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Switching to winter tires is mandatory by law in the Czech Republic. Even if you have a car on operational leasing, you must have it changed at your own expense. However, at Birne, we can purchase winter tires for you, arrange their storage, and cover the replacement – so you just drive to the service center at your leisure and it's done in a few minutes.
When to switch to winter tires?
You must change your tires by November 1st. After that, by law, you are not allowed to drive with summer tires – the only exception is so-called all-season tires (but winter tires are definitely safer on snow and ice). You must keep them on the car until March 31st. If you go to the mountains, it's worth having snow chains in the car, which can help you drive on otherwise impassable roads.
Obligation to use winter tires, what does the law say?
According to § 40a of Act No. 361/2000 Coll., on road traffic (Road Traffic Act), the driver is obliged to use winter tires from November 1st to March 31st, provided there is a continuous layer of snow, ice, or black ice on the road.
Without winter tires, you face a fine
It is not worth underestimating this legal obligation. If a police patrol catches you on snow with summer tires, expect a fine. This can be up to CZK 2,000 on the spot or CZK 2,500 in administrative proceedings. Furthermore, if you cause an accident due to summer tires, you will also have problems with the insurance company, which may refuse to cover the damage.
Birne helps with winter tire change
You can still make it to change to winter tires in 2024. You can go to the service center even after November 1st if the technicians don't have time earlier – especially if it's not freezing or snowing yet. But it's better to make it on time – meaning you need to book an appointment as soon as possible. Ideally, call the service center in September, for example, and secure an October appointment.
Tire change and storage included in operational lease
Operational leasing from Birne is characterized by the fact that it can help you with tire changes. At Birne, we can purchase a set of winter tires for you and arrange their change in autumn and spring. We will then have the unneeded set stored at a tire service center. In addition, we will give you contacts for partner service centers. And we will pay for everything for you.
Your only obligation will be to drive to the given service center on time and have your vehicle's tires changed. And in the spring, you will go to the same place and proceed in exactly the same way. However, if you would like to act on your own and have your winter tires changed elsewhere, plus store them, for example, at home in your garage, you are welcome to do so. This premium service is not mandatory, and the choice is entirely yours.
How much does it cost to change to winter tires?
The fact is that each tire change costs approximately CZK 1,000 (or more in some places). Tire storage is not included in the price. If you leave it to us, you can pay only CZK 939 annually (for the Flexi and Try and Buy tariffs, the amount is spread over six months) and you don't have to worry about anything else.
Winter tire change as part of operational leasing
The premium service of winter tire change does not only apply to standard Birne operational leasing tariffs. Check out the benefits of operational leasing. You can also order it as part of the special Try and Buy lease, which is valid for six months – then you decide whether you want to continue it, return the car, or buy it directly from us.
Regularly check your tires
For the car not to skid, to drive even on icy roads, or not to be bothered by a layer of freshly fallen snow, it is necessary to have not only winter tires, but above all, quality winter tires. Therefore, it is definitely not worth saving money on them. And you should not keep them for, say, 10 years, in a money-saving mode.
It is stated that the lifespan of winter tires is about 40,000 to 50,000 kilometers. Typically, 4 to 5 winter seasons. Before each fitting, it is necessary to check if there are any deformations and if their tread is deep enough. It should be at least 4 millimeters. Excessively worn tires are also dangerous.
What pressure should be in winter tires?
In winter, it is advisable to maintain a tire pressure 0.2 to 0.3 bar higher than recommended for summer operation. The reason for this is the drop in pressure due to low temperatures. The exact values for your vehicle can be found on the sticker on the driver's door, on the fuel cap, or in the owner's manual. Always check the pressure when the tires are cold – i.e., before driving, or after driving only a short distance.
Procedure for setting the correct pressure:
Verify the recommended value – you can find it on the sticker on the driver's door, on the fuel filler cap, or in the vehicle manual.
Add 0.2 to 0.3 bar – add this reserve to the recommended pressure to compensate for its drop caused by cold temperatures.
Birne is here for you
If a tire seems off to you, it's better to look for another one. Ideally, you should change the entire set or at least both front or both rear tires at the same time. If you have ordered a winter tire change service from us, let us know about this circumstance and we will resolve everything together. The same services apply to operational leasing for companies and sole proprietors. Just as we can advise you on what to do if you get a flat tire.
