Bella Italia: Enjoy the summer more without winter tyres

The basic recommendation – just like in our country – is to avoid driving on winter tyres during the summer. The reason has to do with the tyre tread and, above all, the rubber compound. Summer tyres are much harder, so they can cope better with high outdoor temperatures. All-season tyres are an alternative – at least in more moderate climatic zones.

Read below what you should bear in mind regarding your tyres for your holiday trip to Italy from 16 May to 14 October.

No general ban on winter tyres, but...

According to the ADAC, there have been contradictory reports in the recent past, which have caused uncertainty among travellers to Italy. What is certain is that daylight saving time applies to road traffic in Italy from 16 May to 14 October. According to the calendar, however, it does not begin until 21 June.

Using your winter tyres’ speed index as a benchmark

Since 2014, the Italian Ministry of Transport has stipulated that winter tyres are allowed during the period mentioned under one essential condition: The speed index of your tyres must be at least identical to the information in the registration certificate part 1. A higher speed index is OK, but if it is lower, then the winter tyre ban applies for the summer in Italy.

Where can I find the speed index for my tyres?

You can find all the information relevant to your tyres on the tyre sidewall. Also called the speed index, it’s indicated on the far right together with the load index. It’s one or two letters, depending on the maximum allowed speed of the car tyres. Here are some common examples:

• N: 140 km/h
• P: 150 km/h
• R: 170 km/h
• S: 180 km/h
• T: 190 km/h
• H: 210 km/h
• V: 240 km/h

Many of the current speed indexes are only relevant for summer tyres with much higher speeds.

You need the registration certificate part 1 in order to do the comparison, which is important in Italy. You will find the corresponding information under number 15. If the figure T (190 km/h) is lower than in the registration certificate (for example H = 210 km/h), then the ban on winter tyres and all-season tyres applies in the popular holiday destination.

As a general rule, you are not allowed to use any type of tyre if the speed index on the tyre sidewall is lower than the maximum speed specified in the registration certificate part 1.

Copyright @zentilia – Fotolia

What about all-season tyres?

If your vehicle is fitted with all-season tyres, the same regulations as those for winter tyres apply in Italy. Both types of tyres are used on motor vehicles and trailers – motorbikes are not affected by the Italian summer regulations.

How do I identify winter tyres and all-season tyres on a car?

You can identify the type of tyre by two pieces of information located on the tyre sidewall:

• The letter combination M+S: stands for mud and snow.
• The Alpine symbol: A silhouette of a mountain with a snowflake in the middle.

The Alpine symbol will gradually replace the M+S label by 2024 and offers you a high level of safety from a legal perspective. It can be found on all winter tyres and all-weather tyres that have been produced since the beginning of 2019.

You can find new summer tyres at low prices here at eiretyres.com. We wish you a pleasant journey and a relaxing summer holiday in Italy!