Following rumors relating to hypothetical road safety problems linked to the use of some M+S type tires during the summer, which have been circulating these days, the Assogomma Tire Manufacturers Group deems it appropriate to clarify.
In fact, he reiterates that the type-approved tires suitable for use on a specific vehicle are those shown in the vehicle registration certificate and, in this regard, Assogomma has not received any reports of road safety problems. On some registration certificates, both the standard (summer) version and the M+S version are shown for the same tire sizes, points out Assogomma. This is a device by which the vehicle manufacturer limits the use of M+S type tires only to those with a speed code equal to or greater than that indicated. In this circumstance, a speed code higher than Q is generally indicated, generally H (210 km/h), given that the manufacturer chooses to have higher speed performance than the minimum permitted (160 km/h).
Furthermore, he points out that there are no technical regulations governing the field of application of the temperatures at which M+S type tires can be used as well as standard (summer) type tyres. Consequently, indications of intervals between -10° and +10° for M+S tires do not find, as far as Assogomma is aware, any official technical regulatory reference.
Finally, he makes it clear that it is up to the specialist retailer, or tire fitter, to verify the suitability of the tire according to the requirements set out in the registration document, the inflation indications given in the use and maintenance booklet and obviously an assessment of integrity/conformity with the use of the reference tyre. Therefore, according to Assogomma, motorists can freely choose to drive all year round with standard or M+S tyres, provided they are among those that meet the size and performance indications given on the vehicle’s registration certificate. Any downgrading of the speed code is foreseen only for M+S type tyres, equipped with an Alpine pictogram (see UNECE regulation n. 142), limited to the period of validity of the ordinances, i.e. from 15 November to 15 April with a derogation of one month before and one month after the entry into force of the same.
Source: Ansa
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