Spring has now begun, and with it comes the time to return to take care of your car to proceed with the change of winter tires in favor of the summer ones.
In fact, from April 15, the obligation (which came into force on November 15 and valid for all vehicles) to drive on tires suitable for snowy or icy roads, or to have equivalent instruments on board such as chains, lapses.
Notwithstanding the provisions of ministerial decree no. 1049 of 2014, motorists have one month, so until May 15, to adapt to the legislation and switch to the summer tire train, contacting a tire dealer for replacement. Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions on the subject.
Is the summer tire change compulsory?
The first thing that needs to be clarified is that the tire change for the spring-summer season is not mandatory for all types of winter tires. As Federpneus, the National Association of Tire Specialist Dealers also points out, the obligation applies only to those who mount winter tires (recognizable by the M + S marking on the shoulder of the tire) with speed codes lower than those indicated on the card. of circulation. The Highway Code provides that M + S winter tires with a speed index equal to or greater than that indicated on the registration certificate, on the other hand, can circulate freely even in summer.
Why then do I have to switch to summer tires?
Taking into account the legal obligations just mentioned, the trade associations suggest switching to summer tires to improve driving performance and reduce consumption. The compound of summer tires is harder than that of winter tires, tends to deform less with heat and guarantees better road holding and shorter braking distance, opposing less rolling resistance as temperatures become milder and helping to cut consumption.
Can I take advantage of a bonus or incentive to change tires?
If until a few weeks ago it seemed certain that the so-called “tire bonus”, an incentive of up to 200 euros to buy class A or B tires, would also have been included in the conversion law of the Energy decree, the hope of using it in time for the tire change has vanished. The amendment was in fact withdrawn by the signatories after an express request from the government and the speakers of the Energy Decree.
What do I risk if I don’t change tires?
If you are caught driving with winter tires with a speed code lower than that indicated on the registration certificate, you risk an administrative penalty ranging from 422 to 1,734 euros, in addition to the withdrawal of the registration certificate and the mandatory revision of the vehicle.
