On Friday, November 15, the winter regime begins on the roads in Croatia, which means that winter equipment on the car is mandatory, and if you haven’t equipped yourself with winter tires in time, you can pay a fine.
Winter conditions usually occur when the temperature drops below 7 degrees Celsius, because below that temperature summer tires lose their elasticity as well as their adhesion properties to the surface. Summer tires on snow are extremely dangerous, as the stopping distance is extended in such conditions. At a temperature of -10°C, a car with summer tires at a speed of 60 km/h will stop after 55 meters, while a car with winter tires will stop after 44 meters. It is a difference of 11 meters that can save your life. At lower temperatures, the braking distance is even longer, writes HAK.
In Croatia, winter equipment is mandatory on winter sections of public roads from November 15 of the current year to April 15 of the following year. Mandatory use of winter equipment applies to all types of motor vehicles, regardless of weather conditions and road conditions, with the exception of vehicles of the armed forces of the Republic of Croatia.
In most European countries, winter equipment consists of four winter tires, but in some countries, as well as in Croatia, four summer tires, with a minimum groove of up to 4 mm, with chains are allowed under winter equipment. for snow in the trunk.
It is by no means recommended to travel without winter equipment, especially when driving on the highway. Fines for those who forget their winter equipment range from 130 euros and up.
Vulcanizers certainly have their hands full these days, and tire replacement prices generally hover around 40 euros.