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Tire Service (Vulkaniseur)
GewO §94 Z.73
Verified: April 2026
Key Facts
- Type: Regulated trade (Handwerk)
- Qualification: Master exam (Meisterpruefung)
- Registration cost: Free (€0)
- Seasonal peak: High demand during spring/autumn tire changes
- Note: RDKS/TPMS sensor service increasingly important
What This Trade Covers
- Tire mounting, balancing, and alignment
- Tire repair and retreading (vulcanization)
- RDKS/TPMS sensor programming and replacement
- Seasonal tire storage services (Reifenhotel)
- Rim repair and reconditioning
- Commercial vehicle and agricultural tire service
Seasonal Business Model
Austria mandates winter tires (Nov 1 – Apr 15), creating two annual
peak seasons. Many tire shops offer seasonal storage (Reifenhotel) as a
recurring revenue stream. RDKS sensor service adds a growing technical
component since EU regulation made TPMS mandatory for new vehicles.
Overlap with Auto Mechanic
The auto mechanic trade (Kfz-Technik, §94 Z.34) also covers tire work as part of general vehicle service. A standalone Vulkaniseur license is for businesses specializing exclusively in tire services.
Related Guides
Legally binding: German text of GewO 1994.