Tire Change: When, Summer vs. Winter Tires & Costs

The proven rule of thumb is **"O to O"** – October to Easter for winter tires, then summer tires. • **Mount winter tires**: When temperatures consistently drop below 7°C (usually October/November) • **Mount summer tires**: When there's no more frost risk (usually March/April) **Legal regulation in Germany**: There is a situational winter tire requirement. In icy, snowy, or slushy conditions, winter tires (M+S marking or Alpine symbol) must be fitted. Violations cost at least €60 fine and 1 point on your license.

• **Tread depth**: Legal minimum is 1.6 mm. Experts recommend at least 3 mm for summer tires and 4 mm for winter tires for optimal safety. • **Tire age**: Tires should be replaced after 8–10 years at the latest, even if tread is still sufficient. Rubber hardens over time and loses grip. • **DOT number**: Check the age via the DOT number on the tire sidewall (e.g., DOT 2523 = produced in week 25 of 2023). • **Damage**: Cracks, bulges, or foreign objects in the tread – have them checked immediately!

Different tire types have different strengths: **Summer Tires:** • Optimal temperature range: above 7°C • Wet grip in summer: ✅ Excellent • Grip on snow/ice: ❌ Poor • Summer wear: ✅ Low • Suitable for frequent drivers: ✅ Yes **Winter Tires:** • Optimal temperature range: below 7°C • Wet grip in summer: ⚠️ Weaker • Grip on snow/ice: ✅ Excellent • Summer wear: ❌ High • Suitable for frequent drivers: ✅ Yes **All-Season Tires:** • Optimal temperature range: Compromise • Wet grip in summer: ⚠️ Medium • Grip on snow/ice: ⚠️ Acceptable • Summer wear: ⚠️ Medium • Suitable for frequent drivers: ⚠️ Limited **Our recommendation**: For the Rhine-Main area with mild winters, all-season tires can be a practical alternative. Frequent drivers or those traveling to higher elevations are better off with seasonal changes.

Tire service costs vary depending on the desired service: • Tire change (on rim, 4 tires) • Swap (tires onto different rims) • Balancing (4 wheels) • Tire storage (per season) • New summer tires (set, mid-range) • New winter tires (set, mid-range) Contact us for current prices and a personalized quote.

At our workshop in Mainz-Hechtsheim, we offer complete tire service: change, balancing, storage, and advice on new tires. We check tread depth, age, and condition at every change and advise you honestly. Schedule an appointment – especially during change season, we recommend booking early!