Time to change tires. Does it make sense to go to Poland and Lithuania for winter tires?

«Belshina» — our everything?

Despite the fact that EU sanctions prohibit the export of car tires from the EU to Belarus, some Belarusians still travel to neighboring EU countries to buy them.

Since official export is prohibited, it is impossible to process a VAT refund. Because of this, tires are installed in Poland, and the old ones are left abroad. This option suits only those whose old tires are no longer worth anything.

Nevertheless, many claim that buying tires abroad still remains a profitable venture.

Павялічыць

When does a trip for tires really make sense?

Going to Poland or Lithuania for budget-segment tires definitely makes no sense, because even if there is a difference, it will be small. Travel expenses will most likely negate it.

It should also be noted that domestic «Belshina» tires are quite popular in Belarus and belong precisely to the budget segment. However, in the case of «Belshina,» there is a problem with sizes, as Belarus does not produce tires larger than R18. And even the selection of 18-inch tire sizes is still modest.

At the same time, domestic tires still occupy the first place in popularity. According to an analysis of the Onliner catalog, «Belshina» accounts for more than 20% of the market in Belarus.

Therefore, for example, owners of popular Renault Scenic cars in Belarus, which have 20-inch wheels, cannot buy «Belshina» even if they wanted to. And generally, the size is specific, so the choice is limited.

Up to 100 euros per tire

Winter Hankook Winter icept evo 195/55R20 in Belarus are sold at prices starting from 450 rubles, which is about 135 euros. In Poland, prices for similar tires start from 500 zlotys, which is about 113 euros. This means the difference is 88 euros per set.

GoodYear UltraGrip Performance+ tires of the same size in Belarus cost about 750 rubles (about 228 euros) per tire, while in Poland — about 660 zlotys (about 150 euros). Here, the difference is already more significant — about 300 euros per set.

Павялічыць

For premium Michelin tires, the difference is even more noticeable. While in Belarus, Michelin Alpin 7 195/55 R20 can be found at prices starting from 842 rubles per tire, in Poland, their price starts from 680 zlotys per tire.

This is 255 euros and 155 euros per tire, respectively. It turns out that the difference for a set is about 400 euros.

Павялічыць

Pirelli Ice Zero Friction 215/55R17 winter tires in Belarus are sold at prices starting from 430 rubles (about 130 euros). In Poland — about 450 zlotys (about 103 euros). Therefore, the difference for a set will be about 100 euros.

What about Lithuania?

Tire prices in Poland and Lithuania are approximately the same, but let's check there too, although getting to Lithuania by car is more difficult than to Poland.

Павялічыць

So, Bridgestone Blizzak 6 215/55 R17 in Minsk can be found for 711 rubles (about 215 euros). In Vilnius, the same tires are sold for 155 euros per piece. A difference of 240 euros per set.

Continental ContiWinterContact TS 870 205/55 R16 in Belarus are sold at prices starting from 397 rubles (120 euros). In Lithuania, such tires cost 102 euros per piece. The difference — 72 euros per set.

It turns out that price differences exist, but they depend on specific tire brands. The general trend is that the more expensive the tires, the more noticeable the price difference will be between Belarus and Poland/Lithuania.

Is it worth overpaying for a brand at all?

Tire sellers say that it primarily depends on expectations and the car's operating conditions.

In one of the tire sales centers, it was immediately explained that in a tire for 200 rubles and for 500 rubles, the difference is definitely not only in price. And the first differences, as a rule, will be visible already at the installation stage.

«Budget tires require more balancing weights, and cases of factory defects are more common,» the specialist explained.

Also, according to the seller, the wear of the tires themselves will be different, both visually and in feel.

Павялічыць

«Quality tires remain effective even with less tread remaining,» the seller explains and adds that if the budget is limited, he would advise «Belshina,» which, in his opinion, offers a good price/quality ratio.

Among the important factors when choosing tires, the seller draws attention to the car's operating conditions. He suggests that if the operation is exclusively urban, that's one thing, but if the car travels a lot on the highway, then the approach to choosing tires should be more careful.

In another place, it was noted that while most people choose budget and mid-range tires — there are always some buyers who only buy premium tires. Moreover, these are not necessarily owners of expensive cars.

«Quality tires are about safety and comfort. They are more durable, quieter, and have better handling and braking performance,» the consultant explained.

Павялічыць

In his opinion, people who drive a lot on high-speed highways and care about their safety and comfort generally don't need an explanation as to why it makes sense to overpay for a brand.

At the same time, the seller says that decent tires can also be found in the mid-range segment, including among Chinese tire brands.

«In the mid-price segment, there are many Chinese tires that have already proven themselves well,» says the seller, adding that a competent selection of tires always begins with understanding how and in what conditions a person operates the car.

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