Published
When to change your tyres and what to check at the same time
Tyres are changed according to the conditions, not on a set date: in autumn before the first slippery mornings, and in spring once the slippery mornings are over. The law only requires winter tyres during the winter period, and even then according to the conditions. Before the change, check the tread depth, age and any damage, so you know whether the same tyres will last another season.
What the law says about timing
According to Traficom, the Finnish transport agency, winter tyres are compulsory from 1 November to 31 March if the weather or road conditions require them. Studded tyres may be used during the same period, and at other times too if conditions are demanding. Summer tyres may be used all year round when conditions do not call for winter tyres.
In autumn it is safer to change a little too early than too late. In spring, on the other hand, Traficom says winter tyres usually have clearly poorer grip than summer tyres on wet and dry asphalt, so don't put the change off far into spring. You will find the full rules on Traficom's page Summer and winter tyres for cars.
Tread depth: the legal limit and the recommendation
| Tyres | Legal minimum | Recommended in difficult conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Summer tyres | 1.6 mm | 4 mm (to avoid aquaplaning) |
| Winter tyres | 3 mm | 5 mm (snow and slush) |
You can measure the tread depth yourself with an inexpensive gauge. Measure the main groove at several points across the width of the tyre, because a tyre can wear differently at the edges than in the middle. If the depth is already close to the recommended figure, it will probably drop below it during the season.
Other things to check before the change
- Age. The last four digits of the DOT code on the sidewall show the week and year of manufacture. Rubber hardens with age, so an old tyre can grip poorly even if there is still depth left in the grooves.
- Damage. Look for bulges, cuts and cracks on the sidewall. A tyre with a bulging sidewall is not repaired; it is replaced.
- Even wear. If a tyre is clearly more worn on one edge, the cause may be the tyre pressures or the wheel alignment. There is more on this in our article on why a car pulls to one side.
- Matching tyres. Traficom advises against having tyres of different makes and types on the same car. If you drive on studded tyres, all the tyres must be studded.
Tyre work with us
| Service | When | Time | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tyre change | The tyres are already on their own rims | 25 min | €44–54 |
| Rim work 15–17" | The tyres need to be mounted on rims, for example new tyres on old rims. Includes balancing. The price applies to 15–17 inch rims; larger rims cost extra for each size up. | 1 h | from €139 |
| Wheel balancing | The steering wheel or the car vibrates at a certain speed | 25 min | €79 |
| Tyre wash | Clean tyres and rims before storage | 15 min | €19 |
If you want to get the car washed at the same time, our packages combine a wash with the tyre change. Seasonal package (€90–110) includes a tyre change, a tyre wash and a basic wash. Tyre hotel package (€149–169) also includes storing your tyres over the season.
If your tyres are in our tyre hotel, book the change at least 24 hours in advance, because the tyres are kept in our own storage facility, not at the wash hall. Mention in the Message to the shop field that your tyres are in the hotel. Fitting the tyres to the car is not included in the hotel price.
After the change
On alloy wheels, the wheel bolts should be re-tightened after about 100 kilometres of driving. As a tyre hotel customer you can come in for re-tightening free of charge, or you can tighten the bolts yourself following the instructions you are given. Check the tyre pressures against the values in the owner's manual at the same time. If the steering wheel starts to vibrate at a certain speed, it's worth having the wheels balanced.
We are on level P1 of the Lauttis shopping centre at Lauttasaarentie 28, and as a customer you can park free for two hours: ask at the counter to have your parking validated. You can wait on site while the tyres are changed, as we have a table and chairs.
Book a tyre change
Tyre change €44–54. When booking, you can see the available times and add a wash to the same visit.