Winter Tyres and Driving in France

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Winter Tyres and Driving in France

The mountain law, what counts, all-season tyres and travelling abroad

France has specific winter equipment requirements in mountain areas, and they catch out visitors every year.

The mountain rules

In designated mountainous communes, vehicles must carry snow chains or socks for two drive wheels, or be fitted with winter or all-season tyres, during the winter period from 1 November to 31 March.

The areas are marked with specific road signs, and the list of communes is published by each department. Check your route rather than assuming it does not apply.

What counts as a winter tyre

Tyres marked with the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol meet the performance standard. The older M\+S marking alone has been phased out for these purposes.

All-season tyres carrying the snowflake mark satisfy the requirement and compromise between summer and winter performance.

Why winter tyres work

The rubber compound stays flexible below about seven degrees, which improves grip in cold weather generally rather than only in snow. That is the part most people misunderstand.

Braking distances on a cold wet road are measurably shorter on winter tyres.

Fitting and storage

Fit four rather than two, since mixing grip levels front to rear makes a car unpredictable. Store the off-season set clean, dry, out of sunlight and stacked or hung as the tyre maker advises.

Elsewhere in Europe

Germany, Austria and several other countries have their own rules, some requiring winter tyres whenever conditions demand them. Check each country on your route before travelling.

Chains and socks

Snow chains give the most grip and take practice to fit, so fit them once on a dry driveway rather than learning on a mountain road in the dark. Socks are quicker, cheaper and wear out fast on clear tarmac.

Remove either as soon as the road is clear, since both are destroyed quickly on dry surfaces.

Driving in snow

Gentle inputs, higher gears, long gaps and very early braking. Most winter accidents come from braking and steering at the same time.

Before a winter journey

Check tyre pressures and tread, top up screenwash with a winter mix, carry a scraper, warm clothing, a torch, food and water, and charge a phone. A blanket in the boot costs nothing.

Tell someone your route and expected arrival, and check the forecast and road conditions before setting off.

Insurance and breakdown cover

Check your policy covers driving abroad and what the breakdown arrangements actually are, since European cover is frequently an add-on. Carry the policy details rather than assuming you can find them.

Several countries require specific equipment to be carried, so check each one on your route.

General tyre points

Check pressures monthly when cold, check the age code, and replace well before the legal minimum tread.

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