In the Czech Republic, the surge in demand for winter tire changes has resulted in extensive waiting times at tire service centers. Larger centers are completely booked for up to a month in advance, while smaller establishments require customers to wait for at least a week. Although demand is high, prices for tire-changing services have remained largely consistent with the previous year.

It’s a legal requirement for drivers in the Czech Republic to use winter tires from November 1st to March 31st when there is continuous snow, ice, frost on the road, or indications of such weather conditions. Experts also recommend using winter tires when temperatures drop below seven degrees Celsius, as summer tires lose grip at lower temperatures, leading to longer braking distances.

The demand for winter tire changes varies depending on the make of the vehicle. The earliest available date for Škoda vehicles is November 23rd, while Volkswagen owners face an even longer wait. On the other hand, Audi owners could secure an appointment in early November, and Kia owners may have their turn at the end of October.

While the prices for tire-changing services have not seen significant increases, there are variations between different service centers. These differences in pricing are not solely determined by location, but also depend on the range of services offered. Some centers provide comprehensive services, including complete wheel care, while others have lower prices for basic services and charge extra for services like wheel balancing, new valve installation, or wheel cleaning.

For those who don’t have an extra set of wheels, the cost of changing tires on existing rims can range from 800 to 1,000 Czech koruna per wheel for smaller sizes and start from 1,300 Czech koruna for larger sizes. Some service centers offer discounts for customers who purchase new tires. The mere transfer of tires from one set of wheels to another can cost over 400 Czech koruna to 700 Czech koruna per wheel, depending on the size.

In addition to pricing, specific service centers attract customers with special offers and promotions, making tire changes more affordable for some residents.

Tire maintenance is essential for drivers’ safety during the winter months. When changing tires, it is recommended to have the rims thoroughly cleaned by the service technician, along with checking the condition of valves and replacing them if necessary. Proper wheel balancing and valve maintenance are often overlooked by individuals changing tires on their own.

Drivers should also follow the practice of changing tires from the front to the back axle in a diagonal pattern. Monitoring the DOT code on the tire’s sidewall is essential, as it indicates the tire’s production date. Winter tires should have a minimum tread depth of four millimeters for another winter season. The snowflake symbol on the tire remains visible until this depth is reached. If the emblem disappears, it’s advised to purchase new winter tires for safety reasons.

Tire storage is another crucial aspect to consider. Storing tires near central heating boilers is not recommended due to excessive heat, which can negatively affect the rubber compound. Tires can dry out, harden, and develop cracks in such conditions. The ideal tire storage location is a cool, dry area below 15 degrees Celsius and protected from sunlight.

For drivers with aluminum wheels, it’s recommended to retighten the nuts after 100 to 200 kilometers of driving following a tire change. Rotating the tires between the driven and non-driven axles every 6,000 to 8,000 kilometers is also a good practice. Winter tires should be inflated to a pressure 0.2 bar higher than summer tires.

Understanding the codes on tires is essential for drivers. The code format, such as “205/55 R16 91H DOT 1222,” provides information on tire width, profile, construction, inner diameter, load index, and speed index.

With the winter season approaching, drivers in the Czech Republic are advised to plan and schedule their tire change appointments in advance to ensure their safety during the colder months.

Article by Prague Forum