Winter driving in Lapland
A practical guide to winter driving in Lapland – tyres, engine heater, defrosting, reindeer and more. All Nolire cars come winter-equipped from November to April.
9 things to know before driving Lapland in winter
Whether you are an experienced winter driver or a first-timer in the north, this list keeps your trip safe.
Winter tyres and studs
In Finland, winter tyres are mandatory from 1 Nov to 31 Mar. Nolire cars use studded tyres the whole season. Studs shorten braking distance on ice by up to 40 % compared with non-studded winter tyres. Check tyre condition and pressure at pickup.
Engine and interior heater
When temperature is below –10 °C, plug in the engine heater at least 2 hours before departure. It eases starting, cuts fuel use and warms the interior. Many hotels offer a heating outlet.
Defrosting windows
Drive with all windows fully clear – not just a peephole. Brush snow off the roof and top of the lights before setting off. Scraping is easier if you run the heater for 5 min first.
Air recirculation and AC
Do not switch to air recirculation – it fogs the windows within minutes. Keep fresh air on and let the heater dry the moisture. Switch AC on even in winter if needed – it dries the air.
Slippery roads and braking
Braking distance on slippery roads can be up to 3× longer than on dry tarmac. Test the brakes gently when starting out – you get a feel for the grip. Keep longer gaps and avoid sudden moves.
Distances and refueling
Petrol stations can be sparse in Lapland – refuel when you can, not on the last litres. Electric-car range drops by about 25–35 % in the cold. Plan the route and charging stops in advance.
Reindeer and other animals
In the Kuusamo area, reindeer roam freely – other animals may also cross. Slow down the moment you see one on the roadside – others usually follow. If you hit a reindeer, always call 112 and the local reindeer district.
Headlights on
In Finland, headlights must be on at all times, year-round. Rental cars switch dipped beam on automatically when the ignition is on. Double-check they are lit – tail lights are not always automatic.
Snow brush, scraper and shovel
Every Nolire car has a snow brush and scraper, and a shovel in the boot in winter. Use them when you set off. If the car gets stuck in snow, dig a path in front of the wheels and drive out gently – jerking buries the car deeper.
If winter driving worries you – just ask
Many of our customers are on winter roads for the first time. That is completely OK – at pickup we walk through the car's winter functions, show how to plug in the engine heater, and give local tips on routes where to take it slow.
Our staff is reachable 24/7. If anything surprises you on the road, call and get instant advice or help.
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Winter driving FAQ
Do I need snow chains in Lapland?
Usually not – studded tyres cope excellently. Snow chains are a precaution for extreme conditions or forest tracks. Available as an extra at booking.
What speed is safe on slippery roads?
Adjust speed to visibility and road surface. Around Kuusamo the highway allows 80 km/h, but 60–70 km/h is sensible in a blizzard. Lanes narrow in snowbanks – keep a safe distance anyway.
How often should I use the engine heater?
Recommended below –10 °C. 1.5–3 hours of heating is enough. Longer heating hardly improves anything but pushes up the electricity bill. Do not leave it on for a whole day.
What if the car won't start in the cold?
First try without accessories (radio, heater off) for only 5–10 seconds. If it does not start, call us immediately – we bring a jump start or replacement car. Do not try repeatedly – it drains the battery.
Can I drive an EV in Lapland in winter?
Yes. Range drops about a quarter in the cold, but Lapland's charging network is solid (Tesla, Virta, IONITY). Precondition the car while charging – battery temperature improves range.
Ready to take on the Lapland winter?
All Nolire cars come with winter tyres, an engine heater and winter kit – ask what is available.
Check availability