Essential Driving Tips for Northern Finland: Stay Safe in Winter Conditions
Planning to rent a car in Northern Finland? Awesome! The region's winter wonderland is a sight to behold, and with a few simple tips, you can enjoy your drive to the fullest.
By following these tips and staying prepared for the unique conditions of this region, you can enjoy your journey with confidence.
1. Winter Tires Have Got You Covered
Your Europcar rental car comes with winter tires between the period of 1.11.-15.4. They are perfect for snowy and icy roads. These tires give you better grip, but it’s still wise to take it easy, especially on turns and when stopping.
2. Keep an Eye on the Weather
Northern Finland’s weather can change quickly. A sudden snowfall or icy conditions are part of the adventure. Just check the weather before heading out, and adjust your speed and driving style to match.
To get better visibility for driving in heavy snowfall, please use car’s fog lights.
3. Snowy Roads Ahead
Roads up north are usually well-maintained, but snow and ice can still be a challenge. Keep a safe distance from other cars and avoid sudden moves to keep your drive smooth and skid-free.
If you face plow truck on the road, reduce speed and if needed, drive to the side of the road.
4. Brighten Up During Short Days
Winter days are short here, so you’ll want to keep your headlights on, even during the day. It’s a small step that makes sure you’re seen on the road. Use car’s fog lights if weather is bad.
5. It's a Reindeer Country!
Northern Finland has packs of poro, as we call the reindeer! These gentle creatures sometimes wander onto the roads, so pay attention to reindeer warning road signs, reduce speed and stay alert, especially in rural areas.
6. Fuel Up for the Journey
Fuel stations can be spread out in the north, so it’s a good idea to fill up before a long drive. This way, you can explore without any worries.
Master the road signs and drive with confidence!
Slippery road
During wintertime, pay attention to the road conditions. Snowy roads can be slippery and sometimes covered with black ice.
Reindeer
Be cautious when driving on roads marked with reindeer signs. Each year, over 4,000 reindeer-related accidents occur in the reindeer herding areas, which cover all of Lapland.
Snowmobile road
In Northern Finland, some paths and small roads are accessible only by snowmobile and are specially marked. These routes are too soft for cars, which can easily get stuck. Therefore, driving on snowmobile tracks is strictly prohibited.
Air circulation
Avoid using the air conditioner's circulation mode during the winter. The button is located on the car's dashboard. Using it can cause the windows to fog up, reducing visibility.
Safe distance
In Finland, we value personal space, and the same principle applies when driving. Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you to help avoid sudden accidents and the need for emergency braking.
Speed limit
Speed limit signs in Finland are circular with a red border and a yellow background, displaying the maximum permitted speed in kilometers per hour. The speed limit on the bigger roads is 80 km/h.
No drinking & driving
Don’t drink and drive. In Finland, the legal blood alcohol limit is 0.5‰. Remember, car insurance won’t cover you if an accident occurs and you have alcohol in your system.
Parking
When driving in the Northern Finland, parking to the side of the road is not allowed. If you need to stop, look for P-sign for rest area and stop the car there.
PROTECT YOURSELF
Add some Peace of Mind with extra services and protections
Make the most of your car rental experience by opting for our comprehensive protection services:
- Road Assistance: A great extra that covers potentially high towing costs if you get stuck or go off-road.
- Medium Protection: Lower your excess amount to reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
- Premium Protection: Eliminate your excess completely and focus on your journey without worrying about damage.
- Windscreen and Tire Insurance: Small stones or debris can easily crack a windscreen—cover repair costs with this add-on.
- Cross Border Fee: If you're driving into Sweden or Norway, this fee covers tolls and other cross-border expenses.
- Full Tank Option: Your rental car comes with a full tank. Please return it full, or choose to pre-purchase the Full Tank Option to return it empty.
You can select these services during the booking process or at the desk.
ENCOUNTER WITH MAJESTIC REINDEER?
Reindeer - What you need to know when driving
In Northern Finland, reindeer are common on the roads, especially in rural and forested areas. To alert drivers, there are specific road signs depicting a reindeer, often placed at points where reindeer are frequently seen or where they cross the road.
Here’s what you need to know:
- They move in groups. If you see one, more are likely nearby. Slow down and be prepared to stop if necessary.
- Active at Dusk and Dawn. These are the most active times for reindeer, and also the most challenging times to spot them due to lower visibility.
- They enjoy the road too. In the winter months, reindeer are attracted to the roads because they are easier to walk on than snow-covered forests. This increases the chances of encountering them.
- Watch your speed. Keep your speed under control, especially when driving through signposted areas. Lower speeds give you more time to react if a reindeer suddenly appears on the road.
BOOK YOUR TRIP
Explore Northern Finland - Book now
Northern Finland is a beautiful place to explore. Europcar serves you at several local stations. Our vehicles are equipped to meet all the needs for winter conditions.
When you rent from Europcar in Northern Finland, you can be sure our staff knows the local conditions like the back of their hand.
Book your adventure in Northern Finland!
Enjoy your trip with Europcar!
Driving in Northern Finland can be an incredible experience, offering breathtaking landscapes and a true sense of adventure. See you soon!
- Europcar staff in Finland