1. Why the need for winter tires?

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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

8. Traction Mechanisms On Snow and Ice Tread Pattern Sipe Technology
Compound

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

10. 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

11. Temperature Dependance – Compound effect20 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

12. 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