Snow tires for Norway's road trip

[chicken93]

Hey. 

I see lots of people asking about winter tires for the winter,  but was wondering what owners in Nordic countries may use?

I'm I've been tempted by a few but wanted to see if anybody on here had any suggestions. 

 

And I know the kamiq might not be suited, but I managed it in -20 weather and blizzard in a Skoda Fabia before. So I know what I'm getting myself into. 

Any help would be great. 

 

Many thanks. 

[Ootohere]

Why would a Kamiq not be suited, it is a front wheel drive car as many use globally and you are not going Offroading are you, 

just on roads that are open and will be treated but maybe white.

 

They use Nordic type Snow / Winter tyres which are different from Snow or Winter tyres available in the UK and that people use.

?

   There is a Wheel & Tyres section on the Forum, and you have posted in the Kamiq Guide section while asking a question not posting a guide.

Edited 13 October, 2023 by toot

[cheezemonkhai]

Look at Nokian Hakkapalita tyres and I would advise getting tyres where studs can be added.

 

That way if you drive over and find yourself in need of studs you can get them fitted.

 

I’d advise make sure you have the correct wheel size to allow clearance for snow chains and would take a set.

 

As it’s so warm here compared to there, the Nordic tyres are not particularly suitable for the UK, so you’ll need to change them for any Of K winter that isn’t epically cold.

 

Things to consider would include where you’re driving and can you fit them over there?

Edited 18 October, 2023 by cheezemonkhai

[SurreyJohn]

A lot will depend on if you are going to Southern part of Nordic countries, in which case normal European winter tyres should be fine.   But if you are going hundreds of miles further north (towards Lapland) then probably want Nordic spec tyres.

 

The Nordic spec is more designed for areas with months of lying snow, and temperatures of roughly -25c to +5c 
Standard European winter tyres are more for about -12c to +16c

Exact temperatures vary by brand, and all will work (but not quite as well) outside this range

 

For completeness in case anyone is reading for background

European all season ideal range is about -5c to +25c

European summer tyres ideal range about +5c to +35c

[chicken93]

Thanks for all the advice. I plan on going as far as tromso. Then back down through Sweden too see some of the country side out there also. 

Not sure if anybody can recommend tires. I have a few in mind which I can post at a later date. Many thanks 

[cheezemonkhai]

As I mentioned… nokian.

 

harshest to less harsh order would be:

 

Studded:

https://www.nokiantyres.com/winter-tires/nokian-tyres-hakkapeliitta-10/
 

Non studded (but pretty good ice grip)

https://www.nokiantyres.com/winter-tires/nokian-tyres-hakkapeliitta-r5/

European winters:

 

https://www.nokiantyres.com/winter-tires/nokian-tyres-snowproof-2/

 

Michelin Alpin 6 if you’re feeling flush.

 

Looking at where you’re heading I’d say it’s between the top two and as I’m not a Nordic region resident I’d be speaking to locals to see about stud restrictions in any cities you might visit and if they are local if they use studded or studless.

 

 

Edited 18 October, 2023 by cheezemonkhai

[Ootohere]

The issue with Michelin Alpin 6 are the sidewalls are not that good strength wise for reinforced tyres.

These were 205/45 R 17 and it was my fault i hit potholes but that is because it was adverse conditions.

I put on Riken Snow when i had to replace 2 of them. 

 

http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/488370-michelin-alpin-6-winter-tyres

 

Now on my MINI Electric it is Vredstein on, for Norway / long winter trips the Riken would be better, but you need to carry 2 spares.

 

 

 

Edited 19 October, 2023 by Rooted

[chicken93]

Thanks again, especially for the few suggestions. I'm off down the tire place today so will hopefully have a good choice to select from.