Winter Tires Guide Austria 2025: Requirements, Sizes & Buying Tips
Everything about winter tires in Austria: Legal requirements (Nov 1 - Apr 15), finding the right tire size, M+S marking and current prices. Get informed now!
Winter Tires Guide Austria 2025: Everything You Need to Know
Winter is approaching, and with it comes the mandatory winter tire requirement in Austria. From November 1st to April 15th, vehicles must be equipped with suitable tires during winter road conditions. In this comprehensive guide, you'll learn everything about winter tires: from legal requirements to choosing the right tire and practical buying tips.
⚠️ Affiliate Disclosure: This article contains affiliate links to Reifen.at. If you make a purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Prices and availability are subject to change. This is not a buying recommendation.
Winter Tire Requirements in Austria: The Facts
Time Period and Conditions
Austria has a situational winter tire requirement. This means:
| Regulation | Details |
|---|---|
| Time Period | November 1st to April 15th |
| Condition | When there is snow, slush, or ice on the road |
| Minimum Tread Depth | 4 mm (legally required) |
| Alternative | Snow chains on at least 2 drive wheels |
Penalties for Violations
Driving without suitable tires during winter conditions risks significant penalties:
| Violation | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Without endangering others | Up to €5,000 |
| Endangering others | Up to €5,000 + possible charges |
| In case of accident | Shared liability + insurance issues |
🚨 Important: In case of an accident without winter tires, insurance may reduce or deny coverage. Shared liability is possible even in accidents that are not your fault!
Which Tires Qualify as Winter Tires?
Understanding Markings
Not every tire with "M+S" marking is automatically a full winter tire:
| Marking | Meaning | Status in Austria |
|---|---|---|
| ❄️ Alpine Symbol (3PMSF) | Mountain pictogram with snowflake | Recommended |
| M+S (Mud and Snow) | Mud and Snow | Still permitted (if produced before 2024) |
| All-season tires with 3PMSF | All-weather tires | Permitted, but a compromise |
ℹ️ Good to know: Tires produced from 2024 onwards must bear the Alpine symbol (3PMSF) to qualify as winter tires. Older M+S tires may still be used until worn out.
Finding the Right Tire Size
Where to Find Your Tire Size
The tire sizes approved for your vehicle can be found in:
- Vehicle registration document (Part I)
- Door frame on the driver's side (sticker)
- Inside the fuel cap
- Vehicle owner's manual
Understanding Tire Designations
A typical tire designation like 205/55 R16 91H means:
| Code | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| 205 | Tire width in mm | 205 mm wide |
| 55 | Height to width ratio in % | 55% of 205 mm = 112.75 mm |
| R | Radial construction | Standard for passenger cars |
| 16 | Rim diameter in inches | 16 inch rim |
| 91 | Load index | 615 kg per tire |
| H | Speed rating | Up to 210 km/h |
Buying Winter Tires: What to Consider
Quality Criteria
When buying winter tires, pay attention to these points:
| Criterion | Recommendation | Why Important? |
|---|---|---|
| Alpine Symbol (3PMSF) | Required for new purchases | Guarantees winter suitability |
| Tread Depth | At least 7-8 mm when new | Longer service life |
| Tire Age (DOT) | Max. 2-3 years old | Rubber hardens over time |
| EU Tire Label | Good ratings | Comparability |
Understanding the EU Tire Label
The EU tire label provides information about:
- Fuel Efficiency: A (best) to E (worst)
- Wet Grip: A (best) to E (worst)
- Noise Level: Decibel value and class
- Snow Grip: Snowflake symbol for winter capability
- Ice Grip: Additional marking for Nordic tires
💡 Tip: For winter tires, wet grip is particularly important. Choose at least Class B, ideally A.
Winter Tire Price Overview 2025
Prices for winter tires vary significantly depending on brand, size, and quality. Here's a guide for common sizes:
| Category | Price Range per Tire | Example Brands |
|---|---|---|
| Premium | €120-200 | Continental, Michelin, Pirelli |
| Mid-range | €80-120 | Dunlop, Goodyear, Nokian |
| Budget | €50-80 | Hankook, Kumho, Nexen |
📊 Note: Prices are approximate and may vary by dealer, size, and promotions. Comparing prices is worthwhile!
Buying Winter Tires Online
Buying winter tires online offers several advantages:
Benefits of Online Purchasing
- Larger Selection: More brands and models available
- Price Comparison: Easy comparison across vendors
- Reviews: Customer reviews help with selection
- Delivery: Direct to your home or workshop
What to Consider When Buying Online
- Verify the exact size carefully
- Check the DOT number (manufacturing date)
- Choose reputable dealers
- Plan for installation service
🔍 Compare Winter Tires at Reifen.at
At Reifen.at you'll find a large selection of winter tires from various brands. The price comparison shows you offers from over 200 dealers.
View Winter Tires
* Affiliate link to Reifen.atAll-Season Tires as an Alternative?
Pros and Cons
All-season tires (all-weather tires) are a compromise between summer and winter tires:
| Aspect | Winter Tires | All-Season Tires |
|---|---|---|
| Winter Performance | Very Good | Satisfactory |
| Summer Performance | Not suitable | Acceptable |
| Tire Change Required | Yes, twice yearly | No |
| Wear | Normal | Higher (year-round use) |
| Suitable For | All regions | Urban areas, light snow |
⚠️ Recommendation: In alpine regions of Austria or for frequent trips to ski areas, dedicated winter tires are the better choice. All-season tires are more suitable for city drivers with minimal winter driving.
🔄 Compare All-Season Tires
If all-season tires are an option for you, you'll also find a large selection with price comparison here.
View All-Season Tires
* Affiliate link to Reifen.atWhen to Change Winter Tires
The O-to-O Rule
A simple rule of thumb: From October to Easter winter tires should be mounted. In Austria, however, the legal regulation applies:
- Mount: At the latest when winter conditions begin (usually early November)
- Remove: After April 15th, when winter conditions are no longer expected
Check Tread Depth Regularly
| Tread Depth | Status | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| 7-8 mm | New condition | Optimal safety |
| 5-6 mm | Good | Still usable for another season |
| 4 mm | Borderline | Legal minimum - plan replacement |
| Below 4 mm | Not permitted | Replace immediately! |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Are M+S tires still permitted as winter tires?
Yes, but only tires produced before 2024. New winter tires must bear the Alpine symbol (3PMSF). Old M+S tires may be used until worn out.
How old can winter tires be?
A maximum age of 6-8 years from the manufacturing date (DOT number) is recommended. The rubber compound hardens over time and loses grip.
Do I need winter tires on all four wheels?
Yes, it is strongly recommended to mount winter tires on all four wheels. Having winter tires only on the drive axle can be dangerous and lead to skidding.
Can I drive with narrower winter tires?
In many cases, yes. Narrower tires can provide better grip on snow. However, the size must be registered in the vehicle documents.
Where can I buy winter tires cheaply?
Online dealers often offer lower prices than local workshops. Price comparison through platforms like Reifen.at can be worthwhile.
Checklist: Winter Tire Purchase
Use this checklist before buying:
- ✅ Determine correct tire size from vehicle documents
- ✅ Alpine symbol (3PMSF) as mandatory feature
- ✅ Check DOT number (not older than 2-3 years)
- ✅ Compare EU tire labels (especially wet grip)
- ✅ Compare prices from different vendors
- ✅ Plan for mounting costs (approx. €15-25 per tire)
- ✅ Clarify old tire disposal
- ✅ Organize storage (if not buying complete wheel sets)
Conclusion
The right tires are essential for Austrian winters - both for safety reasons and by law. When buying, pay attention to the Alpine symbol, sufficient tread depth, and the manufacturing date. An online price comparison can help you find the best deal.
🛒 Compare Winter Tires Now
Find the right winter tire for your vehicle. With the price comparison from Reifen.at, you can compare offers from over 200 dealers.
Go to Winter Tires
* Affiliate link to Reifen.atLast Updated: November 2025. All information is general and subject to change. For current legal regulations, please consult official sources (ÖAMTC, ARBÖ, authorities). This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
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Information as of: November 2024. All information without warranty. Changes and errors excepted.