First, I am certainly not an expert on this topic, and especially how it affects people driving their cars from other EU countries. If you have an accident and the road conditions are such that you should have had winter tires on your car, you are considered at fault for the accident if you don't have them. We always change all four tires on our two wheel drive car, and change to the winter tires in October and remove them in mid-April. At higher elevations you may run into both snow or ice any time during this time period, but snow and ice in lower areas will be very infrequent (in Stuttgart for only two weeks during the winter will snow be on the ground). The roads tend to be quickly plowed, sanded or salted. And be aware that bridges are likely places for ice and also watch shaded places at higher elevations.

I'm pretty sure they're not compulsory but it's probably worth checking with your insurer if you are paying more than a short visit for a holiday.

The main thing about winter tyres is that they have more "tread" to displace rain/slush on the road (think of slick and wet tyres in F1). Make sure your tyres are in good condition and replace them if they look worn down before you travel.

I also change my tires in mid-october and I live not that far away from Stuttgart. Youd do not always need them, but if it snows you are better of with winter tires. The streets often cannot be cleared of snow fast enough and smaller streets are often not cleared at all. And you have next to no grip with summer tires. Often people who don't bother changing cause a huge traffic chaos.

When will you be travelling to Stuttgart?

Snow and ice are one aspect but there is also the cold tarmac at 4 C. Winter tyre or M+S (mud & snow) tyre are made of different rubber and give a better adherence hence safer to stop .

There not compulsory for visiting vehicles, they are for residents but that even depends on the type of vehicle, i have a 4x4 and dont need to change them

Are you sure winter tyres are not necessary for a SUV 4x4?

Obviously it isn't practical for UK visitors to buy 4 new tyres just for one trip to Germany and luckily the law doesn't ask for this.

The new regulation, which came into force in May 2006, stipulates that winter tyres are not mandatory but on the spot fines of €20 can be imposed if vehicles are found to be unsuitably equiped to cope with winter conditions. Vehicles causing an obstruction or if they are stranded because they are inadequately equipped whilst driving on ice or snow risk a maximum fine of €40.

Source: germany-tourism.co.uk/EGB/practical_informat…

My advice: check your tyres are in good condition and get yourself a set of snow tyres, or snow socks suppose to be very good.

Also very important, check you've got fully comp. insurance for Europe. Most insurance companies downgrade their cover for Europe to 3rd party only. Naughty!

Sorry NOT snow tyres I meant snow chains!