On 10 November, Sweden’s winter tyre period begins for heavy vehicles and trailers over 3.5 tonnes. It runs until 10 April, with or without snow on the road, and the Swedish Transport Agency states that it covers “all tyres on the vehicle combination, including the trailer”, on vehicles registered abroad as well.
Norway follows from 15 November to 31 March. Trailers above 3,500 kg need tyres marked M+S or carrying the three peak mountain snowflake symbol (3PMSF), and from 1 November until the first Sunday after Easter Monday, truck and trailer alike need at least 5 mm of tread.
Germany’s rule, by contrast, names only the truck’s permanently driven axles and front steering axles in wintry conditions; the trailer is not mentioned.
ICTS orders the tyres on its rental trailers with the M+S marking, and some carry the 3PMSF symbol as well. Tyres replaced elsewhere during a rental may not match, so markings are checked at every outcheck.
Customers planning to drive to Norway, Sweden or Finland are asked to tell ICTS in advance, so the trailer and its tyres can be checked before departure.
Paulina Zalewska, Workshops Manager at ICTS:
“In winter, we see more problems with blocked brakes, frozen water in the air system and tyres that are not suitable for Nordic or Swiss road conditions. Drivers should also always check the trailer roof and remove any snow or ice before setting off, as this can create a serious safety hazard on the road.”
Brakes, the air system, lighting and tyres are already checked at every six-monthly A-service and before each MOT/APK inspection. A driver with doubts before a trip north can bring the trailer in for an extra check.
To arrange one, contact workshop@icts-group.eu