Image: VOLKER Weihbold
When the statutory obligation to have winter tires ends on April 16th, garages and tire dealers will be very busy: Many of them will not only offer to check and service car tires for their suitability for the coming season, but also to take on the storage. A great way to free up space in your own garage. Of course, this service costs – and not a little at all.
The consumer protection of the Upper Austrian Chamber of Labor has now compared 52 companies and surveyed how much must be designed for it. It was clear that if you compare carefully here, you can save a lot of money.
The tire model 205/55R16 was used for the comparison and the individual and package prices were collected. Differences arise depending on the size or tire dimensions and, for example, in the difference between steel and aluminum rims. Wheel washing is not possible in every company, and a storage service is not offered everywhere. This makes the comparison for the individual consumer considerably more difficult.
The conclusion of the consumer advocates: The prices for reconnecting including balancing four wheels (with aluminum rims) vary between 35 euros and 110 euros – this results in a price difference of up to 214 percent.
Relocating and balancing all wheels (on aluminum rims) plus washing the winter tires including storage cost 73.30 euros in the bargain offer. The most expensive provider offered the same service for EUR 79.40 or 108 percent more.
Storing the bikes for a season (including washing) costs from 25 euros to 66 euros. If you compare well, you can even save almost 80 euros on the overall package.
You can find the entire test here:
tips
- Find out exactly what is included in the price: steel or aluminum rims, which tire size, relocate, balance, wash, store.
- Consider: Package prices are cheaper, but you may not need all the services.
- Make an appointment for the tire change well in advance so that you don’t have to wait too long.
Source: Nachrichten
