WINTER TIRE TIPS FOR SAFE DRIVING

Control has always been a top priority for Pirelli. Thanks to the passion for innovation of our engineers and the exclusive experience of F1®,
Pirelli’s tires offer increased control on the road.
Overview

WHY TO USE PIRELLI WINTER TIRES

SAFETY AND MAXIMUM GRIP

On wet roads or snow, but also on dry surfaces with low external temperatures, winter tires increase control compared to summer tires because they are specially designed for low temperatures.  Summer tires are engineered for performance in warm weather; winter tires use rubber compounds and tread patterns designed for grip and control in cold winter conditions.

HYDROPLANING DECREASE
The particular winter tread pattern has a high drainage level in order to prevent risk of hydroplaning. Hydroplaning can occur on wet surfaces or in the presence of water holes. This is when vehicles “float” due to the tires’ inability to expel the water.
BRAKING DISTANCE REDUCTION
When temperatures fall below 45° F, winter tires reduce braking distance by 10% on wet surfaces and by 20% on snow compared with summer tires.
CONVENIENCE IN ANY CONDITIONS
Mounted at the beginning of the season, winter tires make it possible to drive on dry and wet roads as well as snow, maintaining maximum control thanks their innovative research technology.  According to law, they must offer the same control in winter conditions as snow chains. However, snow chains take up a lot of space in your car and limit your maximum driving speed to 30 mph, producing high levels of noise and drastically reducing comfort while driving.
HIGH PERFORMANCE
At equivalent speeds, winter tires offer higher performance in any conditions under 45° F. An increased grip guarantees a high level of traction, stability and braking efficiency which translate to excellent comfort while driving.
TRAVEL FREEDOM
Winter tires allow you to travel from autumn to spring without being held back by weather conditions.
WINTER CATALOG

WINTER TIRE MAINTENANCE

Move the tire to know all the details for the maintenance of your winter tires.
CHECK WINTER TIRE PRESSURE Move the
WINTER SOTTOZERO™ 3
HERE
TIRE LIFESPAN Move the
WINTER SOTTOZERO™ 3
HERE
DURABILITY Move the
WINTER SOTTOZERO™ 3
HERE
CHECK WINTER TIRE PRESSURE
For winter tires, a rise in pressure of 0.2 bar is recommended due to thermal fluctuation that leads to a decrease in tire pressure. It is preferable to measure pressure in cold conditions at least 30 minutes after using the vehicle, in order to be sure that the heat produced while driving has not modified the pressure. The winter tires check has to be performed not only after traumas (such as bumping the tires), but at least once a month.
TIRE LIFESPAN
By law, it is permitted to continue driving, also on winter tires, until the tread depth goes down to 2/32''
DURABILITY
When not in use, winter tire must be preserved, preferably inflated, with rims put on and pressure under control periodically. The best way to save them is positioning in a single line on shelves vertically, at least 4 inches from the ground, with the lateral side in a vertical way in order to not affect the profile.

ASK A RETAILER FOR HELP

He provides all the assistance that you need to periodically check your tires

GO TO DEALER LOCATOR

WINTER DRIVING TIPS

Here you can find some tips from the Pirelli engineers to get the best in terms of performance and safety from winter tires
SMOOTH MOVEMENTS
Avoid abrupt acceleration or braking that can make the vehicle lose grip on wet or snowy surfaces. Also avoid exaggerated steering.
CHECK SPEED LIMIT
Pay attention to the speed limits described on the external side of the tire. It is possible to use winter tires with a lower speed indication than that stated by law.
ALWAYS USE FOUR WINTER TIRES
Uniform equipment is necessary to ensure excellent performance and safety while driving. Always use 4 winter tires of the same brand and with the same design characteristics.
CHECK THE TREAD
Winter tire performance is excellent on snow at a tread depth of 5/32”. By law, a minimum tread depth of 2/32” is required for winter tires.
TIRES ROTATION
Tire rotation gives tires even wear and increased durability. Rotation of winter tires must be carried out every 5,000/7,000 miles.
STORE CAREFULLY
If you don’t use your tires, they must be stored inflated, with controlled pressure. The best way to preserve tires is to store them vertically in a single file of shelves, at least 4 inches above the ground.

HOW TO RECOGNIZE WINTER TIRES

They are easily recognizable because they have a M+S (Mud&Snow) marking on the side and a mountain with a snowflake symbol.

FAQ

I live in the city, and during the winter I travel on flat terrain, do I really need winter tires?
Below 7°C, or for most of the period running from October to March, winter tires offer greater road holding ability than summer tires. During the cold months, the compound used in summer tires hardens which decreases its grip on the road, as well as its braking capabilities.

Winter tires are more expensive, why should I buy them?
It’s true, you have to buy two sets of tires: one for summer and one for winter. But when you fit winter tires, the summer tires should be set aside and stored appropriately. They can then be used again as the months get warmer ensuring safety in all weather conditions.

But if it’s true that winter tires perform much better than summer tires why can’t I keep them all year round?
Winter tires have been developed to offer excellent performance when the temperature is below +7°C. During the summer their compound, which is softer than that of summer tires, wears much more rapidly and hence doesn't perform as well.

Can winter tires only be used on snow?
Winter tires have been developed to respond actively in the presence of snow but also offer excellent performance, compared with summer tires, on wet and dry roads throughout the cold weather season. The tread pattern has been designed to reduce the risk of aquaplaning considerably.

Can I fit two winter tires on the powered wheels and keep the summer tires on the others?
This option is strongly advised against. In fact, if the car is a front-wheel drive, and you fit winter tires only at the front, there is a risk of losing control of the vehicle. If the car is rear-wheel drive, and you fit winter tires only at the rear, there is a risk of losing control when turning. Finally, if you fit winter tires to the non-powered wheels it will be very difficult to move on icy or snow-covered roads.

 

With winter tires am I forced to reduce my driving speed drastically, like when using chains?
This option is strongly advised against. In fact, if the car is a front-wheel drive, and you fit winter tires only at the front, there is a risk of losing control of the vehicle. If the car is rear-wheel drive, and you fit winter tires only at the rear, there is a risk of losing control when turning. Finally, if you fit winter tires to the non-powered wheels it will be very difficult to move on icy or snow-covered roads.

 

If I continue to use summer tires in the autumn and winter will it be more difficult to retain control of the vehicle?
The braking distance with winter tires is reduced by up to 10% on wet surfaces and 20% on snowy surfaces with respect to summer tires. This means that if you use winter tires below 7° C you can stop quicker and you have better control of your car.