What should I look for when buying winter tyres?

When buying winter tyres, there are several important aspects to consider to make the right choice and ensure the safety and performance of your vehicle in winter road conditions:

1. Tread depth

• New winter tyres have a tread depth of approx. 8-9 mm, which provides better grip on snow and ice. It is recommended to replace winter tyres at a tread depth of 4 mm at the latest, as the grip decreases sharply with a lower tread, but this is also required by law.

2. Winter tyre marking

• Make sure that the tyres are marked with the snowflake symbol. The snowflake symbol has been the official symbol since 2018 for tyres approved for use in winter conditions.

3. Tyre size and specifications

• The size of the tyres should correspond to the recommendations of the vehicle manufacturer. You can find this information in your car's manual or on a sticker on the driver's door.
• Important information such as width, aspect ratio, diameter and the speed index (e.g. T for 190 km/h) must match the vehicle.

4. Rubber compound

• Winter tyres have a special rubber compound that remains flexible even at cold temperatures. Make sure you choose tyres that work well at temperatures below 7°C, as summer tyres lose grip at low temperatures.

5. Wet grip and braking performance

• Wet grip is particularly important for winter tyres, as wet and icy roads can increase braking distances. The EU tyre label provides information on wet grip. Tyres in classes A to C generally offer the best results in wet and icy conditions.

6. Rolling resistance and fuel consumption

• Low rolling resistance improves your vehicle's fuel consumption. Winter tyres are often not as efficient as summer tyres, but you can choose models that are optimised for efficiency. The EU tyre label also provides a good guide here.

7. Noise level

• Pay attention to the noise level of the tyre. The EU tyre label indicates the noise level in decibels (dB). Particularly quiet winter tyres contribute to a more comfortable driving experience.

8. Tyre age

• Do not buy tyres that are older than 3 years. The production date (DOT number) can be found on the sidewall of the tyres and indicates the production week and year (e.g. 3421 means week 34 of 2021).

9. Tyre tests and ratings

• It is helpful to read the results of independent tyre tests to make an informed decision. Organisations such as the TCS, ADAC or ÖAMTC regularly conduct tests on various winter tyre models to assess their performance in snow, ice, wet conditions and on dry roads.

If you take these points into account, you can order your desired winter tyres online in our online shop and drive safely through the winter.

We recommend our 5 best-selling brands: Hankook, Continental, Pirelli, Michelin and Nankang.

If you have any further questions, our Blue Design Team will of course be happy to help.