Continental has released an overview of the European regulations regarding winter equipment for trucks and buses.
This has been released to help fleet operators understand the latest regulatory requirements in individual countries.
In the coming winter season 2020/2021, tyres marked with the three-peak mountain snowflake (3PMSF) will be mandatory in selected European countries. In line with these regulatory requirements, all Continental steer and drive axle tyres for truck and bus – the 17.5, 19.5 and 22.5 inch sizes – will be available with 3PMSF-certified variants.
M+S, Alpine symbol, snowflake symbol – what makes a winter tyre?
For driving safely with optimal traction, even on damp or icy roads, Continental recommends fitting trucks and buses with winter tyres on steer and drive axles for the cold winter season.
Identified by the snowflake symbol on the tyre sidewall, the dedicated winter tyre portfolio by Continental is said to exceed the requirements of the Alpine symbol certification. For winter tyres to be labelled with the 3PMSF symbol, they have to pass a standard practical test defined in UN regulation 117 and exhibit suitability for winter use on snowy roads in a braking and traction comparison test. Tyres marked with M+S (Mud + Snow) provide a tread pattern or structure that is designed to deliver performance that exceeds that of a standard tyre in snowy conditions. The M+S label is not subject to a defined test procedure.
