Seasonal tire guidance from the Moscow region ministry clarifies timing and safety considerations
October brings cooler air and chilly nights, with temperatures that can dip below freezing. Yet officials from the Ministry of Transport of the Moscow region advise keeping summer tires on for a bit longer. Switching to winter tires too early is not recommended, even when frost is common at night.
The ministry warns that if studded tires are used before snow covers the roads, the rubber and tread can suffer. Studs can damage the tire surface and increase braking distances, and in wet conditions they are noticeably less predictable than standard tires. In rain, studded tires can behave poorly compared with regular tires, making careful choice essential. These cautions come from official guidance published by the transport department.
Independent testing from Za Rulem, a longstanding automotive publication, supports the regional findings in certain conditions. The tests indicate that in light frost, summer tires may actually offer better vehicle handling than winter tires, provided roads are free from snow and ice. This performance gap disappears once snow and ice are present, underscoring that tire choice should reflect current road conditions rather than calendar dates alone.
For drivers aiming to ease seasonal tire queues, friction or non-studded winter tires offer a practical alternative. These tires reduce road wear and can provide reliable grip on snow, ice, and even slushy mixtures commonly referred to as porridge. The Moscow region ministry notes that non-studded tires can be a sensible option when winter driving becomes likely but before snowpack fully develops.
Officials also highlight that today’s tire replacement strategy can include transitioning from summer to winter tires without delay. Velcro or hookless mounting options are recommended for speed and convenience. The emphasis remains on road safety and minimizing road damage while maintaining solid traction on varying winter surfaces.
Importantly, the timing of the tire switch is tied to local weather patterns. The ministry advises that tires should be changed to winter-grade when the average daily temperature in a given region drops to +5 degrees Celsius. This criterion helps drivers align tire choice with real-world conditions rather than relying solely on the calendar. Keeping this guideline in mind can improve safety and comfort during the ongoing seasonal transitions, especially in areas with fluctuating autumn temperatures.