The Road Code of Romania and the related regulations provide that the cars must be equipped with winter tires, or at least with M+S tires, if they travel on public roads covered by snow, ice or pole.
Lake Gura Water of Retezat. Photo: Daniel Guță, Adevărul
When passing to winter tires this year
However, the law does not indicate a fixed date, no temperature limit below which the change becomes mandatory. In practice, the generally accepted recommendation is that the transition to winter tires take place when the average outside temperatures decrease below 6-8 ° C – from this threshold, the summer tires lose their efficiency, and the rubber composition begins to strengthen, reducing the adhesion.
Therefore, in 2025, many drivers will opt to change somewhere in October or early November – with preventive equipment before the first frosts or the first cold days.
Another useful criterion is whether the weather forecast announces nights frequently below 0 ° C or freezing, then it is advisable not to wait. And, if you travel on mountain areas or roads often exposed to pole and frost, the change may be a wise decision.
What is the price of winter tires 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.
That is why it is good that for lowering costs, it is advisable to order the tires early, so as to take advantage of promotions, choose medium quality brands, compare the offers of local services and ensure that the mounting and balancing of the wheels will be included in the services provided, according to the commercial offers presented.
