Winter in Bratislava. (source: SME - Jozef Jakubčo)
It is time for drivers to switch their cars to winter tires again.
Tire service centres agree that the time to switch tires comes when the outside temperature falls to 7°C or below.
From Tatras to Bratislava
In Slovakia, the tire-changing season first begins in the Tatras region, writes the Sme daily.
Winter tires in central Europe
Austria: November 1 - April 15, if there is snow and ice on the road
Czechia: October 1 - March 31, if there is frost, ice or snow on the road
Hungary: only chains if there is snow on the road
Poland: winter tires only recommended
"We recommend our customers change tires starting from October 1, unless they want to wait a long time for an appointment," said Marián Labaj from Pneu-autoBest in Poprad, Tatras region.
Drivers are currently waiting for three weeks to have their tires changed at Pneu-autoBest.
And drivers in Bratislava have been told they should get theirs changed as soon as possible too.
"The biggest rush for tire services is from October 15 to November 30," said Stanislav Ďurta, co-owner of Mikona tire services.
The price to change tires depends on the size of the wheel, ranging from €30 to €45, but rising to €70 to €80 for SUVs.
All-season tires are a compromise
Drivers caught using summer tires in winter could face a €60 fine.
While winter tires for passenger cars are not mandatory in Slovakia, if there is a continuous layer of snow, ice or frost on the road, the law states that drivers may use their cars in road traffic only if they have snow tires on all wheels marked with a mountain symbol or tires marked "M+S", "M.S" or "M&S".
In winter, drivers should not forget that all-season tires are only a compromise.
"I recommend them for drivers who do not drive more than 5,000-7,000 km a year and can leave their car at home in severe winter conditions," added Ďurta.
