Buying winter tires?
Discover top quality at Banden Michel
- Quality winter tires for any vehicle
- Storage of tires in our on-site warehouse
- Always helped with a smile
At Tires Michel, we understand that you are looking for quality and reliability for your car, especially during the winter months. We have a wide selection of top quality winter tires that perfectly fit your driving style and needs.
Winter tires are for you if you
- Drives more than 15,000 km per year
- goes on a ski trip by car
- travels through other European countries in the winter
When to choose winter tires?
Unsure about when is the best time to switch to winter tires? The answer is simpler than you think. As soon as the temperature regularly drops below 7 degrees Celsius, it’s time to switch. A good mnemonic is to change your tires when you change the clock. Switch to winter tires in October and choose summer tires again starting in April. Winter tires perform better in cold conditions, keeping your grip on the road even when it is icy or snowy. Better prevention than cure we say at Tires Michel.
Save money with winter tires
Investing in both summer and winter tires may seem like a higher initial cost, but you’ll save money in the long run. How. By using tires specifically designed for the season, you not only increase your safety, but also reduce wear and tear. Summer tires perform better and wear less in warm months, while winter tires are more durable in cold conditions. This means both sets will last longer, which means you won’t have to buy new tires as often. So smart choices today mean more savings at Tires Michel.
What tires do you need?
Our expert will help you further
Temperature check:
Above 7°C:
choose summer tires for optimal performance.
Below 7°C:
switch to winter tires for your safety.
Annual mileage:
More than 15,000 km:
change between summer and winter tires.
Less than 15,000 km:
consider all-season tires, unless you go skiing.
Need advice?
At Tires Michel, we are happy to help you find the perfect tire for your driving style and needs.
Why winter tires are a good choice
Winter tires are not just another expense; they are a smart choice for your safety. These tires are specially designed to give you more control and stability during the winter months. With a rubber compound that remains flexible at low temperatures and a tread designed to withstand snow and ice. You’ll hit the road more safely and confidently with winter tires, even during the winter months.
The benefits of winter tires
The benefits of winter tires are obvious, especially when the mercury drops. First, improved grip. No more treacherous slides; with winter tires, you maintain control no matter what the weather. Second, shorter braking distances. Because the composition and grooves of premium winter tires are tailored to these cold conditions. Last but not least, winter tires are a durable choice. They wear out less quickly in low temperatures, which means you don’t have to replace them every season. Safe, reliable and cost-effective – that’s why we at Tires Michel love winter tires so much!
In some cases, you are required to use winter tires
Do you know that in certain situations winter tires are not only a smart choice, but also legally required? In Belgium itself it is not compulsory, but if you are going on winter sports or traveling, winter tires are compulsory in many European countries. This is not only for your safety, but also to comply with local traffic regulations. At Banden Michel, we are happy to help you make sure you are always well prepared and compliant on the road. Your safety is our priority.
Recognizing winter tires
So how do you know if you’re dealing with a real winter tire? It’s all in the details. Look at the tread and markings. Winter tires have a unique tread designed to provide better grip on snow and ice. You can see and feel this for yourself if you take a closer look at the tire.
Below we describe the easiest ways to recognize a winter tire.
The profile of winter tires
The tread of a winter tire is what makes these tires so special. They have deeper and more pronounced grooves than summer tires, and they are made of a softer rubber compound. This design allows your new tires to shed snow, water and mud efficiently, helping you maintain better grip and stability in winter conditions.
Grooves and slats crucial for performance
The grooves and sipes in the tread of winter tires play an indispensable role. These grooves allow the tires to shed water and snow, while the sipes (small indentations in the tread) provide extra grip on slippery surfaces. At Banden Michel, we make sure that your winter tires are always ready for the challenges of winter. So you’ll always have the right winter tires ready for when you need them.
The winter tire logo: 3PMSF
An easy way to identify winter tires is to look for the 3PMSF (three-peak-mountain-snowflake) on the sidewall. This indicates that the tires are specially designed for winter conditions.
Ask for the appropriate tire
at Tires Michel
Would you like to get tailored advice on choosing the best summer tire? Then feel free to contact us or make an appointment at our tire center. Our staff will be happy to help you.
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost of a set of winter tires
Investing in a set of winter tires may seem like an extra expense, but it actually saves you a lot of money. Especially if you drive your car more than 15,000 km per year. The price of winter tires varies depending on the brand and size, but at Tires Michel we make sure you get the best value for your money. Remember, these tires last several seasons, which spreads the cost over the years.
Our mechanics will be happy to help you choose the right winter tires for better performance.
All-season tires versus winter tires
You may be wondering: aren’t all-season tires enough? The answer depends on where and how you drive. All-season tires are a compromise, designed to perform reasonably in all weather conditions in Belgium. Winter tires, on the other hand, are specifically designed for cold temperatures and winter weather conditions. They offer unmatched grip and safety on snow, ice and mud. Do you drive less than 15,000 kilometers and do not go not go on a trip or ski vacation? Then 4-season tires are a good choice for you. If you do more mileage or do go to ski resorts, then winter tires are recommended or mandatory.
Summer tires comparison with winter tires
Summer tires are optimized for warmer conditions. They offer excellent performance on dry and wet roads at higher temperatures. However, once the mercury drops, their efficiency decreases. Winter tires, on the other hand, remain flexible at low temperatures and maintain their grip and braking performance. This makes them indispensable for safe driving during the cold months. But during the summer months, winter tires wear out very quickly due to the unique rubber compound specifically made for cold conditions.