The car workshops are in full swing with changing from summer tires to winter tires.
But now the price increases of recent years seem to mean that fewer and fewer choose to switch to new winter tires.
– You drive until you feel that it is not possible to drive much more, says Mikael Enbom, site manager at a car workshop in Luleå.
From October 1, it is permitted to drive with studded tires. On December 1, winter tires are a requirement.
But since Russia’s war of invasion in Ukraine, the prices of winter tires have risen sharply.
Something that has caused more and more people to wait to change to new winter tires.
– Tires have become more expensive. So they wait longer to switch. You drive until you feel that it is not possible to drive much more. It runs longer, a little too long, says Mikael Enbom, site manager at a car workshop in Luleå.
“Not the best”
But with an increased reluctance to equip the car with tires in good condition, road safety risks suffering.
– It is perhaps not the best, says Mikael Enbom.
For Mikael Enbom’s company, tire prices have increased by between 20 and 25 percent over the past two years. The National Association of Tire Specialists has noted price increases of up to 32 percent.
Several factors behind the price increase
The price increase is primarily due to the cessation of imports of Russian products. Increased raw material and shipping costs in Europe are another reason.
Lennart Karlsson has made it to the car workshop in Luleå. For him, a pair of new winter tires costs between SEK 12,000 and 15,000.
– You have to have winter tires, you can’t drive with summer tires today, he says.
But the idea that an increasingly large proportion is expected to drive without, or with worn, winter tires creates concern for some.
– I hope everyone remembers that we want to drive safely. And we want those we meet to also travel safely, says a Lulebo to TV4 Nyheterna.