Conti releases updated winter tyre guide

Were you aware that between 1 November and 15 April operators of trucks driving in or through Austria risk a driving ban and a fine of up to 5,000 euros for not having M+S tyres on at least one drive axle? Or that studded tyres are permitted – albeit sometimes at a cost – during winter in Norway? Or that in Finland motorists may drive year-round on summer tyres, provided their vehicle is preceded by a husky wearing a hi-vis collar?

Okay, the last of these may not be true, but the chances are you also weren’t aware of the first two regulations. The fact is, winter driving and tyre regulations vary throughout Europe, and truck drivers who travel there in the colder months need to ensure their tyres and vehicles comply with local legislation. To help simplify the issue, Continental Tyres has produced an update to its Winter Tyre Guide, which highlights the different tyre requirements truck operators from the UK and Ireland will encounter when operating in Europe this winter.

The guide outlines the regulations in each country and the penalties a driver may face for flouting the rules. It also advises operators on best practise for fitting winter tyres to ensure vehicles stay safe in wintry conditions. For example, during the winter months Continental would advise that truck tyres across all axle positions should have a minimum tread depth of at least 4mm. Furthermore, to ensure maximum safety and vehicle performance, if winter tyres are not fitted all round then priority should be given first to the drive axle, then the steer axle and then to all other remaining axle positions.

“Our recently updated range of winter tyres fulfil a number of important criteria for operators,” commented Tracey Hyem, commercial marketing manager at Continental. “Certainly they will ensure that vehicles can operate legally within each country as well as safely, with up to 20 per cent more traction than standard tyres, but an additional benefit is that the improved traction delivers far better fuel consumption too.”

Further information on the correct use of winter tyres as well as a country by country guide to tyre legislation this winter, is available free to all as a download from the Continental website at www.conti-online.co.uk/truck.