As temperatures drop and rain returns, many drivers wonder when winter tyres in Cyprus are truly necessary. While most coastal areas don’t see extreme winter conditions, sudden weather changes, wet roads, and early snowfall in the mountains mean tyre performance matters far more than people realise.
When winter tyres in Cyprus make sense
For everyday urban driving, all-season tyres generally suffice. However, winter tyres become important if:
- you travel to Troodos or high-altitude areas where snow or black ice is common,
- you drive early in the morning or late at night when temperatures fall close to freezing,
- your current tyres are worn and struggle in wet or cold conditions.
Winter tyres use softer rubber that grips the road better at low temperatures, even without snow.
Tyre pressure drops in cold weather
As the weather cools, tyre pressure naturally decreases. Drivers often find their tyres under-inflated at the start of winter because pressure drops by about 1 PSI for every 5°C.
Low pressure makes cars less stable and increases both fuel consumption and aquaplaning risk. It’s best to check pressure once a month and always before a long drive to the mountains.
It’s also important to check tyre pressure when the tyres are cold. After driving, tyres heat up and the air inside expands, giving a falsely high reading. That means you may think the pressure is correct when it’s actually too low once the tyres cool down. For the most accurate measurement, check your tyres first thing in the morning or after the car has been parked for at least two to three hours.
Chains, snow socks and mountain rules
During heavy snowfall, police may require:
- snow chains
- snow socks
- or 4×4 vehicles
on specific Troodos roads. These rules are updated throughout the winter, and using chains on dry asphalt can damage both tyres and the road surface. Cyprus police will make announcements if snowy conditions require chains, which should only be added once you reach the areas where there is snow.
Tread depth still matters most
Even with winter tyres, worn tread is unsafe. Legally you need 1.6mm, but experts recommend replacing tyres once they reach 3mm, especially for winter driving.
Practical tips for safer winter driving
- Avoid sudden braking on wet roads
- Increase following distance
- Check lights and wipers
- Use winter-grade screen wash
- Carry warm clothes, water and a charged phone for mountain trips
Whether commuting in the rain or planning a snowy weekend in Troodos, understanding when to use winter tyres in Cyprus can make driving much safer and more predictable.
Also read: Christodoulides: EU should align with Trump’s Middle East strategy
For more videos and updates, check out our YouTube channel
