In Finland, there are specific regulations regarding the use of studded winter tires that many drivers may not be aware of, particularly concerning the spacing of the studs.
In Finland, the law mandates that winter tires must meet certain requirements both for safety and legal compliance, particularly when it comes to studded tires. A key aspect that many drivers overlook is the rule stating that the number of studs on the tires must be similar, with a difference no greater than 25 percent between them. According to Antti Ahomäki, a product manager for winter tires at Continental, this regulation is crucial for maintaining adequate vehicle safety, as substantial differences in tire grip can significantly impair driving performance.
Furthermore, if one tire has lost a substantial number of studs, operating the vehicle with that tire could potentially be illegal. Ahomäki emphasizes the importance of regularly monitoring the condition of tires, noting that the absence of multiple studs can often be detected visually. This highlights a broader issue of tire maintenance, which is critical during the winter months when icy and snowy conditions necessitate optimal tire performance.
In addition to the stud rules, Finnish law stipulates that there are also minimum tread depth requirements for winter tires. The main channels of the tread must meet a specified depth to ensure suitable traction on slippery surfaces, further underlining the necessity for drivers to be vigilant about their tire conditions throughout the winter season.
