22 articles

Weather & journeys

Tyre questions for changing weather, holidays and different road conditions.

Wintry road and four highlighted passenger-car wheels as a regulatory concept

Winter-tyre requirements in Germany

Germany's winter-tyre requirement follows road conditions. A fixed changeover date or an M+S marking alone does not settle the question.

Weather & journeys

Planning tyre changes beyond a calendar date

A calendar helps reserve an appointment. Weather, driving patterns and the condition of your tyre sets determine whether the timing suits you.

Weather & journeys

Putting the seven-degree rule in context

Seven degrees is a familiar reminder for seasonal tyre changes. It is neither a legal trigger nor a universal performance boundary.

All-season planning showing an urban route, snow travel and an optional pause

Weather & journeys

All-season tyres for your winter conditions

Whether all-season tyres suit your winter depends on more than your home address. Consider the routes you genuinely need to drive.

Alpine route with valley, pass, weather and chain planning

Weather & journeys

Checking tyres before an Alpine trip

An Alpine journey often crosses countries, altitude bands and changing weather. Check tyres and additional equipment against the whole route.

Snow chain fitted to a passenger-car wheel

Weather & journeys

Checking snow chains and tyre size together

Tyre size is essential when choosing snow chains, but it is not the only information. Vehicle approval, chain design and fitting instructions must agree.

Snow chain within the wheel arch of a snow-covered car

Weather & journeys

Clearance when using snow chains

Chains need adequate space between the tyre and surrounding vehicle parts. Looking at a stationary car does not establish that clearance.

Winter-equipment signs beside a snowy Alpine road

Weather & journeys

Checking winter equipment before driving abroad

An international trip involves more than the destination. Transit countries and last-minute route changes may bring different winter-equipment requirements.

Summer-trip preparation with tyre checks and accessible breakdown equipment

Weather & journeys

Tyre checks before a summer holiday

A long summer journey often changes more than the route: the car carries more weight, runs for longer periods and may use unfamiliar roads.

Weather & journeys

Planning luggage load with tyres in mind

Additional luggage changes vehicle loading. Tyre pressure and load capacity therefore belong in packing plans, not only in the final fuel stop.

Tow car and trailer with separate tyre-check points

Weather & journeys

Tyres before a journey with a trailer

A towing journey needs a tyre check covering both car and trailer. Wheels on a rarely used trailer deserve particular attention.

Vehicles passing through standing water on a road

Weather & journeys

Tyres in heavy rain

In heavy rain, tyres must displace water while transmitting forces. Their condition matters, but it does not replace adapting the journey to the weather.

Schematic water wedge between tyre and road

Weather & journeys

Aquaplaning: the limits of tyre grip

Aquaplaning is more than a slippery surface. Water can reduce contact between tyre and road so substantially that steering and braking forces are no longer transmitted as expected.

Weather & journeys

Checking tyres during hot weather

Hot weather changes pressure readings and can add demands to a journey. The correct vehicle specification under appropriate measuring conditions remains the reference.

Tyre inflation equipment at a filling station

Weather & journeys

Why tyre pressure falls in cold weather

A substantial fall in ambient temperature can lower tyre pressure. That seasonal effect does not automatically explain every loss of air.

Parked-car interval followed by pressure and condition checks

Weather & journeys

Tyres when a car is parked for a long period

A car returning from a long period off the road needs a fresh condition check. Low mileage does not mean the tyres have remained unchanged.

Winter tread beside summer sun and a seasonal tyre comparison

Weather & journeys

Keeping winter tyres on in summer?

Using up an existing winter set through summer can look tempting. The decision should involve more than the cost of the next changeover appointment.

Historical photograph of a road through hilly terrain

Weather & journeys

Tyres and loads before mountain roads

Before mountain roads, consider tyres, vehicle load and the route together. There is no universal mountain-pressure adjustment that replaces those checks.

Weather & journeys

Tyre checks after gravel roads

Gravel can bring small stones and concealed edges. After such a road, a calm check in a safe location can help identify changes.

Weather & journeys

Inspecting rental-car tyres before departure

A rental car arrives with tyres already fitted. Looking before departure helps raise obvious defects and equipment questions while they can still be resolved.

Compressor and accessories in a vehicle puncture kit

Weather & journeys

Checking a puncture kit before a journey

A puncture kit is available only if it is complete, usable and accessible. Check it before travelling rather than beside a damaged tyre.

Weather & journeys

Finding a safe stopping place after tyre trouble

With suspected tyre damage, reaching a safe stop comes before diagnosis. The next step depends on traffic, location and vehicle condition.