When should I change to summer tyres in Norway?

Switch to summer tyres when daytime temperatures consistently stay above 7-10°C and there's no more frost at night. In Southern Norway (Oslo, Bergen) this is typically mid-April. In Northern Norway, wait until late May or early June.

Is it illegal to drive with winter tyres in summer in Norway?

No, it's not illegal to use winter tyres in summer. However, winter tyres wear 2-3x faster on warm roads, have longer braking distances in rain, and increase fuel consumption. Studded tyres are banned from April 15 (May 1 in northern counties).

Can I use winter tyres all year round in Norway?

Technically yes for non-studded winter tyres, but it's not recommended. Winter rubber compounds degrade in heat, giving worse braking performance, increased wear, and higher fuel costs. You'll need new tyres much sooner.

How do I know if my summer tyres are still safe to use?

Check tread depth (minimum 1.6mm legal, 3mm recommended), look for cracks or bulges on sidewalls, and check the DOT code for age (replace after 6-8 years regardless of tread). Inspect before mounting each spring.

When to Switch to Summer Tyres in Norway

Running winter tyres in warm weather is safe but costly. The soft rubber compound wears down fast, braking distances increase in rain, and fuel consumption rises. Here's how to time your spring switch correctly.

The 7°C Rule: When Summer Tyres Take Over

Summer tyre rubber compounds are engineered for temperatures above 7°C. Below that threshold, they harden and lose grip. Above it, they outperform winter tyres in every metric:

Shorter braking distance on warm, wet, and dry roads
Better cornering grip — firmer compound holds shape under load
Lower rolling resistance — saves fuel
Slower wear rate — lasts 40,000-60,000 km vs 25,000-35,000 for winter tyres in summer

ℹ️ Why Not Just Keep Winter Tyres On?

Winter tyres in summer have 10-15% longer braking distances on wet roads above 10°C. The soft compound squirms under braking instead of gripping. You're also burning through expensive winter rubber at triple the normal rate.

Regional Timing Guide

Region	Recommended Switch	Frost-Free From
Southern Norway (Oslo, Bergen)	Early to mid-April	Late March
Coastal South (Stavanger, Kristiansand)	Early April	Mid-March
Central Norway (Trondheim)	Late April	Mid-April
Mountain regions (Geilo, Lillehammer)	May or later	Late April–May
Northern Norway (Tromsø, Alta)	Late May to early June	Mid-May

⚠️ Don't Forget Mountain Passes

Even if your home area is warm, check mountain pass conditions if you travel regularly. Roads like Hardangervidda and Dovrefjell can have ice into May. Keep winter tyres until your routes are clear.

Signs Spring Is Ready for Summer Tyres

Switch when all of these are true:

Daytime temperatures consistently above 10°C for 1-2 weeks
No frost appearing on your car in the morning
Weather forecast shows stable warm pattern (no cold snaps coming)
Your regular driving routes are clear of ice and snow

💡 The Safe Approach

If you're unsure, wait one more week. Extra days on winter tyres in spring means minor wear. Summer tyres on a surprise frost morning means zero grip.

Before You Mount: Summer Tyre Inspection Checklist

Check these before putting your summer tyres back on:

Tread Depth

Legal minimum: 1.6 mm
Recommended minimum: 3 mm for safe wet performance
New tyre: typically 7-8 mm

Age Check (DOT Code)

Find the 4-digit code on the sidewall (e.g., "2219" = week 22, 2019):

Under 5 years: Good condition
5-8 years: Inspect carefully for cracks
Over 8 years: Replace regardless of tread depth

Visual Inspection

No cracks in the sidewall
No bulges or deformations
No uneven wear patterns (indicates alignment issues)
No embedded objects (nails, screws)

🚨 Replace If In Doubt

A tyre blowout at highway speed is catastrophic. If you see cracks, bulges, or the rubber feels hard/brittle, replace the tyre. The cost of a new tyre is nothing compared to an accident.

Studded Tyre Deadlines

If you're running piggdekk (studded winter tyres), note the legal removal dates:

Region	Studded Tyres Must Be Off By
Southern/Central Norway	April 15
Nordland, Troms, Finnmark	May 1

Fines for studded tyres after the deadline: 750 kr per tyre in some municipalities, plus seasonal road fees.

Summer Tyre Types: Which Is Right For You?

Type	Best For	Typical Life
Performance	Sporty driving, high speeds	30,000-40,000 km
Touring	Comfort, quiet, daily commute	50,000-70,000 km
Eco/Low resistance	Fuel savings, EVs	45,000-60,000 km
All-season (not recommended)	Mild climates only	40,000-50,000 km

ℹ️ All-Season Tyres in Norway?

All-season tyres are a compromise that excels nowhere. In Norwegian winters they lack proper cold-weather grip. In summer they wear faster than dedicated summer tyres. For most Norwegian drivers, a dedicated summer + winter set is safer and cheaper long-term.

How to Book Your Spring Tyre Change

The April rush is less intense than the October rush, but slots still fill up:

Book in March for an April appointment
Ask about storage — "dekkhotell" services swap and store in one visit (500-1,500 kr/season)
Request inspection — a good shop checks tread, pressure, and alignment during the swap
Morning appointments are often easier to get

After the Switch: First-Week Checks

Check tyre pressure within the first 50 km (stored tyres lose pressure)
Drive gently for the first 100 km — let the rubber adjust to road contact
Listen for vibrations — could indicate a balance issue from storage
Re-check pressure after one week

Ready to switch to summer tyres? Contact Kisolve for professional tyre changes, storage, and expert advice on the right summer tyres for your car.

When to Switch to Summer Tyres in Norway: Timing Guide (2025)