Winter is fast approaching and with it will also be changing to winter tires on the car. In Sweden, it is legal to have winter tires on your car from December 1 to March 31, but when should you actually change your tires?
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Should you have tires with or without studs?
During the winter season, you can use studded tires or studless winter tires. News24 have talked to Madeleine Westerlingmanager of Mekonomen’s workshops, who tells you which tires fit best.
She explains that the difference between the tires is that studded tires have small metal studs that give better grip but on the other hand cause more road wear. While studless tires are made of a softer rubber compound designed to grip snow and slush.
– Studded tires are best for icy roads and hard packed snow, which often occurs in northern Sweden or in areas where the temperature is often around zero, says Madeleine Westerling.
When are studless tires best suited?
– In milder winter conditions or where snow and ice are quickly removed from the roadways, she says and continues:
– Choosing the right winter tires therefore depends on where you usually drive and the winter conditions that are common in that area. Both tires are good choices, but your driving style and where you are will determine which is best for you.
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When should you change to winter tires?
– In Sweden, it is legal to use winter tires from December 1 to March 31 if there are winter road conditions, but many choose to change earlier to be ready for sudden weather changes, she says.
If you have studded tires, it is permitted to use them between October 1 and April 15 and longer in winter road conditions. While studless tires can be used all year round.
She also gives two tips that may indicate that you need to change from summer to winter tires:
– By changing in good time, you avoid queues at the workshop and can drive more safely when the cold and slippery conditions hit, she says.
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