Winter is coming; how are your tires?

Photo By Staff Sgt. Tryphena Mayhugh | Ryan Dyle, Ramstein Auto Skills Center mobile equipment servicer, tightens bolts to secure a winter tire to an automobile Oct. 1, 2015, at Ramstein Air Base, Germany. Patrons of the auto center can have their tires changed by staff members or use the facilities to switch them over themselves. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Tryphena Mayhugh)  

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, GERMANY

10.01.2015

Story by Airman 1st Class Tryphena Mayhugh 

86th Airlift Wing

RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany – As the golden leaves of fall begin to fade away to the frosted branches of winter, many minds may begin to wander to the merriments the season brings: a steaming mug of hot chocolate next to a crackling fireplace, the sights and smells at a festive Christmas market or the pristine beauty of freshly fallen snow. In order to be able to enjoy these things safely this winter, one also needs to think about their winter tires.

It is highly recommended in Germany that all motor vehicles have winter or all-season tires fitted during road conditions brought on by the winter season, such as ice, black ice, frost, snow or slush.

Winter or all-season tires have an M + S (Mud + Snow), a three-peaked mountain, a snowflake or a combination of the three symbols.

Tech. Sgt. Natalie Turner, 86th Airlift Wing Ground Safety traffic safety manager, states that while there isn’t a specific time period set in Germany to switch to winter tires, the local drivers use "von O bis O" (from O to O) as a rule of thumb, meaning winter or all-season tires should be on vehicles from October to Ostern (Easter).

“During the first snowfall last winter, we had nine vehicle accidents in the morning involving KMC personnel,” said Turner. “Three of those vehicle drivers were cited for not having the appropriate tires. Since inclement weather is unpredictable, it's important to be prepared now to help keep yourselves, your families and others on the road as safe as possible this winter.”

If reusing winter tires from the year before, it is important to ensure the tread on the tires are up to standards as well. There is a minimum tread depth of 1.6 mm (2/32 of an inch), but the Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobil-Club, more commonly referred to as ADAC, recommends a minimum of 4.0 mm (5/32 of an inch) to safely navigate roads.

If a driver becomes stuck or is involved in an accident during the winter months and still has their summer tires on their vehicle, they are charged with an on-the-spot fine by German polizei. These fines can range from 70-100 euros per tire on a vehicle involved in a traffic accident, and not all insurance companies cover the damages under these circumstances. When a major accident with injuries occurs, the driver can be charged with reckless driving and face heavier consequences.

“Winter driving conditions such as rain, snow and ice dramatically affect the braking distance of a vehicle,” said Senior Airman Kathryn Patchoski, 569th U.S. Forces Police Squadron traffic manager. “The driver's capability to complete a smooth and safe stop is severely limited due to reduced tire traction. If the vehicle causes an obstruction and aggravation to other traffic, the fine may be doubled. You may also be prevented from continuing your journey unless the tires are changed or the weather conditions change.”

Someone looking to switch their tires in preparation of the wintry road conditions would find the means at the Ramstein Auto Skills Center. They provide a service Monday through Friday by appointment to change tires and can be reached at DSN 480-2956 or commercial 06371-47-2956.

If someone needs all four tires serviced it is $92 and includes dismounting, mounting and balancing the tires. If the tires provided are already on rims it is $20, and to only have them balanced is $8 per tire.

The center also provides space and equipment for anyone interested in changing their own tires. The bays are open seven days a week, but it is required to take a class that is held every Saturday at 1 p.m. to learn how to use the tire mounting and balancing equipment. The class is on a walk-in basis. The charge is $4.50 per hour to use the bay, $3 per tire to use the balance machine and $2 per tire to use the mounting machine.

The winter months can have much to offer for all Airmen and their families to enjoy. When someone ensures that their vehicle is fitted with proper tires, they can create a safer environment for themselves, their families and everyone else who is out enjoying the season.

• Date Taken: 10.01.2015
• Date Posted: 10.06.2015 05:11
• Story ID: 178118
• Location: RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, DE