We are going to drive to southern Germany (the Alps) between Xmas and New Year. There will in all likelyhood be ice and snow on the roads. Do winter tyres really make a difference? Are there any other ways we can improve our safety on the winter roads?
2006-09-29 10:47:04 · 13 answers · asked by Tanya K 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Safety
In those conditions, "Driving Style " is important as well as tyres (would never disagee with snow chains or winter tyres).
1) If you are getting spray on your screen from the car in front, then you are too close.
2) Always drive in a gear HIGHER than the gear you would normally be in.So, for a Manual gear, on ice, start in 2nd or 3rd gear. This will prevent you getting too much torque on the tyres and breaking that precious grip on the road. An Auto box is even better, simply put it to a manual high gear (not in Auto,please) press accelerator gently, torque converter will slip, you will go up the road at snails pace.
3) Frequently, clean your lights...surprising how dirty they get.
Finally, have a laugh at this.... went past a guy putting Snow Chains on the REAR wheels of a FRONT wheel drive car once...think about it!!!!!
2006-09-29 11:47:36 · answer #1 · answered by johncob 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Actually, they're mandatory in many Alpine regions. The fines for not having winter tyres can be very heavy. In many areas the local police set up inspection stations and will bar you from proceeding if you don't have the proper equipment for conditions.
And yes, winter tyres make a MAJOR difference. This is particularly true if your car has high-performance tyres to begin with. Those are great in dry weather but almost worthless on snow and ice.
2006-09-29 11:26:30 · answer #2 · answered by Bostonian In MO 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No its not necessary but its a hell of a lot safer.Winter tyre are a softer compound that do get some grip on ice.Take em off again for summer as they wear quick on summer roads,I use two sets of tyres mounted on different rims .Drive window down and listen for noise,when all goes quiet you are on ice,dont make any sudden moves.
2006-09-29 10:59:52 · answer #3 · answered by frank m 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I used to be a milkman. In November or December, I'd swap the tyres on my Marina pickup for Gislaved snow tyres & the ones on my little Honda TN pickup for Avon Arctic snow tyres. I'd invariably forget to take them off in the spring & need a new set the next year, but the difference on snow was incredible - they would get you anywhere.
2016-03-26 23:06:10 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tyres adapted to the conditions will probably help, but the biggest difference will be your driving. Leave your lead-right shoe at home, use some common sense, and you'll be fine.
Oh, and if th rear-end ever comes out to play, steer in the direction of the slide, though I'm sure you know that anyway.
2006-09-29 13:35:44 · answer #5 · answered by mr_carburettor 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They certainly do make a difference but modern tyres are designed to cope with most conditions.
It's up to you, do you want the extra expense just before the holiday?
2006-09-29 10:51:56 · answer #6 · answered by tucksie 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Naw, snow tires aren't really called for unless you live in a mountainous region and plan to leave the freeway.
2006-09-29 10:55:09 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes you should, don't take risks in conditions with which you will be unfamiliar.
People usually have snow chains too, quite inexpensive, but vital.
2006-09-29 10:50:23 · answer #8 · answered by Mr Glenn 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, they help. Stay off icy roads. It's the only safe thing to do.
2006-09-29 10:51:21 · answer #9 · answered by Papa John 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, Yes ,Yes, fit with proper snow tires only, its required by law.
2006-09-29 10:53:15 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋