4 season tyres
 

We have to have winter tyres or carry snow chains between mid-November and mid-April here. Does anyone know if 4 season tyres count as winter tyres for the purposes of complying with this legal requirement? I know it's a bit odd to be asking this just when we've come through the hottest spell on record!

Re: 4 season tyres
 

I had 4 season tyres fitted on my car last November in a local garage. It saves keeping a spare set of tyres.

Re: 4 season tyres
 

As long as they are stamped M+S you are good to go.

Re: 4 season tyres
 

I just checked my 4 season tyres and they are marked with sun,rain and snow symbols as well as M+S. I suspect they wouldn't be much good in difficult snow or ice conditions.

Re: 4 season tyres
 

Thanks both: much obliged

Re: 4 season tyres
 

As Philat hinted, I think there are two issues: do four season tyres meet the legal requirements? And are four season tyres actually any good for driving on snow and ice?

If you don't have much snow and/ or rarely venture out when the roads are covered in snow or ice then four season tyres may be adequate, but if you live in the mountains and regularly have snow and need to drive on it, then I think proper winter tyres would be a good investment. If it was me, I would invest in a set of wheels from a scrap yard to mount winter tyres on to use in the winter, to avoid having to switch tyres twice a year.

Re: 4 season tyres
 

Hi,probably a silly question,we are driving back to UK in December.We will be on motorways mainly,but will overnight a few miles off,probably Lugano.Do we need these tyres?Cheers,Brian.

Re: 4 season tyres
 

You need winter tyres - M&S stamped- or chains in the boot in Northern Italy.

Re: 4 season tyres
 

Same here in Abruzzo and I suspect most places in Italy and indeed countries within Europe.

Re: 4 season tyres
 

I go back to the UK at the end of November every year through Switzerland. My snow chains are still in the original wrapping unopened. But as Pulaski wisely points out it's where you live that matters.

Re: 4 season tyres
 

Where can I find a Marks and Spencer in Calabria,lol.No, joking apart,I broke the law last year not knowing this,although we overnighted in Arezzo and Colmar staying on motorway inbetween.So is that illegal also,staying on motorway,cheers,Brian.

Re: 4 season tyres
 

Well....staying on the motorway is not illegal. However chains or winter tyres are a legal requirement.

Re: 4 season tyres
 

Well,I dont know whether to thank you or not after that sarcy answer.

Re: 4 season tyres
 

Brian I think the simple answer is that you need snow chains or the equivalent in Italy or in France, Germany and others for that matter. A quick search "do i need snow chains in Italy" came up with this from Europcar and many more links. Here a few years back the police had a stop point at a busy road junction and stopped lots of people and many were fined €36+ , but I'm sure it can be a lot worsein different areas. They have no carried out this exercise since as far as I know, many think they just needed some cash at that time!

Re: 4 season tyres
 

Cheers,I googled it and some say mountainous regions only and some all roads.I suppose the A1 climbs a fair bit in places so is in that category,I will look around for snow chains,cheers,Brian.