I agree, some british friends lived and worked in Germany for about fifteen years and as the law dictated (and you dont argue with the German law)the winter tyres went on at the onset of winter, he had a spare set of wheels for the Mercedes and she had a spare set of tyres which had to be changed over. if you didnt do it you got nicked!!
The ironic thing here, is that Auto Express did a feature on Winter Tyres about a month ago and they have now reported that there is a major shortage of winter tyres because very few are being imported and "wait for it" the insurance companies are charging an additional premium because they are a "MODIFICATION" from standard!!!! whatever happened to the fact that there may be less claims, because there will be fewer accidents, might even save someones life, no just jack the costs up.
i am too reporting from the balmly South where all (or most of) the snow has gone.
Ah - a winter tyre convert!well after using the tyres for a couple of days, i totally agree with David, the difference is amazing.......
oh, only -20c here last night.