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

M+S (also M.S or M&S) has been the widely used marking on winter tyres, stipulated in EU legislation1.

On 1 November 2012 Regulation 117 made a new marking official in the EU – the “Alpine” symbol, or the three-peak-mountain with snowflake (“3PMSF”). Unlike the M+S marking, the 3PMSF can only be legally used if the tyre passes a minimum performance threshold requirement on snow, the so called “snow grip index”.

However, M+S remains as 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 October 2023. Please check local legislation for possible changes before entering a country.