Guide to tire changes in Stockholm: right time, right tires

In Sweden, changing tires isn't just a recommendation — it's part of our traffic culture and effectively a legal requirement. Winter tires must be used between December 1 and March 31 if there are winter road conditions. But simply following the law isn't always enough for optimal safety.

The big question is timing. Many people wait too long to switch to winter tires or rush to put on summer tires in March. Our recommendation: switch to winter tires when the temperature consistently falls below 7°C, regardless of the date. Below that threshold, summer tires lose grip dramatically.

Tire choice also plays a big role. Studded tires provide the best grip on ice but wear harder on asphalt and cause more noise. Friction tires (non-studded winter tires) work excellently in Stockholm's city traffic where roads are usually plowed and salted.

Don't forget to check the tread depth. The legal requirement is at least 3 mm for winter tires, but we recommend changing when the tread is below 4 mm. New winter tires typically have 8-9 mm of tread depth.

At Södermalm Bilservice, we offer complete tire service: changing, balancing, wheel alignment, and tire storage. We store your tires safely between seasons so you don't have to take up space at home. Book your tire change well in advance, especially during peak season in October-November and March-April, when appointments can be hard to get.