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    What is the minimum tread depth for winter tyres in Finland?

    The legal minimum and the safety advice.

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    Short answer

    The law requires the main grooves of a passenger car winter tyre to be at least 3 mm deep during the winter tyre period. Traficom recommends at least 5 mm on snowy and slushy roads, because grip falls well before the legal limit. Tyre age matters too, as rubber hardens over time.

    Transport, roads, car rental

    Why

    1. STT Info gives 3 mm as the legal minimum for winter tyre grooves.
    2. Verkkouutiset reports Traficom's advice of at least 5 mm on snow and slush.
    3. STT Info notes that tyre age also affects grip.

    Details

    Many tyres have tread wear indicators in the grooves. A coin or a simple depth gauge also helps you check.

    Tip

    Check the depth in several places on each tyre. Wear is often uneven.

    What may differ

    The 3 mm minimum applies when winter tyres are required. Summer tyres have a lower limit.

    Common misconception

    A winter tyre is legal as long as there is any tread left.

    What actually happens

    The main grooves must be at least 3 mm deep.

    People also ask

    • What is the minimum tread depth for summer tyres in Finland?
    • When are winter tyres required in Finland?
    • What is the snow grip marking on winter tyres?

    Sources

    This answer is for reference only. Traffic rules and fees change, so check Traficom, Liikenneturva or the police before you drive.

    Transport, roads, car rental

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      The Automobile and Touring Club of Finland says a nationality sign is required on foreign cars in Finland, unless the vehicle is registered in a country that is party to the Geneva or Vienna Road Traffic Convention and carries EU number plates with the country code.

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    • What colour are motorway and main road signs in Finland?

      The Automobile and Touring Club of Finland (Autoliitto) says main roads in Finland have blue direction signs with white text, while motorways have green signs with white text.

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    • Does E10 petrol increase fuel consumption?

      VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland tested six used E10-compatible cars from model years 1999–2010 in laboratory conditions in 2011.

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      Finnish pumps sell two main petrol grades: 95E10, with an octane rating of at least 95 and up to 10% ethanol, and 98E5, with at least 98 octane and up to 5% ethanol.

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