How to choose the best tyres for my UK to Iceland adventure in September?

I have both a VW Transporter T5. I live in Wales. In the Autumn I will be driving to Denmark and then onto Iceland and driving around Iceland. Ideally I can get one set of tyres that will support all the conditions I might encounter including mud, snow, and ice. I will not be off-roading but occasionally rounds in the countryside are just gravel. I want to develop criteria to help me make the choice.

For my journey from Wales to Denmark and then onto Iceland in your VW Transporter T5, finding a set of tyres that can handle a range of conditions including mud, snow, ice, and gravel roads is crucial. Here are some criteria .

1. All-Weather Versus Winter Tyres

• All-Weather Tyres: These tyres are designed to handle a wide range of conditions, including mild winter weather and wet roads. They can be a good compromise if you’re looking for tyres that perform well in both summer and winter conditions without the need for changing them seasonally.
• Winter Tyres: If you expect to encounter severe winter conditions, including deep snow and ice, dedicated winter tyres might be necessary. They’re made from a softer rubber compound that stays flexible in cold weather for better grip.

2. Tread Pattern

• Look for tyres with a deep tread pattern. Deep grooves and sipes (small slits) in the tread can provide better traction on snow and ice, and help expel mud and water to prevent hydroplaning on wet roads.

3. Rubber Compound

• The rubber compound of a tyre affects its performance in different temperatures. A compound that remains flexible in cold temperatures is essential for maintaining grip on icy and snowy roads.

4. Tyre Ratings

• Traction rating: Indicates a tyre’s ability to stop on wet pavement.
• Temperature rating: Shows a tyre’s resistance to heat build-up under normal operating conditions.
• Wear rating: Provides an estimate of the tyre’s longevity.

5. Load and Speed Rating

• Ensure the tyres meet or exceed the load and speed rating recommended by your VW Transporter T5’s manufacturer. This is crucial for maintaining vehicle performance and safety.

6. Reinforced Sidewalls

• Tyres with reinforced or thicker sidewalls can be more resistant to damage, which is beneficial when driving on gravel or rough country roads.

7. Certifications

• Look for tyres with the M+S (Mud and Snow) symbol, indicating they’re designed to perform in mud and light snow.
• The Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake (3PMSF) symbol indicates tyres that have been tested and meet specific snow traction performance requirements, making them suitable for severe snow conditions.

Finding your tyre size

Identifying your tyre size is quick and easy. You can find this information on the sidewall of your tyre, as shown in the image.

This information lists the size and specification of your tyre, as well as ensuring it complies with European safety standards.

What each code section stands for:

This code is a breakdown of four key factors when determining tyre size and type:

Width – The width of the tyre in millimetres.

Profile – The height of the tyre sidewall as a percentage of the tyre width.

Rim Size – The diameter of the tyres inner rim, in inches.

Speed Rating – The maximum recommended speed for the tyre at full load.

What is my current tyre size?

Current Tyre size is 205/65R16 107/105T.

• 205: This is the tire’s width in millimeters, measured from sidewall to sidewall.
• 65: This is the aspect ratio, which is the height of the tire’s sidewall expressed as a percentage of the tire’s width. In this case, the sidewall height is 65% of the tire’s width.
• R: This indicates that the tire is of radial construction, which is the most common type for passenger vehicles.
• 16: This is the diameter of the wheel in inches that the tire is designed to fit.
• 107/105: This represents the load index. The two numbers indicate the load capacity of the tire when used in dual or single configuration. For example, 107 indicates a load capacity of 975 kg per tire when used in single configuration.
• T: This is the speed rating, which indicates the maximum speed the tire can safely sustain. A rating of ‘T’ means the tire can handle speeds up to 190 km/h (118 mph).

How much might it in snow Iceland?

This article provided a good summary of the snowfall in Iceland in different months.
Snow will not be very likely during autumn so it does not need to be a primary driver for the tyre selection.

What are the regulations in Iceland with regard to tyres needed?

In Iceland, specific regulations govern the use of tires during the winter months, including the period from September through November 2024. Here are the key points:

1. Winter Tyres: From November 1st to April 14th, vehicles must have winter tires with a minimum tread depth of 3 mm. These can be either studded or non-studded winter tires​ (Reykjavik Cars)​​ (Statens vegvesen)​.
2. Studded Tyres: Studded tyres are permitted from November 1st to April 14th. If you choose to use studded tires, they must be installed on all wheels​ (Continental Tyres)​​ (Statens vegvesen)​.
3. Tread Depth Requirements: During the winter period, the minimum tread depth for tires is 3 mm. For the summer season, from the first Sunday after Easter to November 1st, the minimum tread depth is reduced to 1.6 mm​ (Statens vegvesen)​.
4. Snow Chains: Snow chains are not typically required unless road conditions are severe enough to necessitate them. It’s also important to note that their use is regulated to prevent road damage​ (Statens vegvesen)​.

https://www.continental-tyres.co.uk/b2b/business-know-how/winter-regulations

This link shares about winter tyres for many countries.

What are snow socks?

Snow Socks

• Material and Construction: Snow socks are made from a fabric that covers the tires. The fabric is designed to absorb water on the surface of the snow and ice, which can increase friction and improve the vehicle’s grip on slippery surfaces.
• Ease of Use: They are generally easier and quicker to fit and remove than chains, making them a convenient option for drivers who may not be accustomed to fitting chains.
• Application: Snow socks are usually suitable for light to moderate snow conditions and can be a good option for cars, especially in areas where snow is not too deep or compact.
• Limitations: They may not be as durable as snow chains and might not provide as much traction in very icy or hard-packed snow conditions.

Snow Chains

• Material and Construction: Snow chains are made of metal and are designed to wrap around the tire’s tread. They bite into the snow and ice, providing superior traction compared to snow socks.
• Durability and Traction: Chains are more durable and offer better traction in heavy snow conditions and on ice, making them ideal for more severe winter weather.
• Installation: Fitting snow chains can be more time-consuming and difficult, especially in cold and snowy conditions. It might require practice to do it efficiently.
• Application: Suitable for heavy snow and ice, particularly in mountainous regions or areas with severe winter weather conditions. They are often recommended or even required for travel in certain winter conditions.

Key Differences

• Performance: Snow chains generally offer better traction and are more durable for heavy snow and ice conditions. Snow socks are more suitable for lighter snow conditions and offer the convenience of easier installation.
• Usage Restrictions: Some regions have specific regulations regarding the use of snow chains or snow socks, so it’s important to check local laws before deciding which to use.
• Road Impact: Snow chains can be more damaging to road surfaces if used on clear pavement, and their use may be restricted to certain areas to prevent road damage. Snow socks are less likely to cause damage to the road surface.

Note: This blog post research was aided by ChatGPT 4o.