Mixed tires: summer & winter – why a risk?

Thomas Wachsmuth March 8, 2024 Test sites, laws, offenses, information

Reading time 3 Min.

When it comes to tires, there is often confusion about the term “mixed tiresand its admissibility. Under mixed tires you understand next to narrow and wide (Axiswise) also the use different tire types on a vehicle, such as the combination of summer and winter tires. This can include various configurations, such as mounting Summer tires on the front axle and Winter tires on the rear axle or the other way around. But is the practice actually permitted and safe? According to the applicable Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO) is the mixed tires in the proper sense forbidden. However, the ban specifically refers to the combination of Radial and diagonal tires at the vehicle. However, since modern tires are almost exclusively manufactured in a radial design, the ban has little meaning in practice.

Mixed tires: summer & winter

The real risk and concern is the combination of Summer and winter tires. The differences between the tire types should not be underestimated. Winter tires come with one special rubber compound equipped that remains flexible even at low temperatures, as well as a profile that is designed for maximum grip on snow and ice. Summer tires, however, offer optimal performance at high temperatures and on dry or wet roads. By using the mixed tires various risks arise. The different handling characteristics of the tires can affect the way the car handles, especially when braking, accelerating and cornering.

this statement is NOT true

https://youtu.be/m2IryNWsHHg?t=792

The statement from the following video is in our eyes "FALSE“! The official who gives us the impression that he would like to take action against visually modified vehicles says, “Winter tires on the front and summer tires on the back, is FORBIDDEN! Since it is definitely not one Radial / diagonal tire mix the officer is wrong. That the tires on the vehicle from the video actually “are dead" and the Mix of types Plus, it's not necessarily beneficial for driving behavior, but that's beyond question.

What else needs to be taken into account?

You should also consider very different tread depths and the combination of Runflat tires and normal tires avoid. The differences can increase the risk of an accident by negatively affecting stability and control. So always use a set of tires that matches the current one weather and road conditions is adapted. Investing in two separate sets of tires – one for the Summer and one for him Winter – is a decision that not only serves your own safety, but also that of all road users. In summary it can be said that despite the legal gray area regarding the definition of mixed tires in the StVZO, mixing summer and winter tires for safety reasons not recommended is.

That wasn't it yet.

Planned changes to the law, traffic violations, current regulations in the area of the STVO, etc.? You can find everything about this in the category "Test sites, laws, offenses, information".