Continental Winter World

Winter is here — get out and enjoy the season safely.

Make the most of winter — safely and confidently

In some parts of the world, winter means piles of snow, sparkling frost, and clinking icicles. Elsewhere, it’s rain, fog, and sleet with only the occasional dusting of snowflakes.
No matter where you are, winter is what you make of it. Whether you’re heading into the mountains for a ski trip, building snowmen with the kids, or enjoying peaceful walks through frosty woods, the key to enjoying the season is being well-prepared and safe on the road.

Here’s how to make sure your car is ready for every kind of winter adventure:

• ✅ Fit your car with the right winter or all-season tyres for local conditions

• ✅ Check your tyre pressure and tread depth regularly

• ✅ Prepare your car using a winter-readiness checklist

• ✅ Carry a winter car emergency kit

• ✅ Follow safe driving practices for cold, wet, and icy roads

Winter driving can be challenging, but with the right equipment and preparation, you can focus on what really matters — enjoying the season.

We keep you safe in winter

Why winter tyres matter

At Continental, our mission is to keep you safe wherever your journey takes you — no matter the weather.
Here’s why the right tyres make all the difference when temperatures drop:

• 🧊 Cold-resistant rubber: Rubber becomes less flexible in low temperatures. Winter tyres use compounds with a higher natural rubber content to stay soft and grippy.

• ❄️ Enhanced grip: The softer rubber improves traction and braking on icy, slushy, or wet roads.

• 🌨️ Smart tread design: Special tread patterns and sipes (tiny channels in the tread blocks) help clear water, slush, and thin layers of snow for better control.

• 🧱 Snow-on-snow traction: Deep tread grooves interlock with compacted snow — because nothing grips snow better than snow itself.

Depending on where you live and drive, your tyres may need some or all of these features.
If your area experiences icy or snowy conditions — even occasionally — winter tyres are highly recommended. It’s not just about compliance; it’s about safety and peace of mind.

💡 Tip: If you’re unsure whether you need winter tyres or all-season tyres, see our guide:
Winter tyres vs. all-season tyres →

When to switch to winter tyres

Changing tyres at the right time is key to safety and performance.
Switching too early can cause unnecessary wear on softer compounds, while switching too late risks poor grip and braking — especially on wet or icy roads.

As a general rule, follow the “October to Easter” guideline — but more precisely, make the switch when temperatures consistently fall below 7°C.

In many European countries, winter tyres are mandatory during certain months or under specific weather conditions. Driving without them could even result in fines.

🕓 Too early = faster wear.
🕕 Too late = reduced safety.
🕗 Right time = reliable grip and confident control.

Where are winter tyres mandatory?

Across Europe, laws differ from country to country.
In some regions, winter tyres are required by law, in others they are situationally mandatory, and in a few they are strongly recommended for safety.

Learn more in our detailed guide:
👉 Winter tyre laws by country →

You’ll also find information on:

• Minimum legal tread depths

• Rules for studded tyres

• Regulations for snow chains

• Other legally mandated winter equipment

Winter tyres vs. all-season tyres

If you live in a region with mild winters where temperatures rarely drop below freezing, all-season tyres might be a smart compromise. They combine features of both summer and winter tyres — offering solid year-round performance in moderate conditions.

Compare the benefits and safety features here:
👉 Winter tyres vs. all-season tyres →

Prepare your car for winter

One day you’re driving through autumn leaves — the next, frost covers your windshield.
Don’t get caught unprepared. Use our winter car maintenance checklist to ensure your vehicle is ready for cold weather, ice, and snow:

• Fit winter tyres and check their condition

• Top up oil, antifreeze, and washer fluids

• Check your battery, lights, and wiper blades

• Pack a winter emergency kit with essentials such as a blanket, torch, shovel, and snacks

Learn more:
👉 Winter car maintenance checklist →

Tyre pressure and tread in winter

Tyre pressure

Cold air causes tyre pressure to drop. For every 10°C temperature decrease, you lose roughly 1–2 PSI.
Check and adjust your pressure every two weeks to maintain grip, handling, and fuel efficiency.

👉 Find out more about tyre pressure in winter →

Tread depth

Tread depth is crucial for traction in rain, ice, and snow. Always ensure your winter tyres have at least the legal minimum depth (and ideally more) for safe braking and cornering.

👉 Learn about tread depth for winter tyres →

How Continental tests winter tyres

Our engineers don’t just design tyres — they push them to their limits in some of the world’s harshest winter testing environments.
At Continental’s proving grounds in Germany, Sweden, and even above the Arctic Circle, we test for:

• Braking on wet, icy, and snow-covered roads

• Handling and traction in extreme cold

• Durability and driving comfort

That’s why Continental winter tyres consistently achieve top marks in independent tyre tests worldwide.

👉 See our winter tyre test results →

Ready to embrace winter?

No matter what the season brings — icy alpine roads, foggy commutes, or slushy city streets — Continental helps you drive with confidence.

• Right tyres for your conditions

• Proper preparation for your car

• Proven safety through extensive testing

Because when you’re equipped for winter, you’re free to enjoy it.
Get out there. Make winter yours.