Hi all,
Try as I might, I can't find the definitive answer ... Rumours abound that the law is changing from an either or situation to obligitory snow tyres from 1st Dec to 31 March.... As we have 2 cars, one not actually worth as much as 4 new tyres would cost, it'd be great if someone knew the answer!
Sorry if this has been posted before, I've been stuck to the 'puter all day and didn't want to have to trawl, lazy mare that I am! 
—
GustoWineTours http://www.gustowinetours.com" target="_BLANK http://www.gustoumbrianwinetours.wordpress.com" target="_BLANK
My Umbrian husband says it satisfies the law to just carry chains (and be prepared to mount them). Everyone says the gomme termiche are great, though.
Yes they are, for several reasons. On my Fiat I use maximum performance tires mounted on large diameter, wide, alloy wheels for summertime driving. The tires are low profile; i.e. short and fat.
For winter I use a wheel which is significantly narrower and two inches smaller in diameter. On that I have mounted a much taller and skinny ice/snow tire which happens to give almost the same overall diameter as my summer set-up. The shape alone makes a big difference because the narrower tires are much likely to hydroplane in wet conditions and the skinny shape makes them more effective in snow. In addition, the snow/ice tire has both a special tread pattern and (just as important) a rubber compound designed to perform best in cold weather.
Nearly everything about my wheel/tire combination for summer performance driving is the opposite for winter. The difference in grip is astounding. The typical snow and ice tire is also very good in rain, especially at low temperatures. Therefore, snow/ice tires may save the bacon in the Fall and Spring too.
Some people might argue that they drive only after the roads are plowed; therefore, they need only to carry chains. But the chemicals used to inhibit ice formation on the roads reduce grip plus they are hygroscopic (attract moisture) so they tend to keep the road damp and slippery in shaded areas. Couple that with temperatures near freezing, and your summer tires will be struggling for grip because everything about them is wrong for the conditions. Of course, the chains you carry do you no good at all in this situation except make you compliant with the law.
Unfortunately, they don't give away winter tires so each person has to evaluate their own financial situation and, perhaps, match their driving style to the conditions.
If you use your summer tires on plowed roads treated with chemicals with temperatures around freezing while carrying chains in the boot, please use extreme caution. I might be the guy coming the other way and I'd like you to stay on your side of the road............................ thanks.
Bob
America seems like a dream to me now.
We live here in the mountain area. On our larger car we put winter tires on the little run around town car we just carry chains to satisfy the law. But when there is snow or much ice on the road we leave the little one in the garage. All written above is true but that winter tires have about 10% less grip on wet warm days. Chains are the standard for driving in heavy snow and as I understand it acceptable in all regions, that is you don't need winter tires if you carry chains. If you buy chains make sure they meet the new standard which changes next year. Never hurts to stop a local policeman and ask about the law in your area. In our car and in our camper (which has winter tires all year round) we also carry chains. Especially the camper will get stuck going up a steep icy road. It is heavy and has front wheel drive. If you can afford it put winter tires on for the peace of mind. But they also make more noise and wear out faster due to the softer rubber.
www.johnandluisa.blogspot.com
Up until 3 days ago, there was a new "law" that said that snow tires were required. Instead, after people complained, the backed down. You can read it here http://www.pneusblog.it/20/12/2012/abrogato-nuovo-decreto-uso-esclusivo-delle-gomme-invernali/
Cristina
hi, we live on a mountain in liguria, never had snow tyres, when snow is forecast , we stock up on food.
we have snow chains as there is a law that you have to have them in the car in winter months
but we have never used them as yet