So, you're ready to buy some winter tires for your car. Congratulations! Winter tires have unique attributes which mitigate the risks of snow, ice, and falling temperatures on the road, providing motorists with greater control behind the wheel. In contrast to all-weather tires, winter tires are specially made for winter conditions.
Now that you've decided to move forward, let's conduct a bit of research. When investing in a set of winter tires, for example, you must put them on all four-wheel positions of your car. It will maximize the handling of the vehicle and mitigate the risk of losing traction on either the rear or front axle when driving on slippery roads. Do not mix summer tires and winter tires on passenger cars.
Here are some more useful things to consider before you choose a new set of winter tires.
The defining characteristics of a good winter tire are the tread pattern, the sipes, and the tire compound. When the weather starts to get cold, and there's ice on the roads, these tires are ready to tackle the elements.
Winter tires have a dedicated tread pattern to provide superior traction and safety on snowy, wet, and icy roads. The rotation of the wheel will push the snow into the broader grooves and generate additional traction. The tread also features sipes – tiny little slots – that provide additional traction by enabling the tread blocks to flex and add additional grip edges for improved snow, ice, or wet performance.
There are legal requirements for minimum tread depth that vary by region, particularly during winter conditions. Drivers should always verify the specific regulations that apply in their area. Maintaining sufficient tread depth is essential for ensuring traction, handling, and overall safety on winter roads.
Finally, the tire compound is tailored for winter performance and has a higher percentage of natural rubber, so it remains soft and flexible in cold temperatures. If the tire compound isn't designed to perform in winter conditions – as is the case in a summer tire – it will go hard and brittle. That, in turn, leads to a substantial decline in traction, grip and safety.
When buying a new set of winter tires for your vehicle, be sure to check the size specifications as provided by the vehicle manufacturer. These details can be found in the owner's handbook, the door frame on the driver's side, or under the fuel cap. You can also find the correct tire sizes in the CoC document (Certificate of Conformity).
To keep things simpler, using the same tire size as the original equipment (OE) tires is the best course of action.
The important thing is to monitor your tire pressure every two to four weeks and top it up as necessary. Driving with under-inflated tires impacts fuel economy and tread wear, compromises safety, and could even lead to a puncture.
Winter gives you rain, ice and snow. We give you control.
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You can identify winter tires by the symbols on the sidewall. You can also find the symbols on the EU tire label.
These are the M+S symbol and the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) symbol, and both are industry standards. Until recently, the well-known M+S mark was sufficient as a winter tire label. The 3PMSF symbol (snowflake) has been mandatory for winter or all-weather tires produced since January 1, 2018 and used in winter conditions.
It is now strongly advisable to use winter tires with the 3PMSF symbol (snowflake), as they must demonstrate their performance in a standardized braking test on snow.
You should also look at the local legislation when you are buying new winter tires. For example: In Austria, M+S is the sufficient marking for winter tires, but 4 mm minimum tread depth is required on winter roads, while in Germany, the three-peak mountain symbol is mandatory and a minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm is required.
It stands for “mud and snow”. Manufacturers use this symbol to show that this tire model is suitable for winter conditions.
Tires with the M+S symbol have a tread pattern, tread compound or structure that is engineered to deliver better performance in snow conditions than a regular tire, especially in terms of their ability to initiate or maintain vehicle motion.
It is not a protected symbol and there are no standardized performance tests necessary for the M+S winter tire marking. So, there is no guarantee that tires with the M+S symbol provide the necessary grip and safety in winter driving conditions.
The three-peak mountain snowflake symbol is a more stringent certification that identifies winter tires according to UNECE regulations (valid in the EU and various other countries) and the tire regulations of the USA and Canada. The snow performance of these winter tires is proven by objective tests to meet or exceed defined limits. These tires provide high performance with regards to safety and control on snow, on icy roads, and in general at low temperatures.
The ice-grip pictogram is assigned to winter tires that demonstrate exceptional performance on ice in a standardized test. These tires are engineered specifically for driving on icy surfaces and compacted snow, and are intended for use only in very harsh winter climates (such as the extremely low temperatures found in the Nordics). Using ice-grip tires in milder conditions—like wet roads or warmer winter temperatures—may lead to reduced performance, particularly in wet grip, handling, and wear.
Winter driving conditions require more than just careful navigation – they demand the right tire for optimal safety and performance. Whether you're tackling snowy streets, icy highways or wet winter roads, Continental offers a wide range of winter tires to meet every driver’s needs.
For those looking for exceptional winter performance, the WinterContact TS 870 and TS 870 P deliver outstanding results. Like all our tires, they offer the highest level of safety, with the added benefit of optimized handling in challenging winter conditions. The WinterContact TS 870 provides excellent handling on snow and ice with its advanced compound and tread design for short braking distances and a smooth driving experience. Designed for mid-size and compact vehicles, it is the tire of choice for urban commuters facing harsh winter weather.
For larger wheel sizes and heavier vehicles, such as SUVs and premium models, the WinterContact TS 870 P offers the same high level of safety, with enhanced grip for reliable traction in winter conditions.
Designed specifically for Nordic drivers, the VikingContact 8 offers exceptional performance in extreme winter conditions. Whether you're navigating icy roads or heavy snow, this tire’s innovative design enables superior traction and control. Ideal for regions with long, harsh winters, the VikingContact 8 is built to last and keep you safe in the most challenging conditions.
Only available in certain regions; in most central-European countries this tire is not recommended.
If you're looking for a tire that offers consistent performance all year round, the AllSeasonContact 2 is an ideal choice. This tire adapts to both mild winter conditions and occasional snow, offering reliable grip and safety no matter the season. It's a perfect fit for drivers in regions with milder winters, who still need reliable performance in variable conditions.
For those who frequently drive on ice-covered roads, the IceContact 3 features advanced technology to maximize traction and braking. Its innovative stud design keeps you safe on even the slipperiest of surfaces.
Only available in certain regions.
Winter tires typically last between 3 and 5 seasons, depending on driving habits, mileage, road conditions and proper storage. In average use, a winter tire offers 25,000–40,000 miles (40.000–64.000 km) of effective performance.What affects winter tire lifespan:
• Annual mileage and driving style
• Road conditions (snow, ice, wet, dry)
• Tire pressure and vehicle alignment
• How they’re stored during warmer months
• Rubber ageing over time
