The recent lifting of the mandatory use of winter tires in some regions has led to motorists delaying their tire change, despite concerns over increasing prices. According to a survey conducted by Pneumatiky.cz, 63 percent of drivers have recorded an increase in the price of their summer tires, and 59 percent expect another price increase during spring. The director of the e-shop, Vojtěch Schwangmaier, stated that drivers spent an average of 8,900 crowns on four summer or all-season tires in the first quarter of this year, which is 1,000 crowns more than during the same period in 2022.

Prices have risen by 10 to 15 percent, while some brands in the economy class have seen the highest increase in prices. Premium brands such as Continental and Nokian have risen the least. Despite difficult deliveries, there is still a high demand for Nokian tires. Many drivers are delaying their tire change due to the continued cold weather at the end of March. However, a larger influx of customers is expected after Easter.

The owner of a local tire service in Bohnice, Jiří Hladík, has revealed that current prices have had to be increased by ten to fifteen percent compared to last fall. The price for a complete service that includes tire changes and wheel balancing on ALU discs will cost 990 crowns in Bohnice, including assembly. For customers with a summer set of tires on separate discs, they will pay 790 crowns for the balancing and aggregation of all wheels.

However, some people are no longer hesitating and are changing their tires now, prioritizing their safety on the road. While delaying a tire change may seem cost-effective in the short term, it may lead to increased expenses in the long term. Worn-out tires can result in accidents and costly repairs, making it important for drivers to prioritize their safety on the road by timely replacing their tires. Additionally, regularly maintaining and replacing tires can prolong their lifespan, leading to long-term cost savings.

Article by Prague Forum