Make a better choice – switch to friction tyres

The grip of studded tyres is particularly effective on icy road surfaces. However, according to tyre tests carried out by operators such as Tekniikan maailma magazine, the difference between friction tyres and studded tyres has narrowed, and the ice grip performance of the best friction tyres has come very close to that of studded tyres. Furthermore, severe icy conditions are rare in southern Finland, and the use of salt on the roads prevents the road surfaces from freezing over.

The use of friction tyres having become more common has not increased traffic accidents in Nordic reference cities, where the majority of winter tyres are friction tyres. For example, in Oslo, friction tyres account for around 85 per cent of winter tyres, and in Stockholm, around 60 per cent. In Helsinki, roughly 45 per cent of motorists use friction tyres.

When driving in winter conditions, every driver must ensure they maintain a suitably low speed, exercise particular caution at junctions and keep a safe distance from other vehicles. These concern all drivers.

Friction tyres designed for use in Nordic countries are suitable for Finnish winter conditions; they should not be confused with Central European friction tyres. The pictogram for tyres approved for use in extremely cold conditions on the EU tyre label indicates that the tyre is suitable for Nordic conditions. The pictogram can be found on the side of the tyre.

From a safety perspective, friction tyres may be recommended for vehicles fitted with anti-lock braking systems (ABS) and electronic stability control. ABS brakes have been fitted as standard on passenger cars manufactured since 2005, and electronic stability control has been fitted as standard on passenger cars manufactured since 2014.

The law does not set any restrictions for the use of friction tyres, meaning that you can have your tyres changed for the winter flexibly in the autumn before roads get slippery and before the busy season at garages starts. In the spring, you can take your time and wait to change your studded tyres after the last of the winter snow has melted, without feeling guilty about the studs scraping the streets in the spring.

The Road Traffic Act stipulates that winter tyres must be used from 1 November to 31 March if required by weather or road conditions.

Street dust is one of the most significant air quality issues in the Helsinki region. The most effective way to reduce street dust is to increase the proportion of friction tyres on the roads.

Studded tyres are the main source of street dust in the city. Up to half of all street dust comes from the road surface being ground down by studded tyres. Street dust contains particles shed from tyres, studs, the road surface, gritting material and brakes. During the spring, traffic stirs up material that has become dislodged over the winter, sending it into the air as street dust.

Street dust reduces air quality, particularly on busy roads.

Street dust can pose a serious health risk. High levels of particulate matter make chronic respiratory and heart conditions worse and increase lung infections. Children and the elderly, in particular, are impacted by these harmful effects. Many people with asthma also react immediately to street dust.

Road traffic is the biggest source of environmental noise in the Helsinki region. In winter conditions, friction tyres are quieter than studded tyres.

The noise level is also affected by the material used to pave the road. An increase in the proportion of friction tyres could make it possible to use quieter surface materials with finer aggregate more widely, because friction tyres cause less wear to the road surface than studded tyres.

Wear caused by studded tyres is easily the most significant reason for renewing the pavement. In mild winters in particular, roads suffer a great deal of wear and tear as studded tyres grind away at the snow-free and often wet road surface. Friction tyres wear the road surface less than studded tyres, and should friction tyres become more commonplace, significant savings could be achieved.

Due to the weight of batteries, electric cars are heavier than corresponding internal combustion engine cars. Studded tyres are especially damaging to the road surface under heavy vehicles because of the increased road wear and street dust. In fact, friction tyres are the only recommended option for electric cars in winter.

Road traffic is the most significant source of microplastics in Finland. In addition to tyre wear, road traffic microplastic emissions are generated from road markings, from which studded tyres chip off significantly more paint than friction tyres.

In winter, you should choose friction tyres for winter driving and employ a driving style that is gentle on the tyres.