The cold season brings a visible change in the behavior of Romanian drivers: more and more choose to buy winter tires in time, to avoid agglomeration from services and increases at the end of autumn.
Romanians have already started buying winter tires. Photo archive
The demand for winter tires started almost a month earlier than last year, the trend being supported by low temperatures since September and better purchasing planning.
The car experts noticed a return to the preventive behavior of the drivers, and more Romanians are buying tires dedicated to the cold season before November. Currently, about 65% of the orders in this period are for winter tires, and the rest for all season.
The most sought after dimensions are those for the most popular models of cars-Dacia Logan, Volkswagen Golf and Ford Focus, but also for compact SUVs.
“Customers are more attentive to safety and real costs of using the car in the cold season. A winter tire provides better adhesion on wet or cold road and reduces the braking distance by up to 10 meters to 50 km/h, compared to a summer tire. At the same time, the planning of shopping outside the peak season means savings of up to 200 lei per set and eliminating the risk of no longer finding the desired size. This change of behavior is especially visible to customers who equip their cars before the temperature is steadily below 7 ° C. We estimate a 20–25% increase in winter tire sales this season, with the return to a rational and prevention -oriented style”Says Costin Stan, CEO of one of the largest car parts stores.
When it is mandatory to switch to winter tires
The Road Code (GEO 195/2002) establishes that, when driving a vehicle on public roads covered with snow, ice or pole, it must be equipped with winter tires.
Drivers do not have a deadline until they are obliged to equip their cars with winter tires (a few years ago, the deadline of November 1 is conveyed), but they are obliged when the weather conditions impose, depending on the area through which they circulate. Also, there is no deadline for switching to summer tires.
This was also underlined: “There is no established period in which winter tires should be used, which are mandatory when the vehicle runs on a public road covered with ice, snow or pole”.
Car experts recommend the installation of winter tires as soon as temperatures are steadily below 7 ° C, even if it has not snowed. Choosing the right tires means a higher level of safety and efficiency, by better grip and low fuel consumption. The tests show that the braking distance on the cold road can be significantly shorter, a difference that can prevent minor accidents and the costs related to repairs.
What are the prices in 2025
The prices for winter tires in 2025 vary much depending on the mark and the segment (premium, environment, budget), the size of the rim, the performance of the tire (adhesion classes, durability, noise, etc.), but also the offers, promotions and stocks of the distributors.
The prices of winter tires in 2025 cover a wider range: from ~ 150-200 RON for simpler options, up to 800+ RON for premium and large size brands. For more usual dimensions, prices between 320-600 RON are commonly found on comparison platforms. Tire sites display even offers of ~ 130-140 RON for medium-sized winter tires, in more economical volume brands.
Therefore, a complete set of 4 winter tires can cost between ~ 600 RON (for budget options) and over 3,000 RON, in the case of large wheels and premium car brands, before mounting and balancing.
The assembly and balancing can add between ~ 120 and 300 ron to the total cost, depending on the situation.
Compared to last season, prices for winter tires increased, on average, by 5 – 8%. The biggest increases were recorded in the premium brands – Michelin, Continental, Bridgestone – against the background of increasing production and transport costs. The mid-range and economy segment, in which brands like Kumho, Debica, Hankook, Minerva and Sailun have been found, had moderate increases of 2-3%.
During the peak period, November – December, prices can climb additional by 10 – 15%, especially for popular dimensions, such as 205/55 R16. Customers who purchase at the beginning of the season can save between 100 and 200 lei per set, depending on the brand and size.
What fines are waiting for drivers who do not comply with the law
Those who did not install their winter tires risk fines in the fourth grade of sanctions (between nine and 20 fine points), respectively between 1,822.5 and 4,050 lei.
In addition, in addition to the fine, the drivers are withheld the registration or registration certificate or its replacement proof.
The winter tires must have the inscription “M+S”, “MS” or “M&S”. The initials M and S come, more precisely, from the words in English “Mud” (mud) and “snow” (snow).
Rarely states that “the name of all season is strictly commercial. In order to be considered winter tires, according to the law, the tires must be marked with the letters M and S, under one of the forms M+S, MS or M & S”.
There are also tires on the market, which have, in addition to the M+S mark, and a symbol composed of a snowflake found in a three-tip mountain. These tires are created and tested for traffic in heavy winter conditions, ie at very low temperatures and on a consistent layer of snow.
Rarely recommend that, “Before mounting the tires, check the year of manufacture (dot) and profile depth. If tires are over 4-5 years old, Request the opinion of a specialistto observe if there are accentuated traces of wear ”.
