THE definition of winter or snow tyres is now included in the Victorian Alpine Resorts (Management) Regulations: "snow tyre means a tyre whose tread pattern, tread compound and structure are specifically designed to achieve better performance, on a road affected by snow or ice, than that of a normal tyre with regard to its ability to initiate, maintain or stop vehicle motion".

Normal summer highway tyres, tyres marked M+S and off–road tyres do not comply with this definition.

"Snow tyres feature special tread compounds, special tread patterns and extensive tread siping," said Richard Townley, who began importing Nokian snow tyres in 2004 and now consults with Snow Drive Solutions.

Snow tyre use in Australia is increasing every year.

A quick survey of AWD vehicles parked in the Mt Buller Village will confirm this.

"Remember that no transmission system or electronic controls are an alternative for snow tyres," he said.

"AWD or 4WD can help get your vehicle going, but it won't help when trying to stop."

The Victorian Alpine Resorts (Management) Regulations 2020 (you can Google "VicRoads snow chains" for a copy) now define wheel chains as "devices made up of chains in a diamond pattern that are designed to be fitted to wheels of a motor vehicle to increase the directional stability and traction of the wheels of that vehicle on a road affected by snow or ice."

As ladder chains, spider chains and snow sock do not comply with the definition in the regulation they will no longer be permitted for use in any of the Victorian Alpine Regions.

In addition to this, the egulation also states, "the driver of a motor vehicle who enters an alpine resort must at all times during the snow season carry in the motor vehicle wheel chains suitable to be properly fitted to that motor vehicle" in the "Requirement to carry wheel chains during the snow season" section.

Wheel chains are designed to help a vehicle climb a gradient that's beyond the grip level of the tyres.

In order for wheel chains to work effectively they must penetrate into the compacted snow surface to provide the maximum amount of traction.

The grip may be lost and wheel spin experienced when the snow and/or ice begins to break up and melts to slush and this is what causes chain wear.

For advice on which snow tyres or chains are suitable for your vehicle visit snowtyres.com.au to find your local dealer.