The key facts
- In summer, a winter tire cost on average about 8,270 rubles, in September–October — 8,190 rubles
- A set of four tires in autumn was about 320 rubles cheaper; on individual models the savings reached almost 1,900 rubles
- Over the first ten months of 2026, more than 60 billion rubles were spent on winter tires; the overpayment due to summer purchases exceeded 90 million rubles
Summer purchases turned out to be more expensive than autumn ones
The common advice to buy winter tires in advance, in the summer, did not work in 2026: prices dropped by autumn. This is reported by the Telegram channel SHOT PROVERKA, which studied tire price dynamics; a story on this was prepared by Life.ru. In the summer, a single winter tire cost on average about 8,270 rubles, while in September and October the price fell to 8,190 rubles. A set of four tires in autumn cost about 320 rubles less than in summer.
The difference is more noticeable on individual models
On popular models, the price decline was larger than average. The Cordiant Snow Cross 2 became cheaper by about 380 rubles per tire, the Ikon Character Ice 7 by 320 rubles, and the Pirelli Ice Zero by 470 rubles. When buying a full set, the savings could reach almost 1,900 rubles.
Motorists still bought in advance
Even though buying in summer turned out to be unprofitable, many still prepared for the cold weather ahead of time. According to data from the Chestny Znak labeling system, in August almost 650,000 winter tires were purchased in Russia, in September — 1.5 million, and in October — about three million tires. In total, over the first ten months of 2026, residents of the country spent more than 60 billion rubles on winter tires: the summer months accounted for about 15% of sales, while September and October accounted for over 60% of purchases. According to SHOT PROVERKA's calculations, the total potential overpayment by motorists who bought tires in the summer exceeded 90 million rubles.
Prices continue to rise
Earlier, Life.ru reported that winter tires in Russia became more expensive by 6.6–7.4% over the year. In August, the average price of a single premium winter tire reached 29,400 rubles, and a mass-market tire — 10,000 rubles; moreover, compared with July, prices for more affordable models rose by 5.8% at once. Thus, even the price decline by autumn did not bring them back to last year's level: buying in autumn was more advantageous than in summer, but more expensive than a year earlier.
