Road safety is invaluable and good winter tires are crucial to ensure safe winter driving. Changing tires from summer to winter is not only a matter of comfort, but above all, safety.
In Norway, the usual deadline for changing to winter tires is November 1, although in some regions, such as Nordland, Troms and Finnmark, the deadline is October 16. This is an important date for drivers because the right winter tires are crucial during difficult weather conditions.
The minimum tread depth for winter tires is usually three millimeters, but it is strongly recommended that the tread be at least five millimeters. The deep tread helps the tire maintain grip on slippery surfaces, which is extremely important on icy or snow-covered roads. Let's also not forget about the age of the tires. Even if tires have been stored properly, the softness of the rubber loses over time. Older tires become hard and lose their properties significantly affects safety while driving in difficult conditions.
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It is also worth mentioning studless winter tires. While they are permitted year-round, they are not recommended for summer use. In summer, the braking distance on winter tires without studs is longer, which can lead to dangerous situations on the road. Therefore, it is better to use summer tires in the summer and winter tires in the winter to ensure safe travel for yourself and others.
It is worth realizing that if we plan to travel before November 1 to regions where we expect a lot low temperatures, icy roads or snowfall, considering winter tires is not only a wise but also a safe choice. In such conditions, winter tires are irreplaceable to ensure confidence and safety on the road. It is important that we are aware that we will not be penalized for using winter tires before the official tire change date, because the safety of the driver and other road users is the most important. Therefore, if the weather conditions are difficult, do not hesitate to put on winter tires to travel safely and responsibly.
Here are some steps you can take to thoroughly inspect your tires:
- Check the tire tread: The minimum tread depth is 3 mm, but it is recommended that the tread be at least 5 millimeters.
- Check the condition of the tire bead: The tire should be free of cracks, abrasions or other damage. If the sidewalls are damaged, the tire must be replaced.
- Check the age of the tire: The production date of the tire is located on its sidewall and consists of 4 digits, the first two of which indicate the week and the last two the year of production. Tires older than 6 years should be carefully checked or replaced.
- Check tire pressure: The tire pressure should meet the car and tire manufacturer's recommendations. Low pressure can lead to faster tire wear, increased fuel consumption and reduced traction. Too high pressure can also affect the traction and handling of the car.
- Check for even tread wear: Tires should be evenly worn. If you notice uneven tread wear, it could be an indication of wheel alignment or suspension issues.
How much can it cost us if the tread depth is less than three millimeters? For vehicles with a total weight of less than 7500 kilograms, a fee of NOK 1000 per wheel is charged, for vehicles with a total weight of more than 7500 kilograms, it will be NOK 2000.
To sum up, taking care of the right winter tires is a key element of ensuring road safety during winter in Norway. The timing of tire changes and their technical condition are matters that drivers should treat as a priority to minimize the risk of accidents and ensure confidence when driving in difficult weather conditions.
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