Goodyear Dunlop has launched an information campaign designed to better inform commercial vehicle and fleet owners of the importance of ensuring road safety on winter roads.

Recent statistics have shown that in the UK alone, a country not renowned for snow and ice, 568 accidents involving heavy goods vehicles were due to snow or ice. 

 

“With increasingly unpredictable European weather conditions and stricter tyre legislation, Goodyear is advising all commercial vehicle operators to ensure that they have the right tyres before the start of winter.  It is all about safety, and also about ensuring commercial vehicles can continue to meet tight schedules without hindrance, regardless of weather conditions”, said Boris Stevanovic, Marketing Director Truck Tyres, Goodyear Dunlop EMEA.

“Today Germany has traffic laws making the use of winter tyres compulsory, and several other countries are already applying similar laws or introducing winter tyre legislation for the coming season.  Winter tyres are not an option, they are a need.”

Over the past years, Goodyear has seen that there is a common misconception regarding winter tyres.  Many commercial vehicle operators assume that winter tyres are only suitable for snow and ice.  In reality, winter tyres are developed not only for extreme weather conditions but they also perform better than other tyres at lower temperatures, thanks to optimised designs and compounds.  Given its high grip, a winter tyre can significantly improve the handling and traction as well as reduce the braking distance of a vehicle in winter conditions.

It is a common misconception that all tyres marked ‘M+S’ or similar (‘M.S’, ‘M&S’), standing for ‘Mud and Snow’, are winter tyres.  Some tyres that are marked ‘M+S’ do not necessarily offer the same levels of performance nor are they suitable for all winter conditions.

A new regulation is due to be introduced, which will ensure that tyres suitable for winter conditions are clearly identified.  Tyres that fulfil the requirements will be marked on the sidewall with a mountain and symbol.