According to the calendar, spring is here and with it the time to change your car tyres.
At least if you stick to the rule of thumb "from O to O".
But is it actually still relevant?
The rule of thumb “from O to O” has become second nature to many motorists.
It refers to the tire change and is intended to provide assistance for the change.
Summer tires are used between Easter and October and winter tires between October and Easter.
However, this creates a few problems, for example because Easter is not a fixed holiday.
Important to know: In Germany, the “o to o” rule does not officially apply.
The so-called situational winter tire obligation is more important here.
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Tire change at Easter - myth or must?
Situational winter tire obligation means that you have to drive with winter tires in winter conditions (e.g. snow, ice or frost).
This is exactly why Easter is not a good date, because frost and ice are still possible even in April in our latitudes.
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If the night-time temperatures don't drop below five degrees for a long time, the summer tires can safely be put on the rims and the winter tires in the warehouse.
(icon picture)
© lightandshadow/Imago
You can orientate yourself on the Easter holidays, but nothing more.
It is much more likely that you should pay attention to the night-time temperatures yourself, say experts from ADAC,
among others
.
If these no longer permanently fall below five degrees, it is possible to switch to summer tires - but still not a must.
If you want to be on the safe side, you can wait a little longer.
The exchange should be completed by the summer at the latest, since winter tires wear out much faster on warm asphalt, among other things.
Tire change: do it yourself or drive to the workshop?
The answer here is actually quite simple: If you are able to do this, including physically, you can also change the tire yourself (but you should pay particular attention to a few things).
If you don't want to or can't do this, you should visit a workshop.
But beware: As a rule, you need an appointment for this, which is precisely now that it is getting warmer again, so many drivers have their vehicles made spring-ready.
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If you don't feel like changing tires regularly, all-season tires could be an option.
At least if you live in areas with rather mild winters and summers and the tires are not exposed to extreme temperature fluctuations.
Important here: Only tires with the "Alpine" symbol, a mountain pictogram with a snowflake, are considered winter tires.
Rubric list image: © lightandshadow/Imago
