Why the need for winter tires?

Dangers in winter 16% 30% 13% 7% 1% 33% Accidents caused by Miscellaneous 16% Slippery road due to rain 30% Road/Vehicle defects 13% Animals on the road 7% 1% 33% Limited visibility due to fog Slippery road due to snow, ice

Misconceptions The ten major misconceptions about winter tires 1. Too expensive! Winter tires cost nearly the same as summer tires. 2. But it isn't snowing here! It is less safe to drive on summer tires starting already at temperatures below 7º C. 3. New summer or all-season tires are good enough! Regardless of the tread depth, summer tires are not suitable for winter weather. 4. You can't drive fast with winter tires! In general, you can drive just as fast with winter tires as with summer tires. 5. But I have ABS and ESP! The best high-tech equipment does not help if the tires are not suitable for the road conditions.

10 arguments for winter tires Misconceptions The ten major misconceptions about winter tires 6. Where am I supposed to put the summer tires? I don't have any room! Your car or tire dealer does - give your tires away for storage ! 7. They don't look very good! It is no problem to fit new winter tires on aluminum rims – and the tread is attractive too. 8. But they always clear the roads and scatter sand! Less and less often – Civic budget cuts are resulting in less road clearing 9. But I'm insured! The risk of an accident is 6 times higher in winter, what about physical risk? 10. It's not worth it for just a few days! Winter conditions require winter tires: temperatures below 7°C, cold wet roads, snow, or frost! Depending on the region, average monthly temperatures are below 7°C for up to 6 months a year! 10 arguments for winter tires

Braking Comparison - Snow Braking on snow Winter Tires 35 m / 115 ft. Summer Tires 43 m / 141 ft. Measured at a speed of 45 km/h / 28 mph. Source: Continental AG 2003

Braking Comparison - Ice Braking on ice Winter Tires 57 m / 187 ft. Summer Tires 68 m / 223 ft. Measured at a speed of 30 km/h / 19 mph. Source: Continental AG 2003

Braking Comparison - Wet Braking on wet surfaces The braking distance becomes much shorter at temperatures under 7° C with winter tires. Winter Tires 20° C / 68 ° F Summer Tires 7° C / 45 ° F Winter Tires 5° C / 41 ° F Summer Tires 62 m 64 m 66 m 68 m 70 m Measured at a speed of 90 km/h / 56 mph. Source: Continental AG 2003

Traction Mechanisms On Snow and Ice Tread Pattern Sipe Technology Compound

Traction Mechanisms Block edge pressure peaks ensure shear effect Block Edges  Snow Friction caused by adhesion Rubber  Snow Friction caused by cohesion Snow  Snow

Traction Mechanisms – Pattern effect 0,1 15 30 45 60 0,2 0,3 0,4 Traction in snow Slip [%] Winter tread pattern with sipes Summer tread blocks

Temperature Dependance – Compound effect 20 10 -10 -20 30 Tread hardness Lower grip due to higher Shore Good grip thanks to optimum Shore hardness Winter tyres Summer tyres Use winter tyres below 7° Celsius! 7° C 45° F +°C - °C Wet road Ice

Summary Winter tires pay off themselves Increase in safety (not measurable in money) Car damage caused by the use of summer tires are more expensive than buying new winter tires Extension of summer tires´ lifetime