Wheel and tire thefts increase in the spring, partly because summer tires tend to be those with nicer rims, partly because many people simply need new tyres. Regardless, the demand increases, and for the thief, the supply as well, when the finer wheels come out and roll in the spring sun.
Here are the times and rules for summer and winter tires you need to remember:
When are the winter road conditions?
The Swedish Transport Agency's definition states that: " Winter road laws apply when there is snow, ice, slush or frost on any part of the road. The police will determine whether there are winter road conditions at the location where you are."
You may have studded winter tires between October 1 and April 15.
If it's not winter road conditions, you don't have to have studded tires. But if you have studded tires for the winter, it is OK to change to these from October 1.
You may also have studded winter tires before October 1 and after April 15 if there are or are expected to be winter road conditions, as defined above.
You must have winter tires between 1 December and 31 March if there are winter road conditions.
Winter tires can be studded or friction tires. So you don't have to have winter tires just because it's New Year's Eve. If it's not winter road conditions, it isn't. The important thing here is that if in October you happen to end up on unexpected winter road conditions with summer tires, it is not illegal. If, on the other hand, it happens between December 1 and March 31, it is more expected and therefore you must also have been prepared for the winter road conditions.
Can you have winter tires in the summer?
It is not illegal to drive with winter tires in the summer - as long as they are not studded. But it is very inappropriate. The motormen's test showed an up to 40 percent longer braking distance with friction tires on summer roads compared to summer tires.
Good luck with the tire change and, as I said, don't forget to change to a proper rim lock from Rimgard now that the nicer rims arrive.
Find Rimgard for your car here.
Read about the motormen's tire test here:Dangerous to drive with non-studded winter tires in the summer | All about Cars
The Swedish Transport Agency's rules on winter tires