The cold and icy temperatures typical of this time of year have definitively settled on the Peninsula. The first heavy snowfalls of the season have appeared in recent days and the situation could worsen with the effects of an isolated depression at high levels (DANA) that the State Meteorological Agency (AEMET) expects for this Tuesday.
The snowfall forecasts in much of the northern peninsula and the Balearic Islands will be accompanied by frosts that will be intense in mountain areas, according to the AEMET. This situation is especially worrying for road safety, since roads can become dangerous due to the accumulation of snow and ice formation, putting road safety at risk.
In specific situations, especially in environments where snow accumulation is considerable and ice patches form on the road, traffic authorities impose the obligation to use chains to reinforce road safety. However, this measure is not essential when the vehicle is equipped with specific winter tires, a common practice in neighboring countries.
According to the General Vehicle Regulations, tires marked with the inscriptions M S, MS or M
The two types of tires have a common denominator: they are specifically designed to maintain grip on the road. Winter tires, due to their characteristics, are indicated for driving with temperatures below 7ºC, whether the road is snowy or not. All-season tires, as their name suggests, are valid all year round. They are not as effective as winter ones on snow or wet ground, but these come close due to traction and directionality.
All-season tires can be used instead of chains when they contain the inscription 3PMSF (3 Peak Mountain Snow Flake) on the sidewall or the pictogram of a three-peak mountain marked on the wheel. According to the Tire Manufacturers Group, in these cases the tires prove that they are safe for driving on snow.
The main advantage of all-season tires over chains is that it is not necessary to mount or dismount them when weather conditions change. Unlike chains, which require manual installation in specific snow or ice situations, all-season tires are designed to offer optimal performance in both winter conditions and other surfaces.
In addition, they allow circulation on highways with the presence of consecutive tunnels, according to instruction 15/TV-88 of the DGT. On the other hand, drivers who wear chains in their car must remove them every time they drive through a tunnel.
Yes, all-season tires are versatile. With them you can ride safely on different types of surfaces, whether on dry, wet, snowy or icy roads. Their design and composition allow them to adapt to a wide range of weather conditions, simplifying vehicle management in variable environments without the need to change tires regularly.
The design of an all-season tire combines features of summer tires and winter tires to provide versatility and comfort to drivers. They are made with a rubber compound formulated to maintain good flexibility in a variety of temperatures that allows good grip on dry and wet roads. The tread usually has a pattern that includes smaller blocks and sipes that improve traction on wet and humid roads.
They also have wider grooves and channels than conventional tires to improve water evacuation and reduce the risk of aquaplaning on wet roads.
On average, all-season tires are estimated to have a useful life of around 6 years, and their optimal performance is maintained for around 50,000 kilometers without problems.
