For Trucks, Buses and Coaches

Goodyear Winter Guide

What is a winter tyre?

A winter tyre (or “snow tyre” according to EU Regulation 661/2009) is defined as a “tyre whose tread pattern, tread compound or structure is primarily designed to achieve in snow conditions a performance better than that of a normal tyre with regard to its ability to initiate or maintain vehicle motion”.

Winter tyre marking

Winter tyre marking - what’s new for 2024

As of Autumn 2024, new legislation mandates that all winter tyres in France, Germany, Austria, and Sweden must display the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol to be considered a ‘winter tyre’.

The 3PMSF symbol assures compliance with European safety standards. This change underscores the critical importance of using tyres that have been independently tested to ensure optimal traction and handling in snow and ice.

M+S (also M.S or M&S) has been the widely used marking on winter tyres, stipulated in EU legislation.

However, M+S remains a permitted marking, but not legally linked to a minimum guaranteed performance in winter conditions. M+S tyres have better snow traction than regular tyres but do not necessarily pass the snow grip threshold legal requirement to qualify for the new three-peak snowflake identification.

1 Council Directive 92/23/EEC of 31 March 1992 relating to tyres for motor vehicles and their trailers and to their fitting.
   
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Benefits of winter tyres

The use of winter tyres ensures that vehicle performance is optimized when temperatures are low and in particular when roads are affected by snow and ice. Tyres react differently according to temperature, so specific compounds and tread patterns are necessary for such conditions. Good grip is of course essential for steering and braking control as well as traction. At lower temperatures some other tyres do not give the same performance as they provide in their normal temperature range. A more aggressive tread pattern is also necessary, not only for good grip in snow but also on ice and to efficiently clear surface water.

The benefits of commercial winter tyres are particularly important for mobility in challenging weather conditions. Avoiding road blockages has not least certain economic pluses, e.g. preventing losses from delayed deliveries, spoilt goods, etc...

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Goodyear winter tyre ranges.

Ready to meet all winter conditions.

 

Goodyear’s winter truck, coach and bus tyre ranges are developed to cope with today’s demanding winter transport operations.

ULTRA GRIP WTS, WTS City, WTD, WTD City, WTT, ULTRA GRIP Coach and ULTRA GRIP MAX S, D and T have been specifically designed to provide excellent winter capabilities to face the toughest and most extreme winter conditions.

All tyre designs below are M+S and 3PMSF marked and comply with the most restrictive European winter tyre regulations.

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Winter tyre markings on Goodyear tyre ranges

Almost all Goodyear truck and bus tyres are marked with the M+S and the 3PMSF symbol. Following Goodyear tyres ranges qualify for the 3PMSF marking:

Our Winter Specialist Tyre Range

ULTRA GRIP MAX S

ULTRA GRIP MAX S

A specialist steer tyre designed for winter and mountain applications, offering improved lateral stability on ice and snow, along with excellent mileage.

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ULTRA GRIP MAX D

ULTRA GRIP MAX D

A specialist drive-axle tyre designed for winter and mountain applications, offering improved traction on ice and snow, along with excellent mileage.

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ULTRA GRIP MAX T

ULTRA GRIP MAX T

A specialist trailer tyre designed for winter and mountain applications, offering improved lateral stability on ice and snow, along with excellent mileage.

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Winter tyre requirements for heavy commercial vehicles in Europe

Countries with no requirements for winter tyres

Countries with local requirements for winter tyres/use of chains

Countries with requirements for winter tyres and/or other winter equipment in certain circumstances or on certain roads (e.g. “partial obligations for winter tyres”)

Countries with mandatory winter tyres legislation throughout a whole fixed period and on all roads, irrespective of whether there is snow and/or ice (e.g. “overall winter tyre laws”)

Source: Goodyear. Data as of November 2024. Please check local legislation for possible changes before entering a country.