Looking for tire and wheel service? This guide covers when to switch between summer and winter tires, how to choose the right ones, and what affects the price of a swap.
What does a tire and wheel service include?
- Seasonal tire changeover โ swapping winter and summer tires
- Wheel balancing โ eliminating vibration while driving
- Wheel alignment โ correct alignment reduces uneven tire wear
- Puncture repair โ patching or plugging a damaged tire
- Seasonal tire storage โ keeping the off-season set between changeovers
- Pressure and tread depth checks โ verifying the legal safety margin
When should you switch tires?
Many countries with cold winters require or strongly recommend winter tires during the colder months (commonly from October/November to March), and switching back to summer tires once temperatures reliably stay above roughly 7ยฐC. Local regulations vary, so it’s worth checking the requirement in your country.
How to choose the right tires
- Check the size required for your vehicle โ found in the vehicle registration or on the door jamb sticker
- Balance price and quality โ cheaper tires aren’t necessarily a bad choice for low annual mileage
- Check the EU tire label โ wet grip, fuel efficiency and noise ratings
- Check tire age โ even unused tires older than 6โ8 years lose some of their elasticity
How much does a tire change cost?
The price depends on wheel size, whether it’s a swap between two sets already mounted on rims or a new-tire mount-and-balance job, and any additional services like alignment. Since pricing varies between shops, it’s worth comparing offers before booking.
On Kardet you can submit a free request and receive quotes from verified tire shops near you.
Frequently asked questions about tire service
Do tires need balancing after every change?
Yes, balancing is recommended with every tire change, since unbalanced wheels cause vibration, uneven wear and added stress on the suspension.
What is the minimum legal tread depth?
The commonly required legal minimum is 1.6 mm, though experts recommend replacing winter tires already at 3โ4 mm due to reduced grip on snow.
Can I mix different tire brands on the same axle?
It’s not recommended. Ideally all four tires โ or at minimum each axle โ should match in brand and tread pattern for consistent grip and predictable handling.