Tyre Change and Storage in Finland: Cost and Timing
In Finland, the time to change tyres is determined by road conditions, tyre condition and your journeys—not by a calendar date alone. Winter tyres must be used from 1 November to 31 March when the weather or road surface requires them. Book a seasonal change early, but do not switch to summer tyres while your routes can still be wintry.
Quick answer: what do tyre change and storage cost?
The price depends on the work included. Swapping complete wheel sets is a different service from fitting loose tyres onto rims; the latter may include balancing and valve work. A tyre hotel may combine storage with the seasonal change and a condition check.
| Price information, checked 9 September 2026 | What the service describes | Published price |
|---|---|---|
| Euromaster | Four-wheel change for a passenger car | from €39 |
| Euromaster price list | Passenger-car and SUV tyre change at a service point | €39–59 |
| Vianor | Tyre change | from €42 |
| Vianor | Tyre hotel | from €37 |
| Euromaster price list | Fitting new tyres on a passenger car, including rim work and balancing | €99–129 |
Always check the scope: is it a wheel change or loose-tyre fitting, are balancing and TPMS work included, and does the tyre-hotel price include the next seasonal change? The service point, tyre size and vehicle type can change the total.
When should winter and summer tyres be changed?
Passenger cars and vans must use winter tyres from 1 November to 31 March when the weather or road conditions require them. The main grooves of a winter tyre must be at least 3.0 mm deep. The legal minimum for summer-tyre tread is 1.6 mm, but Traficom recommends at least 4 mm in difficult, wet conditions to reduce the risk of aquaplaning.
- Fit winter tyres before slippery mornings if your area can change quickly.
- Wait to fit summer tyres until your routes and the forecast no longer require winter tyres.
- Check tread depth, visible cracks, bulges and uneven wear at the same time.
- Reserve a peak-season appointment early, but do not put convenience before road safety.
Friction tyres have no separate seasonal usage restriction. On passenger cars and vans, non-studded winter tyres must carry the snow-grip symbol (3PMSF).
Studded tyres: the short legal version
Studded tyres may be used from 1 November to 31 March, and outside that period when weather or road conditions require them. If you use studded tyres for winter driving on a passenger car or van, all tyres must be studded. The exact requirements are set out in sections 105 and 106 of the Road Traffic Act.
The legal minimum does not by itself tell you when a tyre is safe for your route. Traficom advises replacing a winter tyre by around 5 mm of tread, especially for snow and ice. Consider the tyre’s age and overall condition too: the rubber compound hardens over time.
Storing tyres at home or in a tyre hotel
Seasonal storage starts with washing and drying the tyres. Mark their previous positions if you want to monitor wear, and look for damage before putting them away. Store tyres in a cool, dry place protected from light. Keep them away from oil, solvents and other chemicals, as well as prolonged UV exposure.
A tyre hotel is useful when you do not have suitable storage space or want to combine storage with the seasonal change. Before booking, ask:
- Are washing, tread-depth measurement and a condition check included?
- Does the seasonal price include one change or more than one?
- How are the tyres insured, and where are they stored?
- Will the shop tell you about wear or damage?
- Does the service include pressure checks or TPMS work?
For example, Motonet’s tyre hotel washes the tyres and checks their condition before storage. Confirm the exact scope and price with your own service point.
Change tyres yourself or use a tyre shop?
You can change complete wheel sets yourself if you have the lifting points and tools specified in the owner’s manual and a stable surface. Check the wheel-bolt torque, tyre pressures and any re-tightening instructions after the change. If bolts do not open normally, the car is difficult to support or a tyre is damaged, do not force the job—book a tyre shop.
Fitting loose new tyres onto rims, balancing and an unclear TPMS situation are common reasons to use a professional. They are not the same job as swapping ready-mounted wheels.
How to compare quotes
Include the registration number, tyre size and whether the tyres are already on rims. State whether you need only a wheel change, loose-tyre fitting or a tyre hotel, and ask for extra work to be itemised in advance.
Hello, I would like an all-in price for a seasonal tyre change on my passenger car. The tyres are [already on rims/loose], the size is [size] and the registration number is [number]. Does the price include balancing, a pressure check, TPMS work and a possible tyre hotel? Please contact me before any additional work.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a tyre change cost?
For complete passenger-car wheel sets, price lists checked on 9 September 2026 start at €39. Fitting new tyres onto rims is a larger job; Euromaster lists €99–129 for that service. Compare only quotes with the same scope.
When must winter tyres be fitted?
Winter tyres are required from 1 November to 31 March when weather or road conditions require them. Fit them according to your own routes and conditions, before slippery weather arrives.
Can I drive on friction tyres all year?
Yes, friction tyres are not restricted to a season. The requirement to use winter tyres can still apply when conditions demand it. Traficom also warns against using old winter tyres as summer tyres because their wet and dry grip is poorer.
How much does a tyre hotel cost?
Prices and contents vary by service point. Vianor’s service page lists a tyre hotel from €37; check whether that includes the seasonal change, washing and a condition inspection in addition to storage.
Book a tyre change or storage near you
Compare tyre shops and request an itemised quote for the same job. Find local options in Helsinki, Tampere and Oulu.
Before your next winter-tyre decision, read the studded versus friction-tyre guide.
Sources
- Traficom: summer and winter tyres — winter-tyre use, tread depths and the 3PMSF marking; checked 9 September 2026.
- Traficom: check winter-tyre condition and markings — recommendation to replace winter tyres at around 5 mm; checked 9 September 2026.
- Finlex: Road Traffic Act sections 105 and 106 — winter tyres and studded-tyre use; checked 9 September 2026.
- Vianor: tyre services and Euromaster: service price list — providers’ prices; checked 9 September 2026.
- Motonet: tyre services — tyre-hotel service description; checked 9 September 2026.
