Swap your wheels and keep your basement
The same hassle twice a year. You can also just leave your wheels with us. Cleaned, checked, labeled and stored dry.
Wheel change or tire change?
People mix up the two all the time, and the difference matters quite a bit for the price.
- Wheel change: You have two complete sets on rims. We take one off, put the other on, and check pressure and tread. Takes a good half hour.
- Tire change: You only have one set of rims. The tires have to be taken off, the new ones mounted and balanced. That takes longer and costs more.
If you don’t have a second set of rims yet, in most cases it pays for itself after two or three seasons.
Your wheels stay here
Tires don’t like moisture, sunlight or a heater next to them. Our storage has room for around 300 sets, dry and dark.
- Wheels are washed before they go on the rack
- Tread depth and age are measured and noted down
- Every set is labeled and matched to its position on the car
- Before the season we get in touch with you about the appointment
- If a tire is worn out, we tell you in summer, not when the first snow falls
What the change costs
Prices for a car with four wheels, including VAT.
Wheel change
Includes a visual check, tire pressure and torque to spec.
Tire fitting
We dispose of old tires properly, for a small charge per tire.
Storage
Washing, checking and labeling are included.
Tire pressure sensor
The battery in the sensor doesn’t last forever. We check it whenever we swap your wheels.
Example figures for this sample site. Larger wheels and vehicles with tire pressure monitoring cost a little more. We’ll give you the price over the phone.
When to switch, and what to look out for
Four points that really make a difference day to day.
From October to Easter
The old rule of thumb is still a good guide. But what really counts is the weather, not the calendar.
The Alpine symbol
In wintry conditions, Germany requires winter tires. Only tires with the mountain and snowflake symbol count as winter tires now. Since October 2024, the old M+S marking on its own is no longer enough.
Tread depth
The legal minimum is 1.6 millimeters. In practice, a winter tire loses a lot of grip below 4 millimeters. We measure at every change.
Tire age
The four-digit DOT number on the sidewall tells you the week and year it was made. From about six years on, we take a closer look, even if there’s still tread left.
Common questions about tires
Can I store my wheels for just one season?
Yes. You pay per season, there’s no contract running for years. If you sell the car, you just pick up the wheels.
How long does a wheel change take?
About 30 to 45 minutes. You can wait, or leave the car and pick it up later.
Are all-season tires a good idea?
It depends. If you don’t drive much and rarely head into the mountains, they’ll do fine. If you drive a lot on the Autobahn or get a lot of snow, two sets are safer. We give you honest advice, even if it means we earn less.
Do I have to buy new tires from you?
No. You can bring your own tires and we’ll fit them at the same rate. You can also order them through us, and they’ll be here for your appointment.
What happens to the old tires?
We dispose of them properly through a licensed company. The small fee for that is shown on the invoice.