Tyres, the special order starts, here are the instructions

Only a few days left until the ordinance to circulate with winter tyres or chains on board, where applicable. We publish a statement made by Assogomma and Federpneus that have promoted the campaign “Winter in safety” sponsored by the Ministry of Interior, Transport, Aci, AISCAT, Ania, Aniasa, UNASCA.

The directive of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport of 16th January 2013 states that the authority responsible for the road and / or the operator, can “require that vehicles carry or have on board anti-slip means or winter tyres suitable for driving on snow and ice.” The directive applies outside of residential areas with a uniform period between 15th November and 15th April.

There will be a temporal extension of the validity period for roads or traits that have particular climatic conditions such as mountain roads at particularly high altitudes. This is the case of the of Valle d’Aosta, where the ordinance in force throughout the country in the period from 15th October to 15th April.

Also the municipalities can adopt the same measures within town centres  in accordance with art. 7, paragraph 1) of the CdS. The ordinances apply to motor vehicles, except for two-wheel mopeds and motorcycles, however, these are not allowed in case of snow or ice on the road and / or if it is snowing.

Here is a useful handbook to try to respond to frequently asked questions of motorists who are about to change their tyres:

I’ve heard about winter tyres, snow tyres and thermal tyres. Are there any differences?
– They are different ways to indicate the type of winter tyre which, by law, do not require the installation of additional devices of adhesion. They are recognised by the M+S marking on the side of the tyre (it is a self-declaration by the manufacturer) and the possible additional Alpine pictogram (a 3 peak mountain with a snowflake inside) attesting the overcoming of a specific snow approval test.

When is the best time to fit winter tyres? When should I take them off?
– As stated in the Ministerial Directive in 2013, the period of use of these tyres is comprised, in general, between 15th November and 15th April, regardless of weather conditions and / or the presence of snow on the ground. This period may be extended in areas with particular climatic conditions. In case of ordinances, it is obligatory that they are respected.

There are differences in performance between the normal tyre (also called summer) and winter ones?
– The performance differences are very obvious being that the winter tyres are designed and built to give, globally, the best in very critical weather conditions (low temperatures, greasy wet asphalt / wet / snowy / etc.) while normal tyres offer a better compromise in conditions of normal use.

With winter tyres can I travel at the same speed as normal?
– Of course yes, depending on road conditions. Winter tyres mounted in cold weather can also have a code of speed (maximum) less than expected for the vehicle, and in any case not less than Q (= 160 km / h). This shall be written inside the car, clearly visible from the driver’s position.

Should winter tyres be inflated to the same pressure as normal? If not, where can I find the correct information?
– Normally yes. The checks should always be made “cold” in the specific environmental conditions, respecting in any case the vehicle manufacturer requirements.

What are “all-season” tyres?
– “All season”, “4 Seasons”, “all weather”, “multipurpose”, “MultiSeason”, etc. are trade definitions to which each manufacturer associates specific technical content. If they have the M+S marking then you can circulate in the presence of the ordinance. For further information refer to the catalogue of the individual manufacturer.

Can winter tyres only be used exclusively in the presence of snow?
– No, they are suitable for use throughout winter, even if it isn’t snowing. The New Highway Code has adopted the new term “snow tyre” thus recognising the same excellent performance guaranteed throughout the cold season.

How many winter tyres should I mount on my car?
– The Ministry recommends to install them on all of the wheels in order to achieve uniform conditions of grip on the road surface.

Winter tyres and regular tyres fitted with chains are two legal equivalents and alternatives?
– Yes, the Highway code expressly states it.

On the vehicle registration certificate of my car they are specific measures reported for tyres in addition to other tyre sizes. They are to be considered an exclusive obligation?
– No, the circular of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport of 2004 made it clear that the specific measures for winter tyres indicated in the registration certificate are not to be considered restrictively, but in addition to the M+S versions of the other measures mentioned.