Winter tyres

Do they really make a difference? I am planning a road trip in the second half of December, going through the Alps (through Switzerland and Austria). Changes are it will be snowing Do you think it is worth me buying winter tires?

Yes! You need to check local requirements. On some roads it may be a local law or regulation that winter tyres are fitted. At the very least winter tyres will be recommeded. Edit: We've also taken snow chains, may be worth investigating having a set of them and knowing how to fit them.

There might be some useful info on here:

Rule #1 - Don't rely on the electronics. Rule #2 - Don't rely on clear motorways. If the snow comes, and comes heavy you can be driving on a freshly ploughed motorway and still be driving at 30mph through 1" of snow!! Been there, done it. If you head into the mountains there has been a time (singular - in 4 winters) when I have been stopped by the police to put on chains. And it is not just Austria and Switzerland - you can be hit with snow in Germany and France at that time of year. When I drove to the UK in March last year - I had put my summer tyres on. In Northern France there was a lot of snow - I passed a big accident (slowly) where ALL the cars involved had UK plates. You can drive on summer tyres - but it isn't pleasant - I was one of the slowest people on the motorway in those conditions - and the only one on Swiss plates (go figure) - and you do notice a massive difference having winter tyres on. If you are doing such a long journey - I would advise buying winter tyres. Once you have driven in winter/bad conditions with them - you will won't think twice about making the change each year.

To add to the above advice. I would recommend winter tyres even for the UK when driving in the wet winter. The difference in grip is amazing. I switched from 225/45x17 summer tyres to 205/55x16 winters (different wheels obviously) and the traction control light rarely comes on in the wet with the winter tyres. I'm sure people on here can recommend winter tyres if you aren't too sure. ADAC.de also do annual summer and winter tyre tests for ideas.

Hi, I have this strong feeling that you will require winter tyres to be fitted if going anywhere in Bavaria. Which happens to be on the way to Austria (depending on how you go of course). Likely other regions in Germany are similar regarding how the car is shod.. Temperatures regularly go sub-zero there through the winter. And this is now winter. Ergo: get winter tyres if contemplating this trip.. :) Des. . . ;)

As I mentioned CTC - there is no LEGAL requirement to have the tyres fitted - BUT there is a legal requirement for the car to be suitable and safe for the journey. Venturing out on summer tyres is not illegal however in the event of an accident the police would like to see that as being part of the problem. This is more critical for cars registered in the country - as although not stipulated as such, there have been instances where it has invalidated the insurance.

Thanks guys, I am sold on the idea. Now my next question is: as a cost-cutting exercise, do you think it would be practical if I only bought the tyres (as opposed to buying another set of wheels)? If so, am I correct to assume that the winter tyres should have exactly the same dimensions as my current set of tyres (which are 225/45x17)? Cheers, Dan