Tire#Mud and snow
As spikes are referred to in the profile of the tire incorporated pins that should give the car especially when icy roads more grip. The use of studded tires is subject to different national legal regulations.
- 3.1 Germany
- 3.2 Austria
- 3.3 Switzerland
- 3.4 Norway
Basics
Winter tires
Spikes are for winter tires in addition vulcanized steel pins or hard metal pins, which protrude 1.5-2 mm from the running surface. Most of them are about the extent of 50 to 150 pieces.
The disadvantage is that studded tires have a much lower adhesion than pure rubber tires on dry pavement. In addition, the roads are significantly more stressed, and it caused by spikes faster ruts in the road. When driving with spikes is to be noted that a considerably higher rolling noise produced.
For these reasons, they depend on the country allowed only at certain times of the year. In addition, most speed limits are set. In some countries, they are generally prohibited.
In winter bicycle tires, there are two fundamentally different types of construction. In one design, the spikes are distributed evenly across the entire tread. Therefore, there are also centered in the tread spikes, resulting in better adhesion with black ice is reached. But these tires always roll off over the spikes. In the other design, the spikes are only laterally in the treads. When fully inflated tire spikes have only cornering contact with the road. In winter conditions, these tires be driven with a approximately 1 bar reduced air pressure, causing the spikes make contact with the road. The spikes are used in this design primarily intended to hinder a lateral slipping of the wheel.
Spikes in sports
When ice speedway and other specialty tires of the sport the spikes can accept much larger dimensions.
Pictures
Ice speedway machine (without motor)
Winter bicycle tires for the street, spikes in the middle and laterally in the tread
Winter bicycle tires for the road spikes only laterally in the tread
Mountain bike snow tires, spikes only laterally in the tread
National regulations
See also: Winter Equipment: National regulations, overview
Germany
Spikes since 1975 for motor vehicles generally prohibited (with exceptions for emergency vehicles ), as they may damage the roadway ( § 36 para 1 traffic regulations ). The only exception is the small German Eck from Lofer to Bad Reichenhall and within 15 km along the Austrian border.
For bicycles according to a statement of the ADFC studded tires are allowed on the road, as it is not assumed that damage to the road surface by a cyclist with studded tires.
Austria
In Austria the choice for spikes banning June to September. Vehicles with spikes must have a label that is attached to the rear. Studded tires must be used on all wheels that transmit forces to the road. Is the towing vehicle equipped with studded tires, so also requires the drawn trailer to an axle load of 1800 kg studded tires. The speed limit on rural roads 80 km / h and on motorways 100 km / h They are allowed only for vehicles up to 3.5 t. The spikes themselves may more than 2 mm beyond the tread.
Switzerland
You are allowed 1 November to 30 April. The maximum speed is 80 km / h Accordingly, the vehicles must be marked on the tail with a speed limit sign with the number " 80 ". The spikes may protrude a maximum of 1.5 mm. On highways, they are not allowed, exceptions are the San Bernardino Tunnel and the St. Gotthard Tunnel.
Norway
Spikes are allowed from November 1st to the 8th day after Easter Sunday. In the northern counties of Nordland, Troms and Finnmark even from October 16 to May 1 If required for the road conditions, a use is permitted outside these hours.