A study among Russians revealed that 30% of drivers switch tires when the mean daily air temperature reaches 5°C. The data comes from a questionnaire hosted by Auto Mail.ru. In the same survey, 25% of respondents said they change their tires when outdoor temperatures reach 10°C. Early spring shows a gradual tire transition, with 17% of Russians changing tires at the start of April, and the pace rising toward the May holidays. As the season progresses, the rate climbs to 16% and a small portion, 11%, admits they followed the majority who had already made the switch. Only 1% rely on all season tires.
When asked about tire preference, drivers named Continental, Michelin, and Pirelli as the top choices, winning 44% of votes. Japanese brands Bridgestone and Yokohama attracted 28% of respondents, while South Korean options Hankook and Kumho accounted for 19%. Domestic brands Cordiant and Kama trailed with 16% support.
About 73% of participants prefer to have their tires replaced at professional tire shops, with 25% handling the change themselves and a small 2% willing to refer friends to others for service. In practice, many drivers in large cities follow seasonal guidance from official authorities to improve road safety and tire longevity. The Ministry of Transport in the capital has advised switching from winter to summer tires to reduce accident risk and curb excessive tire wear. Local police have begun the seasonal tire changes for their fleets. In Moscow, nighttime temperatures rarely dip to freezing, supporting the seasonal transition narrative.
Nikolai Pogulev, head of vehicle services at Fit Service, emphasizes the value of investing in high quality tires. If the budget is limited, he suggests considering reputable Chinese manufacturers and recommends researching a brand through user reviews, expert assessments, and test results. This approach helps buyers balance cost with performance expectations and ensures safer driving in variable conditions across North American markets.
Earlier reports indicated that a Forthing crossover presented in Russia would receive three distinct design options. This piece reinforces the broader theme of tire strategy and vehicle maintenance driven by climate and regional brand preferences, underscoring the practical decisions drivers make to optimize safety and performance as seasons change.