The study conducted by OFD Platform, available through socialbites.ca, indicates that Russians will spend an average of 26,688 rubles on a minimal winter-prep kit in October, which is about 16% higher than last year. This figure reflects the essential items required to ready a vehicle for cold months and sheds light on how weather-driven demand is shaping consumer spending in the season ahead.
The core package includes four tires, a complete windshield wiper blades set, antifreeze fluid, and tire maintenance services. These components form the baseline for winter readiness and are the items most frequently purchased by car owners as temperatures drop and road conditions worsen.
Among the items on the list, tires show the most pronounced year-over-year price rise. The average tire bill climbed 18%, reaching 6,158 rubles in October. Alongside the price uptick, overall tire purchases increased by 5%, underscoring the heightened emphasis on safe winter traction.
Windshield wiper blades and antifreeze have also seen steady price growth, rising by 6% and 5% respectively. The October average for a set of brushes stands at 1,055 rubles, while antifreeze is approximately 255 rubles per unit. Demand for these items grew by 9% and 7% respectively, signaling a broad shift toward comprehensive preventive maintenance as the season approaches.
Prices for tire fitting services have inched up by 1% across the year, with the October average spending at 1,020 rubles. Vehicle owners have begun using these services about 10% more often, reflecting a proactive approach to ensuring tires are properly installed and ready for winter driving conditions.
Regional differences are notable. In Moscow, the minimum October spend for the essential set rises to 29,176 rubles, about 24% higher than last year. In St. Petersburg, the October average reaches 28,874 rubles, reflecting an 18% increase. These regional variations align with climate patterns, urban insurance dynamics, and the availability of service centers, which all influence how households allocate funds for winter safety.
commentators note that in early October there was a clear uptick in interest in tires across Russia, driven by changing weather trends in the capital and central regions. This shift coincides with the expansion of the vehicle fleet and the arrival of new car models, which introduces a wider selection of winter tires across different diameters and rubber grades this season, according to OFD Platform.
Experts also warn that weather forecasts point to more challenging conditions soon. A meteorology briefing in the capital highlighted the likelihood of strong winds, sleet, and temperatures near freezing in the coming days. Drivers who have not yet switched to winter tires are advised to postpone non-essential travel until road conditions stabilize. The potential for ice on roads around late October underscores the importance of early tire replacement and fleet readiness for the season ahead.
Alongside these trends, there is emerging attention to the broader financing landscape for vehicle upkeep as weather-driven spending becomes a larger portion of household budgets. In this context, families and fleets alike are prioritizing preventive maintenance, with a clear signal that the cost of staying on the road safely is rising as winter nears. Market observers attribute part of the rise to supply chain dynamics, seasonal demand, and ongoing fleet renewal activities driving up the price of commonly required winter-ready components, all of which contribute to a more expensive October for car owners. This overall pattern mirrors a broader North American experience where winter readiness investments increasingly factor into annual vehicle budgets and consumer choice. OFD Platform notes that the season’s diversity in tire options—from various diameters to rubber compounds—also influences both price and purchasing behavior, making informed selection more important than ever for buyers in big cities and regional markets alike.