Carvendo

Winter driving in the Netherlands can be unpredictable. Snow, ice or just wet and cold roads require extra attention. That's why winter tires are highly recommended for your safety and driving comfort. At temperatures below 7°C, they offer better grip, shorter braking distances and more stability than regular summer tyres.

What makes winter tyres so special?

The secret lies in the softer rubber and the deep profile with slats. This removes snow and water better and keeps the car in better contact with the road. When purchasing, ensure a tread depth of at least 4 mm and look for the 3PMSF symbol (snowflake) for optimal performance.

Although winter tires are not mandatory in the Netherlands, they may be necessary when traveling abroad. Think of Germany, Austria or Switzerland: winter tires are often mandatory there in winter conditions. So always check the local rules before you go.

Carvendo tip: choose winter tires that suit your driving style and car and get advice from an expert. This way, you can be sure that you can hit the road with peace of mind, regardless of the weather. Safety and driving pleasure go hand in hand!

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How to get your car ready for winter ->

Order winter tires ->

What should you pay attention to when choosing winter tires?

Profile and Slats

Winter tires have a deeper profile with more sipes than summer tires. These provide better grip on snow and water drainage in wet conditions.

Rubber compound

A softer rubber compound ensures that the tire remains flexible at low temperatures, which contributes to better grip.

Tyre Size and Speed Index‍

Make sure that the tire size and speed index match your vehicle's specifications. This is usually listed on the side of your current tires.

EU Tyre Label

Check the EU tire label for information on rolling resistance, wet grip and noise level. This helps you make an informed choice.

Value for money

Set your budget and look for tires that offer a good balance between price and performance. Cheaper tires may be attractive, but make sure they meet safety standards

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Comparison of popular winter tire brands

Based on recent tests and reviews, we compared a few winter tire brands:

Make and modelPrice (from) Snow grip SustainabilityComfortRoadingRemarks

‍Goodyear UltraGrip 9+

‍Price from €100

Snow grip: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sustainability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Comfort: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Handling: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Note: Very good grip on snow, excellent braking performance

‍Michelin Alpine 6

‍Price from €110

Snow grip: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sustainability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Comfort: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Handling: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Note: Long lasting performance, quiet ride

‍Continental WinterContact TS860

‍Price from €105

Snow grip: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sustainability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Comfort: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Handling: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Note: Best wet performance, quiet

‍Pirelli Cinturato Winter

‍Price from €95

Snow grip: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sustainability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Comfort: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Handling: ⭐⭐⭐

Note: Good grip, energy efficient

‍Vredestein Wintrac‍

Price starting at: €98

Snow grip: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Sustainability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Comfort: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Handling: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Note: Good grip on dry and wet roads

Ratings are based on recent tests and may vary by size and vehicle type.

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Compare all winter tyres ->

Driving in snow; tips by Drive

Just imagine: your car sits neatly on winter tires, the snow falls meters high and the roads are completely white. How do you approach this, and what does your drive do with grip and handling?

Front Wheel Drive (FWD)

In a front-wheel drive car, most of the power comes from the front wheels. On snow, this means that you accelerate carefully, especially when accelerating or cornering. Keep the speed low and use gentle braking. Due to the weight of the engine over the drive wheels, you often have better traction than with rear-wheel drive. When cornering, it is better to steer gently and not make sudden movements.

Rear-wheel Drive (RWD)

A rear-wheel drive on snow is more challenging. The drive comes at the rear, which increases the risk of the rear wheels slipping. Here it is important to accelerate slowly, to drive into higher gear earlier, and to guide the car with minor steering corrections in case of slipping. In the event of a sudden throttle, the rear end can break out, so you'll quickly feel the difference with FWD.

Limited slip differential (for example Alfa Romeo Q2)

A limited slip differential helps enormously on snow by better distributing power between the drive wheels. In a Q2 in an Alfa Romeo, the wheel that loses grip is braked, while the wheel with grip gets more power. This provides better traction when cornering and accelerating, keeping the car more stable and making you less likely to get stuck.

All-wheel Drive (AWD, Q4, Quattro)

Four-wheel drive is king on snow: power is distributed to all four wheels. This provides maximum grip when accelerating, braking and cornering. Especially with deeper snow or slopes, you notice the difference: the car stays up much better and is less sensitive to skidding. Note, however: AWD helps with traction, but not braking — so you still have to brake on time and keep your distance.

Carvendo tip: regardless of the type of drive, driving calmly, anticipating and feeling the car are crucial. Winter tires make the difference, but they're no excuse for aggressive driving. By combining the right technology with the right tires and drive, a white road suddenly becomes a lot less stressful and an experience to enjoy.

Driving in bad weather ->

Conclusion: Winter tires and driving in the snow

Winter has arrived and your car is neatly placed on winter tires, ready to face the first snow showers. But what's the best way to deal with deep snow, slippery roads and difficult conditions? At Carvendo, we know that choosing the right tires is just one part of safe winter driving.

First of all, the type of drive your car plays a major role. A front-wheel drive car (FWD) usually has better traction on snow than a rear-wheel drive car, but that doesn't mean you can accelerate or steer through corners without worry. Accelerating slowly and anticipating turns are crucial here. With rear-wheel drive (RWD), extra attention is lurking: minor steering corrections are essential to prevent slipping when accelerating or cornering.

Those with an AWD, Quattro or Q4 system often have a reassuring advantage: the power is distributed to all wheels, giving you much more grip in deep snow or steep hills. And then there's the limited-slip differential, such as the Alfa Romeo Q2 system, which sends power to the wheel with the most grip. This can make a world of difference when cornering or accelerating on slippery roads, but even then, care must be taken.

Whatever type of drive you have, the basic rules remain the same: always keep sufficient distance, brake on time, accelerate slowly and anticipate unexpected situations. Winter tires improve grip and reduce braking distances, but no tire can compensate for aggressive or careless driving.

At Carvendo, we're happy to help you with expert advice so you can face the winter safely. Together, we look at your type of car, driving style and conditions.

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The air conditioning in the winter ->

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