What the different winter tires are, where winter tires and snow chains are legally required, and what your camper will come with at pick-up.
Types of winter tires:
- Winter tires (snow tires) are designed to perform better in snowy and icy conditions. Their tread has larger gaps than conventional tires to increase traction with the road.
- Studded tires have metal or ceramic studs that protrude from the tire to grip hard-packed snow or ice. The only Indie Campers location where studded tires are fitted is Reykjavik, Iceland. Both winter and studded tires should only be used in winter.
- All-season tires have tread gaps smaller than snow tires and larger than conventional tires. They're quieter than winter tires on clear roads.
| Country | Winter/All-season tires required | Snow chains required |
| Austria | Yes | No (but an alternative to winter tires when fitted on at least two driving wheels only if the road surface is covered with a contiguous/uninterrupted layer of snow or ice) |
| Germany | Yes (situational for winter road conditions such as black ice, slush and snow) | No |
| Sweden | Yes | No |
| Czech Republic | Yes | No |
| Iceland | Yes | No |
| Italy | No (Required only in Aosta Valley) | No (with the exception of region of Aosta Valley (Milan and Venice, mainly)) |
| Croatia | No | Yes, in snow regions (snow chains need to be kept in the trunk and fitted when needed) |
| Belgium | No | No |
| Spain | No | No |
| France | No | No |
| Portugal | No | No |
| United Kingdom | No | No |
| Switzerland | No | No |
| USA | Different per state but overall recommended | No |
New Zealand | Yes | May be be required (in snow regions) |
Important. It is illegal and unsafe to drive without winter/all-season tires or snow chains where the law requires them. If they are mandated and you have an accident without the correct equipment, you will not be covered by any protection plan. If you're unsure which type is which, see the tire types explained above.
What tires will I receive at pick-up?
Indie Campers fleet
At locations where winter or all-season tires are legally required, vehicles are equipped with them during the winter season.
If you're renting from a location that doesn't require winter tires, you can contact us in advance to find out where you can have the tires changed if needed. Any associated costs are your responsibility, as Indie Campers has no legal obligation to fit winter tires unless local law requires it.
Snow chains. It's your responsibility to check whether snow chains are mandatory along your route. They can be added and paid for as an extra — see how to modify your booking and add extras.