Time for winter tires?

Autumn is here – time to think about winter tires and the right equipment

As fall approaches and temperatures drop, it’s time to prepare your car for winter.
One of the most important things to remember is to change to winter tires in time and make sure they are fitted correctly.
Here we go through what you need to know about winter tyres and the rules that apply, while giving you tips on how to optimize your car with the right wheel bolts, nuts and hub rings.

When is it time to switch to winter tires?

According to Swedish law, winter tires must be used between 1 December and 31 March when there are winter road conditions.
However, it is wise to keep an eye on the weather conditions already in the fall.
It is recommended to switch to winter tires when the temperature is regularly below 7°C, as the rubber compound of summer tires becomes too hard to provide good grip.

Winter tires – rules and legal requirements

• Tread depth: Winter tires should have a tread depth of at least 3 mm.
  However, for optimal grip, a depth of 5 mm is recommended.
• Studded or unstudded: You can choose between studded or unstudded winter tires.
  Studded tires are allowed between 1 October and 15 April, but be aware that some cities ban studded tires on specific streets.
• Winter road conditions: The requirement for winter tires applies in winter road conditions, which are defined as when there is snow, ice, slush or frost on the road surface.

Correct assembly – the importance of hub rings, wheel bolts and nuts

When it’s time to put on your winter tires, it’s not just the tires themselves that are important.
To avoid vibrations and ensure the wheels are properly seated, you need the right hub rings, wheel bolts and nuts.

Navringar

If you are using rims with a hub hole larger than the car’s hub, hub rings are needed.
These help to center the wheel correctly and prevent vibrations.
It is important to choose hub rings that fit both the hub and the rim.

Wheel bolts and nuts

When changing tires, especially when changing to rims other than the original ones, it is important to use the correct wheel bolts and nuts.
Different rims require different lengths and conformations of bolts.
Using the wrong wheel bolts or nuts can lead to the wheels not being properly secured, which in turn can be a safety risk.

How to check your equipment for the winter tire season

1. Check your winter tires: make sure that the tread depth is sufficient and that the tires are free of damage.
   If the tires are stored in a cool and dry place, they will last longer.
2. Prepare the rims: If you have changed to other rims, check that you have the right hub rings to fit the car’s hubs.
   The right hub rings are essential to avoid imbalance and shaking when driving.
3. Check wheel bolts and nuts: Tighten the wheel bolts to the correct torque according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
   After a tire change, be sure to check the tightness after a few miles of driving.
4. Studded tires: If you plan to drive with studded tires, make sure the studs are not too worn.
   A good tip is to check the studding of the tires at each change to ensure they have enough studs left.

Safer driving with the right accessories

Using the right accessories, such as hub rings, wheel bolts and nuts, can optimize both safety and the driving experience this winter.
Invest in quality products to reduce the risk of vibrations, imbalances and loose wheels.
Being well prepared for the winter tire season means not only complying with legal requirements, but also creating safer conditions on the road.

Executive summary

With the arrival of autumn, it’s time to start thinking about winter tires and the right equipment.
Make sure your winter tires are in good condition and that you have the right hub rings, wheel bolts and nuts for your rims.
This will help you drive more safely and reduce the risk of problems on the road.
So do a thorough check and prepare your car for winter now!