Winter tires in Norway are extremely important for our comfort and driving safety. The legal regulations related to the use of tires on Norwegian roads are slightly different. First of all, studded tires are approved for use at certain times of the year. In addition, it is worth knowing a few other issues related to the selection of the right tires.
Studded tires in Norway
The biggest difference compared to Polish conditions is that studded tires in Norway are approved for use. However, there is a clearly defined period during which such tires can be used. Usually, the first such day is November 1st and lasts until the first day after Easter. It is worth knowing that this is not a rule - the regulations may differ from city to city, e.g. in Bergen studded tires can be used until the end of April, while in Oslo the deadline is the end of March.
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Additional fees
Using studded tires in Norway incurs additional fees in some cities. In Stavanger, for example, since autumn 2017, regulations have been in force imposing a fee of NOK 1400 for the use of studded tires. The situation is similar in other Norwegian cities, such as Oslo. Entry to the capital with such tires is possible only after purchasing a vignette, the so-called piggdekkgeby.
Winter tires in Norway
Although recent winters have not been as intense as in previous years, it is still worth purchasing tires in Norway intended for driving in the winter. Especially if you live in the north of the country. Unlike summer tires, winter tires feature a silica mixture that guarantees better adhesion to the ground. When purchasing, it is worth paying attention primarily to the following parameters: wet grip, resistance to aquaplaning, and load and speed indexes.
Winter tires in Norway
One fact should be noted. Although there is no legal obligation to use winter tires in Poland, it is mandatory in Norway. However, depending on the region in which you live, the dates in which you are required to change summer tires to winter tires vary. In the north (Finnmark, Nordland, Tromms districts) winter tires (optionally studded, put on all four wheels) are compulsory from October 15th to May 1st. In turn, in the south, such an obligation exists from November 1 to April 15.
Winter tires in Norway - what to buy off-road?
Off-road tires in Norway can be useful - especially for off-road enthusiasts who have great opportunities in this country. The most important information for these people are the markings on the tires, giving us information about their purpose. Please note the following:
- MT / R are off-road tires,
- AT / R are all-season off-road tires,
- HT are tires designed for off-road vehicles and SUVs with 4 × 4 drive.
Additionally, MT / R and AT / R tires are divided into the following subtypes: universal, expedition, competition and expedition.
Motorcycle tires - for fans of two-wheelers
Two-wheelers enthusiasts should obtain suitable motorcycle tires in Norway. The choice of tire type depends on the intended use and type of vehicle. Different products should be used for racing bikes, others for touring Enduro, and still others for choppers and cruisers.
Tire change in Norway - what is important?
Winter tires in Norway require a swift replacement process. It is important to notice any excessive tread wear in advance. For this purpose, it is worth finding the designation TWI. It informs about the tread height, which cannot be lower than 1,6 mm. You should also take into account other circumstances, the occurrence of which qualifies our tires for immediate replacement. They are as follows:
- using tires for more than 10 years,
- deformation of the tire sidewall,
- damage to the wire structure or its externalisation,
- stains on the inside of the tire.
It is recommended that winter tires in Norway be fitted to both the front and rear axles of the vehicle. This significantly increases driving safety due to better parameters of adhesion to the ground.
Tire markings - how to read?
Markings on tires in Norway do not differ from those used in Poland. This is mainly due to the standardized labeling of these products. Despite this simplification, there are many symbols on the tire, the meaning of which we do not fully understand. Sizing labels are used for each product and are as follows:
- 195 - tire width in millimeters
- 50% side to width ratio
- R - radial tire / B - diagonal tire
- 16 - rim diameter and seating given in inches
- 80 T - designation of load capacity and speed
From the point of view of use, the speed index parameters are also important (marked with the letters Q, R, S, T, H, V, W and Y). The markings regarding the load capacity of a given vehicle are also important - this in turn informs us about the maximum load capacity that falls on one wheel. Usually it oscillates in the range of numbers 80-114. To determine the maximum payload of your car, simply multiply this number by four.
Hotel
When installing winter tires in Norway, we need to store the summer kit somewhere for the winter period. We can choose two variants - use the services of a company dealing with this or find a suitable place in our garage. In both cases, however, it is worth being aware of some basic rules for storing tires.
First of all, the tires should be thoroughly cleaned. Any mud, pebbles in the tread or lumps of mud can warp the outer surface of the tire. In addition, it is worth taking care not to keep the tires in the open air, and also keep them away from heating points. Chemicals and caustic substances also have a destructive effect on tires - so it is worth getting rid of them from the immediate vicinity of storage.
All-season tires - is it worth it?
In the south of the country, some drivers wonder whether it is worth investing in winter tires in Norway in the face of increasingly mild winters. In some cases, you can use multi-season tires, which will allow you to avoid replacing tires. In this case, we will not have to deal with the difficulties of storing them. The basic issue is to obtain information whether roads in our everyday environment are maintained to a white or black standard. If the first solution is used, all-season tires will not be the best solution.
Winter tires in Norway - comfort and safety
The topic of choosing a good tire in Norway is extremely wide - as is the range of products available. It is worth being aware of the obligatory periods of installing winter tires, as well as the issues related to the use of studded tires.
