many cars with large wheel/tyre combinations cannot use snowchains due to lack of clearance in the arches
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This even applies to my standard 98 Mondeo Ghia X on 16" 205/50s
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It applies to most modern cars.
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In Germany there is no specific requirement for winter tyres. But there is a statutory requirement for tyres that are suitable for the conditions.
This pretty much excludes summer tyres in the winter and would also put a severe question over all season tyres should there be snow on the ground. I would be more concerned about an invalid insurance were you to be involved in an accident.
Winter tyres should have a tread depth of 4mm or more.
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Mmmm, not sure snow socks cut the ice (so to speak) with the highway patrol guys.
In Germany, you can use regular tyres in the winter but not on a road with snow or ice lying on it. Obviously, this can prove rather tricky for tourists who cannot lie up and wait for the plow or the weather to change!
If the plow has not cleared it down to the tarmac then you are required to have tyres showing M+S (or snowflake symbol) on the sidewall and at least 4mm tread depth.
In Austria snow chains should be carried and must be used as dictated by local signs or road conditions. Reduced speed limits may apply. (source: the AA)
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In Austria snow chains should be carried and must be used as dictated by local signs or road conditions. Reduced speed limits may apply. (source: the AA)
Applies to Germany too.
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In Germany there is no specific requirement for winter tyres. But there is a statutory requirement for tyres that are suitable for the conditions.
We have been through all this before winter tyres are compulsory in Germany I dragged the specific ordernance last time I can't be bothered doing it again.I live in germany and see the sign up for the new regs in every tyre dealer its been massive business for them as it always is only this tear they must offer tyre storage facilities.
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That should be year not tear.
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Okay, okay.
I take may recommendations from the ADAC website, but only posted the briefest of responses.
Winter tyres are NOT compulsory as such as it is not possible to define times of year for their requirement, nor the exacting road conditions. For example, what is the difference between melt water in winter and a heavy downpour in the summer?
The way the law is written, winter tyres are pretty much required (de facto) as you would not want to get caught short with only summer tyres on the car.
Inappropriate tyres can incurr points as well as fines.
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On the Mercedes forums (where, being RWD, there is much discussion about these things) there was a comment from one poster recently that SnowSocks and summer tyres are about as effectives as winter tyres on their own.
I have a set of SnowSocks for exactly that reason - I don't intend to fit winter tyres (in the UK) and would hope the SnowSocks will assist me in an emergency.
Apparently SnowSocks are not accepted where chains are required.
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Here in Sweden you have to fit winter tyres from 1st December latest, earlier if conditions dictate. When they say winter tyres, they mean winter tyres, not 'All season' or chunky off road tyres (even if they have M+S on the side). You can have regular winter tyres, or studded winter tyres. If you have a trailer, it has to have the same type, ie. studded or not.
However, foreign tourists don't have to comply.
The big hill coming out of Jonkoping has heating underneath it, as trucks from other European countries come here in the winter with summer tyres, and either crash going down or get stuck coming up.
I went for studs as no salt is used here, or in the nearest towns. The roads authority send out a road map of the area, telling you which roads get ploughed, how often, and at what depth of snow they start. And which roads they salt, and at what frequency. They also warn that if the temperature is expected to go below -6 they don't salt at all.
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cheers for the info.
the holiday is getting more expensive by the minute!
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Nobody ever checks unless you are involved in a serious accident or cause a holdup.
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Andy, do you know if snow socks are acceptable in lieu of chains in Germany? Auto Bild tested them recently and found they added an extra 5% over winter tyres whereas chains added an extra 15% (if I got my translations right).
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Yes as far as I am aware they are TUV approved but as I said nobody will check.
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