In Finland, winter driving is not a special skill but part of ordinary motoring – but in a rental car the vehicle is unfamiliar, and you do not know in advance how it behaves on a slippery road. This guide brings together what really matters in winter: the tyres, a driving style that matches the conditions, and a few minutes of checks before you set off.
When are winter tyres compulsory?
According to Traficom, winter tyres must be used in Finland from 1 November to 31 March if the weather or road conditions require it. The rule therefore does not look at the calendar alone: in mild conditions in November summer tyres are allowed, but once the first snow arrives winter tyres are compulsory. Assessing the conditions is the driver’s responsibility.
The requirements for the condition of the tyres are unambiguous. According to Traficom, on passenger cars (total mass no more than 3.5 tonnes) and vans the main grooves of the winter tyre tread must be at least 3.0 mm deep. For summer tyres the minimum depth required by law is 1.6 mm. In difficult conditions such as snow or slush, Traficom recommends a tread depth of at least 5 mm.
Anti-skid devices on vehicle tyres are governed by section 106 of the Road Traffic Act, and the detailed requirements are in Traficom’s regulation on the use of vehicles on the road.
Studded or non-studded winter tyres in a rental car?
There are two kinds of winter tyre: studded and non-studded (friction) tyres. According to Traficom, studded tyres may be used during the winter tyre season, and also at other times if the conditions are demanding.
- Studded tyres grip better on icy roads, but wear the road surface more and increase particulate emissions.
- Friction tyres work best on snowy roads according to Traficom, and they are quieter.
According to Traficom, tyres of different makes and types may not be used on the same car at the same time: if studded tyres are fitted, all the tyres must be studded. In a rental car you do not have to worry about this – the tyres already comply with the regulations.
Check rental car availability for the winter season
What a rental car already has in winter
During the winter season our fleet has winter tyres, and the cars are serviced regularly. In practice that means you can collect the car and set off without arranging tyres yourself. If your journey is heading north or onto cottage roads, mention it when you book and we will look at a suitable car together.
Higher ground clearance helps on snowy driveways. According to Toyota, the ground clearance of the Toyota Yaris Cross is 160 mm, and according to Toyota the same figure applies to the larger Corolla Cross.
How to drive a rental car safely on slippery roads
The basics of winter driving are simple, but they are easily forgotten when the car is unfamiliar:
- Increase your following distance. On a slippery road the braking distance can be several times longer than on dry asphalt.
- Do everything smoothly. Brake, accelerate and steer gently – a sudden movement is the most common reason for losing grip.
- Test the grip at the start. Try braking carefully on an empty straight stretch at the beginning of the journey so you know what the conditions are like.
- Allow more time. Speeds are lower in winter and breaks are needed more often.
A rental car for a winter journey from Helsinki to the north
A long winter drive differs from city driving in that the conditions can change several times along the way. In the south there may be wet asphalt and two hours later packed snow. Allow more time than in summer and plan your stops in advance – driving in the dark and in falling snow is clearly more demanding.
A long journey is calmer in a bigger car. A higher seating position helps you see over the snow banks, and a roomy load space takes the winter gear. Tell us when you book that the journey is heading north and we will look at a suitable rental car and rental period together.
Darkness and visibility in winter driving
From November to January most driving happens in the dark. Keep the windscreen and the lights clean – in slushy conditions dirt builds up on the lights quickly and their output collapses. Also clean the reversing camera and the sensor areas if the car has driver assistance systems: a dirty sensor does not work reliably.
Take screen wash that withstands frost. An empty washer bottle in slushy conditions becomes a dangerous situation surprisingly quickly.
If the rental car gets stuck in snow
Pulling away from a driveway or a parking space can be difficult after a night of snowfall. Rushing usually makes it worse: spinning the wheels melts the snow into ice and the grip disappears entirely.
- Dig the snow away from in front of and underneath the wheels before trying again.
- Pull away gently – not at full throttle.
- If the car rocks, use the movement: forward, back, forward.
- Keep the steering wheel straight so that the front wheels roll more easily.
If the car will not move, call us on 0400 152 520 – we will help you on your way. Do not try to tow the rental car yourself.
Before you leave: a five-minute check on the rental car
- Brush the snow off the whole car – including the roof, the lights and the number plates.
- Check that the windscreen wipers move freely and are not frozen in place.
- Look over the condition and pressure of the tyres.
- Adjust the seat, mirrors and heating before setting off.
- Go through the car with us at pick-up so that any scratches are noted down.
Read also rent a car for the winter holiday in Helsinki and the rental terms.
Picking up a rental car in Itä-Pasila in winter conditions
Our office is at Ratapihantie 11, 00520 Helsinki, between Tripla and the Messukeskus exhibition centre. It is a few minutes’ walk from Pasila station, so you can collect a rental car even when your own car is buried in snow at home. In winter it is worth allowing a little more time than usual for the pick-up.
See the directions and map, browse all the rental cars in Helsinki or read about the excess and insurance on a rental car before your winter journey.
