Press Release
Information from Continental on winter tire safety for trucks:
On the right track in winter
Hanover, November 2008. Winter tires for trucks and buses are a matter of course
in Scandinavian countries. However, in Germany too, switching to special tires for
winter road conditions is increasingly becoming the norm for fleets. This is not
least due to the introduction of new legal requirements in winter 2006/2007.
Furthermore many companies have recognized that switching to winter tires in
good time not only fulfils the new regulations, but also has economic advantages.
The revised German law has been in force for two years. It stipulates that all motorized
vehicles must be equipped for the weather conditions and also be fitted with suitable
tires. Mild winters with little snow and ice do, of course, always lead to a debate on the
pros and contras of winter tires. However, the past winter seasons have also shown that
many carriers comply with the law above all because they have recognized that the
correct winter tires have economic advantages in addition to increasing safety. Using the
right tires for the weather conditions leads to fewer vehicle breakdowns. It is also not
necessary to switch over to summer tires after the winter as winter tires can also be
used as all-weather tires thanks to their wear and mileage.
Continental defines the correct use of winter tires as follows on the basis of its 70 years
of experience in development and production: Extreme weather conditions with snow,
ice and mud require the use of special winter tires. These weather conditions do not just
occur in Scandinavian countries. Trucks often have to deal with severe road conditions
also in the low and high mountain regions of Germany. If routes lead through other
countries, not only should the German legal requirements be observed, but also the
respective national laws. For example, in countries like Estonia, Latvia and Finland,
winter tires are required for a specific period.
Continental recommends fitting special winter tires on all axles. The tires should have a
tread of at least 4mm and have an M+S label. Snow and ice constantly set new
challenges for the tires. The right tires are therefore frequently selected on the basis of
whether a destination can be reached safely and reliably. Continental’s winter tires show
that they can stand up to these different weather conditions ideally: They provide the
best traction both on winter roads and also dry surfaces. To avoid problems, for
example, in roadside checks, the sidewalls of Continental winter tires bear the M+S label
and a snow flake symbol. In addition, the product label Scandinavia indicates that the
tires are ideal for winter usage.
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Regarding the criteria of safety and economy, which are highly important when
purchasing winter tires for trucks, many people still presume that both aspects cancel
each other out. Continental’s winter tires prove the contrary. Continental HSW Scan and
HDW Scan winter tires do not just give you optimum traction and top performance in
winter conditions, but also good mileage. In addition to the aspects of safety and
economy, planning the changeover in good time is another important influencing factor.
Continental recommends that you carefully plan the usage of your vehicles well ahead of
the changeover phase and coordinate them with the conditions on the routes covered.
Not only do the possible weather conditions on each route have to be considered, but
also the loading and the drive system of the vehicles. Poor loading — above all over the
drive axle — affects the traction on ice and snow. If there are several drive axles and the
truck is also loaded correctly, better road adhesion and thus also more safety and
economy are achieved.
Therefore if you choose the right tires in the winter, you will not only be on the right track
in terms of road safety, but you will also be saving money. To ensure that this is also the
case with Continental winter tires, the tire manufacturer has invested a lot of time and
effort into the development of an “intelligent wear” system. This means that the winter
tread wears down to become a conventional groove tread for summer usage. There is
therefore no need to change tires in spring nor to store them until next winter.
Continental winter tires are combined in the Scandinavia product range:
HSW Scandinavia — steering axle tires for all-weather usage
This tire ensures maximum steering and braking control in winter thanks to its intelligent
wear pattern. The tread has crossways block and sipe edges and ensures that the best
performance can be achieved even on slippery roads. At the same time, the tire cleans
itself. After winter, the tread can also be used in the summer.
HDW Scandinavia: Extremely high traction, for tough winter conditions
Continental developed the HDW Scandinavia for particularly tough usage in snowy
regions. This tire with chain sipes provides optimum edge grip, above all, on snow
compacted by traffic. Tread blocks with high cornering stiffness ensure good directional
control. Thanks to these properties, routes in wintery regions can be easily driven
without a loss in safety, reliability or economy.
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Continental has published a new brochure on the topic of winter tires for trucks. It
provides detailed information both on legal requirements and also the ideal use of winter
tires. In addition, it takes a close look at all Continental tires that are suitable for winter
use. This includes not just the aforementioned HSW/HDW Scandinavia winter tires, but
also the HDW and HDR+ drive axle tires. You can download this brochure from the web
site www.continental-lkw-reifen.de or order it directly from the manufacturer.
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With targeted annual sales of €25 billion for 2008, the Continental Corporation is one of the top
automotive suppliers worldwide. As a supplier of brake systems, systems and components for the
powertrain and chassis, instrumentation, infotainment solutions, vehicle electronics, tires and technical
elastomers, the corporation contributes towards enhanced driving safety and protection of the global
climate. Continental is also a competent partner in networked automobile communication. Today, the
corporation employs approximately 146,500 at nearly 200 locations in 36 countries.
For further information:
Annette Rojas
Marketing Communication
Truck Tire Replacement Business Germany
Continental AG
Büttnerstrasse 25
D-30165 Hannover
Phone: +49 511 938 2598
Fax: +49 511 938 2614
E-mail: mailto:annette.rojas@conti.de
Udo Brandes
Head of PR
Truck Tires
Continental AG
Büttnerstrasse 25
30165 Hannover
Phone: +49 511 938 2923
Fax: +49 511 938 2496
E-mail: udo.brandes@conti.de
Media database on Internet: www.conti-online.com