Prices for winter tires have risen sharply in Russia

A set of winter tires in the mass segment in Russia has risen in price by 5–10 percent over the year, while premium models have increased in price by about 5–6 percent. Nikolai Pogulyaev, the owner and head of the Fit Service car service center, told Izvestia about this.

Some winter models in size 215/55 R17 in the affordable segment cost from 7.8–8.5 thousand rubles per tire. Tires in sizes R18–R19 from more expensive brands will cost 15–20 thousand or more per unit. The difference between an affordable and premium set for the popular crossover wheels R17–R20 can amount to tens of thousands of rubles.

The increase in cost is associated with a shift in demand to larger sizes. More and more new cars, especially Chinese crossovers, get R17 and higher wheels from the factory, Pogulyaev noted.

During the first half of the year, imports of passenger tires increased noticeably; almost 80 percent of imported products came from China. This has expanded choice in the budget and mid-range segments, including crossover sizes. Many Chinese brands and models have appeared on the market.