on the open road at the start of your journey if there is no danger. But beware: if it is already slippery, it can become slippery.
The general rule is to drive more carefully and more slowly than usual in wintry weather conditions. Road traffic regulations, for example, understand the permitted maximum speed as the maximum value that is permitted under normal circumstances. In unfavorable conditions, such as poor road conditions or poor visibility and weather conditions, the speed must be adapted to the situation. Jerky steering movements should also be avoided on slippery surfaces.
Especially on the threshold from winter to spring, suddenly low night temperatures can cause surprises in the morning. This is especially true on bridges or routes that lead through forests, where the danger of black ice is generally higher – and also more likely. (awm)
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