The changeable April weather causes uncertainty when choosing tires. Do I have to put the winter tires back on or can the summer tires stay? What you need to know now.
“April, April, he does what he wants”, almost every German knows this saying. And right now, spring is once again showing its moody side. After almost summer temperatures at the weekend, it is now very cool again in Germany. Even single-digit temperatures are possible again at night. Anyone who has followed the “O to O rule” and has already put on summer tires may be wondering whether they now need to switch back to winter tires.
Temperatures in Germany are falling: No general winter tire requirement
The answer to this question is: no. Unlike in other countries, there is no general winter tire requirement in Germany. In this country, the road traffic regulations (StVO) instead stipulate that winter tires are required depending on the situation. This means: If there is black ice, slippery snow or slush, you may only drive with the appropriate tires.
And the rule of thumb from October to Easter is also not legally binding. The
ADAC
therefore recommends taking a look out the window, at the thermometer and the weather report. “If the outside temperature consistently exceeds 7 degrees, you can switch to summer tires with a clear conscience,” explains tire dealer
Vergölst
.
ADAC advises leaving cars with summer tires in winter weather
In winter weather and road conditions, drivers who have already fitted summer tires should leave their vehicle parked, advises the
ADAC
. The tires for the cold season can be recognized by the Alpine symbol (snowflake with a stylized mountain) or the M+S symbol. The latter will be banned from next winter.
If you don't want to change, you can use all-season tires. However, these do not make sense for all drivers. It is also legally permitted to drive with winter tires in summer. But that doesn't make sense, as an ADAC test shows. This significantly increases the braking distance – especially on dry roads. And the driving characteristics also deteriorate. In addition, winter tires wear more in summer and fuel consumption increases.
Fines, points and complicity in an accident: summer tires in winter weather can be expensive
Anyone who drives with summer tires despite winter weather is taking a high risk. There is a risk of a fine of 60 euros. Anyone who obstructs other road users has to pay 80 euros. There is also a point in Flensburg. And the vehicle owner also faces 75 euros and one point.
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And it will also be expensive in the event of an accident. “Anyone who causes an accident with summer tires in winter road conditions can have their comprehensive insurance benefits reduced due to gross negligence,” emphasizes the
ADAC
. In addition, accidents that are not your fault can also lead to problems with the opposing insurance company. For example, complicity is possible.