What Are Winter Tires? Why Are They Important?
In our country, the regulation regarding winter tires was published in 2017 under the "COMMUNIQUÉ ON PROCEDURES AND PRINCIPLES REGARDING THE OBLIGATION TO USE WINTER TIRES." This regulation covers vehicles registered by the General Directorate of Security (EGM) that operate on highways for the purpose of transporting goods and passengers.
The use of winter tires is mandatory between November 15 and April 15. The governorship of each province can extend these dates by one month before or after; the decision to implement the requirement is determined by taking average local temperatures into account.
M+S: Standing for Mud and Snow, this is a marking used by vehicle manufacturers indicating that the tire can be used under these conditions. In this context, the "Wet Grip" resistance labeling determined by the European Commission should be taken into consideration.
A: Shortest Braking Distance
E: Longest Braking Distance
When choosing tires (especially if they are to be used in harsh weather conditions), it is extremely important to prefer tires with the shortest braking distance characteristic. These labeling and test criteria are determined by the European Union Commission decision (UN/ECE 117).
The Snowflake Symbol (3-Peak Mountain Snowflake - 3PMSF) This symbol indicates that the tire has been tested by independent organizations and proven to perform in severe snow conditions. In other words, while M+S is generally marked based on the manufacturer's declaration and is not required to undergo performance tests, the Snowflake symbol ensures certified performance. Tires with the 3-Peak Snowflake symbol are also designed to remain flexible in the -20/-30°C range.
Tires are equipment of primary importance in driving safety. Using unsuitable tires directly affects your:
Braking distance,
Road grip (traction),
Aquaplaning risk,
Maneuverability,
Risks of blowouts and other malfunctions.
Therefore, one should not avoid the one-time cost of choosing the right tire for winter conditions. It is exactly like this situation:
"Would you go bungee jumping with a rope you didn't trust?"