Wheel change: according to the law, winter tires must be shod before this date in 2025

Twice a year, Russians wonder when it's worth changing summer tires to winter tires, and vice versa. Forecasters reported on the approach of night frosts in the Central region and named the date when motorists will have to think about changing summer tires to winter ones. For more information, see the Izvestia article.

Vilfand urged to forget about changing summer tires to winter tires until mid-October.

When to change tires in Russia in the winter of 2025

Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation dated 05/27/2023 No. 837 ("On Amendments to the Basic Provisions on the Admission of vehicles to Operation and the Duties of Officials to ensure road safety") states that it is necessary to change tires for winter tires from December 1. But given that winter comes at different times in different regions, it is necessary to focus on the temperature change schedule. The Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation recommends changing tires to winter tires at a steady average daily temperature below +5...+7 ° C or on the eve of the first ice.

It should be borne in mind that in some regions of the Federation, local authorities have the right to set earlier or later dates based on climatic conditions. For example, in the regions of the Far North or Siberia, the winter season begins much earlier than in Central Russia. Therefore, in fact, tire replacement may be required as early as October or even at the end of September. However, the legally key date remains unchanged — December 1.

In 2025, according to experts, the estimated date when it is worth "changing shoes" the car is October 26-27.

It is important to keep in mind that the more mileage a car has, the more the tires wear out. To understand when they need to be changed due to wear, you can refer to the decree of the Government of the Russian Federation dated 10/23/1993 No. 1090 (as amended on 04/19/2024) "On the Rules of the Road", which states that the residual depth of the tire tread pattern (in the absence of wear indicators) is no more than:

• for vehicles of categories L (motorcycles) — 0.8 mm;
• for vehicles of categories N2, N3, O3, O4 (trucks and trailers/semi—trailers) - 1 mm;
• for vehicles of categories M1, N1, O1, O2 (trucks and trailers/semi—trailers) - 1.6 mm;
• for vehicles of categories M2, M3 (buses) — 2 mm.

Manufacturers often advise changing tires every 40,000 km or after five years, regardless of their condition.

The impact of weather conditions on tire replacement

The change of season in Russia is always accompanied by a significant drop in temperature, the formation of ice and precipitation. Experts note that winter tires provide better traction even at temperatures below +7 degrees. At the same time, it is important to take into account not only the average daily values, but also sudden changes at night, which often lead to frosts.

Experts divide winter tires into two main types: studded and friction, known as "Velcro." Studded tires work better in slushy conditions, and if winter is not snowy, it is better to choose Velcro. If you need a universal solution, it is better to choose studded tires.

In the Central Federal District, frosts usually occur in November. In Siberia and the Urals, it is a month earlier, and in the southern regions, the first sustained cold weather comes closer to December. If the driver focuses solely on calendar dates, there is a risk of getting on an icy road with summer tires, which increases the likelihood of an accident. Therefore, experts advise to monitor the weather forecast and focus on the actual condition of the road surface.

The State Traffic Inspectorate recalled that monitoring of road safety is ongoing.

"Every car owner should prepare his car for the conditions that are directly on the street. In many regions, there is no winter slipperiness at all, which means there is no need for monitoring," the traffic police stressed.

Traffic police officers will not fine or punish for not installing winter tires.

"In case of such a technical malfunction, the vehicle is not delayed or evacuated. It is important that the driver takes care of safety on the road himself," the Traffic Police stressed.

At the same time, there are no restrictions on all-season Velcro, such tires can be used all year round, the traffic police emphasized.

Is it possible to change the tires in advance

Many motorists are wondering if they will violate the law if they install winter tires long before the onset of cold weather. Experts recommend doing this 7-10 days before the cold season to make it to the big queues.

According to the current regulations, the operation of winter studded tires in summer (in June, July and August) is prohibited, as they wear out faster and lose their performance properties. However, during the off—season — from September to November and from March to May - the driver has the right to use both summer and winter studded tires.

Thus, it is possible to change tires in advance, but it is recommended to do this in cases where the weather forecast indicates early cold weather or the driver is planning a long trip to the northern regions. An early switch to winter tires avoids the rush at tire installations, where long queues form during the season. In addition, it reduces the risk of being in a situation where a sudden snowfall has caught the driver unprepared.