Do you know the Alpine symbol?
The weather is giving clear signs that the end of the year is approaching, which also brings with it the cold time of the year. The “good” car owner has already made provisions and fitted winter tyres. Are they the right ones though? Because as of 1st of January, 2018, new rules apply.
If you think about changing your tyres now, you should watch out not only for quality, driving qualities and the price but also the so-called “Alpine” symbol.
The technical correct designation is “3 Peak Mountain Snow Flake” (3PMSF) pictogram which has been mandatory since the beginning of 2018 and is an essential marking on each winter tyre that earns it. But what does this mean in concrete terms and which regulations or exemptions apply?
The technical correct designation is “3 Peak Mountain Snow Flake” (3PMSF) pictogram which has been mandatory since the beginning of 2018 and is an essential marking on each winter tyre that earns it. But what does this mean in concrete terms and which regulations or exemptions apply?
As of 1st of January, 2018, all newly manufactured tyres must be marked with the “Alpine” symbol to be identified as winter tyres. For winter tyres that are marked only with M+S (or M&S or M.S.) until 31st December 2017 a transition period is in force that lasts until 30th September 2024.
The change also applies to all-season tyres and M1 class cars, i.e. passenger cars, SUVs, vans, all-terrain vehicles, recreational vehicles and light trucks. Agriculture and forestry vehicles, emergency vehicles (police, fire brigade, emergency services and ambulances), forklifts and motorized wheelchairs are exempt from the regulation.
Red tape or real improvement?
The new symbol has a higher quality claim. While no consistent winter test criteria are required for the M+S marking, tyres with the “Alpine” symbol must demonstrate minimum qualities in a comparative brake test on snow. Therefore, no compromises must be made when it comes to tyres. Rims and tyres as a unit are the only and therefore most important connection to the road.
What does “situative fitting of winter tyres” mean?
The “situative fitting of winter tyres”, which is valid in many European countries, means that winter tyres must be fitted to passenger cars in conditions including glaze, slippery frost and black ice as well as snow and slush. Or in simple words: Summer tyres are not permissible in winter conditions. Otherwise, you may be fined (approx. 60 to 80 euros, depending on the obstruction of road traffic), in addition to having to quarrel with your insurance company, because an accident can have a serious impact on your comprehensive cover and indemnity insurance. In Germany, for example, not only the vehicle operator (driver) but also the vehicle owner may be fined. This affects rental car companies in particular. Motorcyclists are exempt from this rule due to the fact that there are hardly any tyres on the market with a respective marking. Moreover, temperatures below zero degrees Celsius are anything but pleasant to be out riding on two wheels.
The new symbol has a higher quality claim. While no consistent winter test criteria are required for the M+S marking, tyres with the “Alpine” symbol must demonstrate minimum qualities in a comparative brake test on snow. Therefore, no compromises must be made when it comes to tyres. Rims and tyres as a unit are the only and therefore most important connection to the road.
What does “situative fitting of winter tyres” mean?
The “situative fitting of winter tyres”, which is valid in many European countries, means that winter tyres must be fitted to passenger cars in conditions including glaze, slippery frost and black ice as well as snow and slush. Or in simple words: Summer tyres are not permissible in winter conditions. Otherwise, you may be fined (approx. 60 to 80 euros, depending on the obstruction of road traffic), in addition to having to quarrel with your insurance company, because an accident can have a serious impact on your comprehensive cover and indemnity insurance. In Germany, for example, not only the vehicle operator (driver) but also the vehicle owner may be fined. This affects rental car companies in particular. Motorcyclists are exempt from this rule due to the fact that there are hardly any tyres on the market with a respective marking. Moreover, temperatures below zero degrees Celsius are anything but pleasant to be out riding on two wheels.
Not mandatory, but highly recommendable
There are no specific rules for aluminium rims in winter but owing to snow, ice and winter road sand, rims are exposed to extreme conditions in winter.
With DEZENT rims car owners show style even in the wet and grey time of the year. The high-quality and innovative SR3 paint ensures that rims still look good after years on end. The abbreviation stands for “Salt Resistant” while the number refers to the 3-layer process – primer coat, paint coat, finish coat
With DEZENT rims car owners show style even in the wet and grey time of the year. The high-quality and innovative SR3 paint ensures that rims still look good after years on end. The abbreviation stands for “Salt Resistant” while the number refers to the 3-layer process – primer coat, paint coat, finish coat