ROMA – With the abrupt lowering of temperatures in recent days and the reappearance of snow even at low altitudes, it will surely be forgotten that from April 15 the obligation for all motor vehicles to circulate with winter tires or to have chains (or equivalent devices). However, it should be noted that, notwithstanding the provisions of ministerial decree no. 1049 of 2014, motorists have one month (therefore until May 15), to comply with the legislation that provides for the replacement of winter tires with summer tires. “It should be pointed out – Federpneus, the national association of tire specialist dealers remembers – that changing tires during the spring-summer season is not compulsory for all types of winter tires. The obligation to change tires by May 15 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 registration certificate. M + S winter tires with a speed index equal to or higher than that indicated on the registration certificate, on the other hand, can also drive in summer. However, to travel in the best safety conditions, Federpneus still recommends driving with tires suitable for the season, ie winter tires in winter and summer tires in summer ”.
The best performance with rising temperatures can be obtained with summer tires because in addition to providing better performance in terms of efficiency, they ensure greater safety and fuel savings. Results obtained due to the harder compound that deforms less with heat and guarantees better road holding, shorter braking distances and reduced fuel consumption thanks to lower rolling resistance. “In this period of strict travel restrictions, due to the Coronavirus emergency – adds Federpneus – it is always allowed to go to the tire dealer to change tires. And this applies to the whole national territory, whether it is a yellow, orange or red zone. Tires are in fact included in the retail sales allowed in Annex 23 of the Prime Minister’s Decree of 2 March 2021 as they are defined as basic necessities. Added to this is that the tire assembly and disassembly activity is an activity that falls within the handicraft activities similar to production ones, therefore it is not subject to restrictions “. In short, as Federpneus pointed out, going to the tire dealer is allowed for road safety reasons and to fulfill specific legal obligations that cannot be waived, such as seasonal tire changes. For greater safety, the association recommends making an appointment with your trusted tire dealer to avoid crowds and show up wearing the protective devices required by law correctly. (mr)
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