Changing summer tires with winter tires now costs drivers about 120 leva, a check conducted by "Bulgaria Dnes" showed. This tariff applies to the most popular cars that use 17-inch tires, with the bill showing an average price of 30 leva per wheel.
A reference by the publication indicates that the price of the service has increased by about 20 leva in the last year alone.
This final price usually does not include additional, but often necessary services. Balancing, placing weights and straightening rims if necessary are paid additionally. Experts recommend that after the change, the car be adjusted, the price of which can exceed 100 leva. The adjustment is important, as any possible distortion of the front or rear axle leads to faster tire wear and increased fuel consumption.
In parallel with the preparation of the vehicles, the traditional "Winter" campaign of the Traffic Police will start from November 1st throughout the country. It will be held in three stages throughout the month.
The first stage is currently underway (until November 10th), which is aimed at the most vulnerable participants - drivers of bicycles, electric scooters (ESPs) and animal-drawn vehicles. The Ministry of Interior reminds that scooter drivers must be over 16 years old, wear helmets and are not allowed to drive in the dark.
The second stage of the campaign will take place between November 11 and 20 and will focus on pedestrians and road tolerance between drivers and pedestrians.
The third stage, from November 21 to 30, will be focused on the technical condition of the motor vehicles themselves and their preparation for winter conditions.
The Road Traffic Law obliges all cars in Bulgaria to be equipped with winter tires in the period from November 15 to March 1. Alternatively, drivers can use tires with a tread depth of at least 4 mm.
Although this allows the use of all-season or even summer tires (as long as they meet the grip requirement), experts do not recommend these options. The rubber they are made of is not suitable for low temperatures and loses traction in the cold months. Traditionally, long queues form in front of service stations in the days before November 15, so it is recommended not to wait until the last moment.