According to SOS Dansk Autohjælp, every 10th motorist in Denmark drives around on summer tires during the winter period. Even if the temperature drops to 7 degrees or below and winter tires are recommended.
New figures show that last winter one in ten motorists in Denmark drove around with the wrong tyres, namely summer tyres, despite winter conditions and cold temperatures.
Although winter tires are recommended to maintain grip when the temperature drops to around seven degrees or below most of the day, many drivers still haven't switched.
According to the DMI, temperatures are expected to drop back to this level over the course of the week, underscoring the importance of having winter tires fitted.
– The first snow always hits motorists in Denmark, notes Anette Bjorn Juncher, head of the emergency center at SOS Dansk Autohjælp, in a press release .
However, winter tires are not only necessary in case of snowfall, but also provide better braking performance and grip on cold and wet roads.
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The winter tires are made from a softer rubber compound, which makes them particularly effective in lower temperatures. According to Jeppe Damgaard, technical manager at SOS Dansk Autohjælp, tires play a central role in winter traffic safety.
– Tires are the key to a safe road. Winter tires are made of softer rubber that provides better grip and braking performance in cold and wet weather. It contributes to safety and helps to reduce the risk of accidents, says the technical manager.
An investigation from January 2024, carried out by the Council for Greater Tire Safety, FDM and the Tire Importers' Association, documented that one in ten motorists still use summer tires in winter tires. This corresponds to approximately 238,000 passenger cars and constitutes a significant safety risk in traffic.
Winter tires have up to 30 percent shorter braking distances than summer tires on cold, wet roads and up to 44 percent shorter on snow-covered roads. At a speed of 50 km/h on snow, this difference can mean up to 20 meters less braking distance.
Checklist for winter tires:
- Check tire monster
The monster depth must be a minimum of 3 mm to ensure good road grip, and the tires must not be worn. - Check tire pressure
After installing winter tires, the tire pressure should be adjusted. Incorrect tire pressure can affect both steering and braking performance. Information on correct tire pressure can be found in the owner's manual or on the inside of the front door. - Check labeling
Check that the tires have the relevant markings, such as the snowflake symbol, which is now mandatory in both Germany and Sweden.
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