Snow driving (III) – the tyres

The most basic principle for snow driving (as well as in other surfaces) is having good tyres. The best tyres for Swedish conditions in winter are the spiked tyres. Snow chains are not enough. In Sweden they are so important that are legally compulsory from December 1st until March 31st, although they may be used from October 1st until April 15th. The compulsory dates also can change depending on the region. The snow chains are not substitute of the spiked tyres although they can be used out of the compulsory period when road conditions require them. The spiked tyres must be especially manufactured for winter road conditions and be marked as M – S (Mud and Snow). They also must have a minimum tread depth of at least 3 millimetres on passenger The tyres with the best state of the pattern and grip to the road should be mounted at the back on the car in every vehicle, both front wheel and back wheel cars. This will decrease the risk of sliding when breaking or taking curves.