Continental Warns Drivers: Stay Safe on Snowy Roads

When temperatures drop below 7°C, summer and all-season tires harden, losing flexibility and reducing grip on the road. Combined with improper driving techniques in snowy conditions, this significantly increases the risk of accidents. Continental reminds drivers of key safety measures to ensure a secure winter driving experience.

Common Winter Driving Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

One of the biggest mistakes drivers make on icy and snowy roads is using unsuitable tires. As temperatures fall below 7°C, summer tires harden, reducing grip and extending braking distances, making vehicle control more difficult. In contrast, winter tires are designed with a special rubber compound that remains flexible at low temperatures, ensuring superior traction and increased safety.

Another critical mistake is sudden braking or rapid acceleration. Abrupt gas and brake inputs can cause skidding and loss of control, leading to accidents. Instead, drivers should use smooth acceleration and gradual braking to maintain stability.

Sharp steering movements on icy roads can also result in loss of vehicle control. To prevent skidding, it’s crucial to steer smoothly and avoid sudden maneuvers. Additionally, not maintaining a safe following distance is another common mistake. On icy roads, a following distance 3-4 times greater than on dry roads is recommended for maximum safety.

Driving on inclines and declines without the right techniques can also compromise safety. When climbing hills, steady, low-rev acceleration helps maintain traction, while on descents, engine braking instead of sudden braking prevents skidding.

Continental WinterContact: Maximum Safety and Performance in Winter Conditions

To minimize winter driving risks, Continental’s WinterContact series provides exceptional performance in extreme conditions. The WinterContact TS 870, TS 860, and the latest WinterContact 8 S offer maximum grip and safety, ensuring confident driving in harsh winter conditions.

• SnowCurve+ Technology enhances grip on snow-covered roads.
• Liquid Layer Drainage Technology quickly removes melted snow and water, reducing the risk of hydroplaning.
• WinterContact TS 860 & TS 870 deliver short braking distances on wet and snowy roads while maintaining optimal flexibility at low temperatures, making them ideal for city driving.
• WinterContact 8 S, the newest addition to the series, is specifically designed for high-performance sports cars, SUVs, and sedans. With an advanced sipe pattern, it provides outstanding traction on snow and ice, while its special rubber compound ensures flexibility and safety in cold conditions.

Optimized for Electric Vehicles

WinterContact 8 S also features the “EV Compatibility” mark, indicating low rolling resistance to enhance range and provide a quieter driving experience. This makes it a perfect match for electric vehicles, delivering both efficiency and performance.

As temperatures drop, switching to winter tires below 7°C is crucial for maximum safety and performance. Equip your vehicle with Continental WinterContact tires and drive with confidence this winter!