WEBVTT

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- Driving in Italy can be
really fun and beautiful,

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but there is one thing you
should know before winter begins.

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That is winter tires and snow chains.

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Let's get into it.

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(engine starts)

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Every year from November
15th to April 15th,

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the snow tire/chain law is in effect.

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Now what does that mean for you?

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Well, generally you'll hear

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about two different types
of tires here in Italy.

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They are summer tires and winter tires.

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Summer tires are regular tires
that come with most new cars.

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If you're using these
tires during the winter,

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Italian law requires you
to put snow chains on them.

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Now there are many different
types of snow chains out there,

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so the best way to put them on

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is by checking your owner's manual.

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Now, if you don't have an owner's manual,

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here are some general instructions
on how to put them on.

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First, lay out the chain
with the traction facing up

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and remove any twists or kinks.

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Grab the chain and move
it behind the tire.

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Next, pull it up and around the top.

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Last but not least, link all
fasteners as snug as possible.

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Now, you don't have to
keep them on all the time.

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If there are no signs or snow
indicating you need them,

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Italian law mandates you just
keep them inside your vehicle.

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The next type of tire you'll
hear about are winter tires

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or mud and snow tires.

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Now, you don't need snow chains on these,

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but again, it's always required
to keep those snow chains

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in your vehicle.

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To distinguish winter
tires from other tires,

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look for a snowflake symbol,
M/N mark, or M+S mark.

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That means your tires are winter ready

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and you are good to go.

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Remember that snow chains
or winter tires are required

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on all autostradas and mountain
roads during the winter.

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Italian roads tend to be
slicker than American roads.

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Mix that with winter and
they can get really slippery.

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That's why it's important

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you follow the Italian
winter driving laws.

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Also, don't solely rely on the tires

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to protect you on the road.

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Make sure you are driving to
the conditions of the road,

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avoiding distractions, and
using your best judgment,

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because the more you
know-cchi, the better.