How long do winter tires last – and how do you know if they are starting to go bad?

When the cold weather sets in, many people switch to winter tires, but how long should they actually be used? And how do you know if they are starting to wear out or are about to become dangerous? Here we explain it in a simple way!

1. How much do you drive: More driving = faster wear.
2. How to drive: A gentle driving style causes less tire wear than rapid acceleration and hard cornering.
3. Maintenance: Correct air pressure makes tires last longer.
4. Storage: Proper storage during the summer makes a difference.

It is therefore completely normal for the tires to feel different after a few years, both in terms of tread depth and the properties of the rubber.

When should you change your winter tires?

The most important thing to keep an eye on is the tread depth. For winter tires, there is a law of at least 3mm in tread depth in Sweden, but many experts recommend at least 4–5mm for really good grip in snow and slush.

If your winter tires have less tread depth than that, it's time to replace them – even if the tires are only a couple of seasons old.

If you are driving studded winter tires, it is a good idea to check them regularly. Does it seem like many studs have come loose? The rest of the tire is designed to work with studs, so you can't just assume that it will be the same as driving with non-studded winter tires, but that they should be replaced.

Signs that winter tires are in poor condition

It’s easy to just think, “I have the right new winter tires, they’ll last a while,” but remember that nothing has as big an impact on your car’s handling as your tires. Here are some common signs that it might be time to replace them:

• Low tread depth: less than 4–5 mm means poorer grip.
• Cracks in the rubber: especially in the side walls, it is a warning sign.
• The tire feels hard and stiff: Older tires often become significantly harder and lose flexibility.
• Uneven wear: may be due to errors in wheel alignment or air pressure.
• Vibrations in the steering wheel: may be signs of damage or imbalance.
• Lost studs: Affects grip, especially on icy roads.

If you notice any of this, it's wise to have a tire shop look at the tires.

Tips for extending the life of winter tires

Taking care of your tires means they last longer – and give you a safer drive:

• Check the air pressure regularly: too low or too high pressure causes the tire to wear out faster.
• Winter tires on the right wheels: Make sure that both front and rear wheels are in equal condition.
• Change in time: Don't wait until the last winter, then you risk poorer grip.
• Store them properly in the summer: Dark, cool and dry is best.

Summary

How long your winter tires last depends on how you drive, how much you drive, and how you take care of them. A rule of thumb is 2-4 winter seasons, but the most important thing is that keep track of tread depth and tire status. When your tires start to get hard, cracked or have poor tread depth, it's time to replace them – for your own safety and the safety of others on the road.