Tyres take the biggest share of winter car costs. Four new 15-inch tyres cost €180 to €320, or about €212 to €380 with fitting and balancing, according to figures from a specialist retailer.
A new standard battery of around 60 Ah adds another €55 to €95 or so, at Bulgarian market prices at the end of October. A driver who needs new tyres, a new battery and basic supplies will pay several hundred euros in total.
In Bulgaria, winter tyres, or tyres with a tread of at least 4 mm, are required from 15 November to 1 March.
Size, maker and class set the price of a mid-range tyre. The retailer's figures show a 13 or 14-inch tyre costs €35 to €60, a 15-inch tyre €45 to €80 and a 16-inch tyre €60 to €110. For 17-inch tyres, prices run from €90 to €160, and for 18 inches and up from €130 to €260. Fitting and balancing cost about €8 to €15 a wheel.
Drivers who already have usable winter tyres on separate rims pay only for the wheel swap. Garages' published price lists show about €30 to €50 for four complete wheels. Washer fluid and a check of the main systems come on top, and a new battery, supplies or repairs push the total higher.
Even if old tyres have seen little use, check them for age, poor storage and visible damage, because these affect safety.
Check the battery before the cold sets in, especially if the car is hard to start or the battery is several years old, as low temperatures put extra strain on it. Hard starting does not always mean the battery needs replacing. A battery test and a check of the charging system will show whether it must go.
The price of a battery depends on brand, specifications and model, and more specialised models cost more. On cars with a start-stop system, the new battery must meet the maker's requirements.
Antifreeze protects the cooling system from freezing and helps the engine run. Check its level and the temperature it protects down to. If it is old or gives too little protection, it may need replacing, and the price depends on the car, the amount of fluid and the product. It is best not to mix an unknown antifreeze with any other type.
Summer washer fluid can freeze in the cold. Winter fluid is sold in different pack sizes and with different levels of frost protection, and some products in current offers cost about €2.60 to €5.10. It is better to choose by the temperatures you expect than by the lowest price alone.
Also check the wipers, lights, brakes and cabin heating. Worn blades leave streaks and cut visibility in rain and snow, so replace any that are cracked or wipe unevenly. Lights must work, and headlights should be clean and properly aimed. Drivers are advised to have the brakes checked, especially before a longer trip.
It is best to check the car early, not after the first snow. That leaves time to compare prices and pick products without needless last-minute costs.
The boot should hold a first-aid kit, a reflective vest, a warning triangle and a fire extinguisher, as well as winter gear.