The winter tire requirement ends on April 15th. You should then have summer tires installed at the latest (if you don’t drive on all-weather tires). The consumer advocates from the Upper Austrian Chamber of Labor asked 42 tire dealers how much this costs. This resulted in price differences of up to 146 percent. Replugging and balancing are available from just 40 euros.
The prices were collected for tire size 215/55R17. The consumer advocates asked about the individual prices or the package price for the services of replugging, balancing, washing and storage until the winter season. Comparing prices for consumers is difficult due to the many different factors, complains the Chamber of Labor. Size and/or dimensions and whether the wheels are mounted on steel or aluminum rims play a role here. Wheel washing is also not possible in every company. Storage of tires is also not offered everywhere. You can find all the results of the survey here! It’s worth comparing: The prices for the entire package – changing, balancing, washing and storing until the winter season – are between 78 and 150.70 euros (for aluminum rims ). Just changing and balancing costs between 40 and 98.40 euros. The cheapest price for changing four wheels including balancing is offered by Reifen Hieke for 40 euros. Compared to the most expensive offer at 98.40 euros, there is a price difference of 58.40 euros or 146 percent. The package “Reposition and balance all wheels (on aluminum rims) plus wash and store the winter tires” costs 78 euros from the company Reitbauer car at the cheapest price. With the most expensive provider, the same service costs 150.70 euros or 93 percent more. Tips from consumer advocates It is best to ask in advance about the price and what is included: whether steel or aluminum rims, which tire size, changing, balancing, washing, storing. Package prices are cheaper – but not all services may be required. And: Making an appointment in good time saves waiting times. By the way: Continuing to drive on winter tires is not a good idea. When it’s warm, they have a longer braking distance than summer tires. The warmer, the higher. In general, they no longer stick to the road as well. Financially it may be attractive to “run off” old winter tires, but in the event of an accident you will definitely pay more.
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