Changing Tyres in Switzerland: When, How and Which Tyres?

Tyres: the only contact between car and road

Four patches the size of the palm of your hand: that is all the contact your car has with the road. The right tyres are therefore crucial for safety, driving comfort and fuel consumption. Even so, many drivers neglect the subject of tyres. In this guide, you will find out everything you need to know about tyres as a driver in Switzerland.

Winter tyres vs. summer tyres: the differences

Summer tyres

Summer tyres are optimised for temperatures above 7°C. Their rubber compound is harder and keeps its shape in warm conditions, which ensures short braking distances and precise handling.

Characteristics:

• Harder rubber compound
• Wide tread grooves to drain water (aquaplaning protection)
• Optimal grip on warm tarmac
• Less wear at high temperatures
• Lower rolling resistance = lower fuel consumption

Winter tyres

Winter tyres are designed for temperatures below 7°C, not just for snow. The softer rubber compound stays flexible even in the cold and grips better.

Characteristics:

• Softer rubber compound with a higher silica content
• Sipes (fine cuts in the tread) for grip on snow and ice
• Wider and deeper tread grooves
• Alpine symbol (3PMSF) as a mark of quality
• Significantly shorter braking distances in cold, wet and snowy conditions

The difference in figures

During an emergency stop on a wet road at 5°C:

• Winter tyres: braking distance approx. 35 metres (from 80 km/h)
• Summer tyres: braking distance approx. 43 metres (from 80 km/h)

That is a difference of 8 metres, which can decide between an accident and a safe stop.

When to change tyres?

The rule of thumb: October to Easter

The best-known German mnemonic is "von O bis O": winter tyres from October to Easter (Ostern). More precisely:

• Fit winter tyres: early to mid-October, as soon as temperatures regularly drop below 7°C
• Fit summer tyres: after Easter, usually mid to late April

Swiss specifics

Unlike Germany or Austria, Switzerland has no legal obligation to use winter tyres. However:

• If you have an accident with summer tyres on wintry roads, you may be found partly to blame
• Your insurance may reduce its benefits
• In some mountain cantons, snow chains are mandatory where signposted
• Minimum tread depth: 1.6 mm by law; for winter tyres, experts recommend at least 4 mm

Take altitude into account

Switzerland stretches from 200 to over 4'000 metres above sea level. What still feels like spring in the Swiss Plateau (Mittelland) can be wintry in the mountains. Adapt your tyre change to the routes you typically drive. If you regularly drive over mountain passes, you should keep your winter tyres on for longer.

All-season tyres: an alternative?

All-season tyres promise to make the seasonal change unnecessary. But are they a good choice in Switzerland?

Advantages

• No need to change tyres twice a year (saves CHF 60–100 per change)
• No second set of tyres needed (saves purchase and storage costs)
• Good all-round characteristics in a mild climate

Disadvantages

• A compromise: Neither as good in summer nor in winter as specialised tyres
• Longer braking distances in extreme conditions (heat or black ice)
• Faster wear than specialised tyres
• Inadequate for mountain driving and harsh winters

Our verdict

All-season tyres are suitable for vehicles with a low annual mileage (under 10'000 km/year) that are mainly driven in the Swiss Plateau. For frequent drivers and anyone who regularly travels in mountain regions, the seasonal change remains the safer choice.

Storing tyres correctly

If you use seasonal tyres, you need a good storage solution. Incorrect storage can damage tyres and shorten their life.

Tyres on rims (complete wheels)

• Stack them lying flat or hang them on the wall
• Increase the tyre pressure by 0.5 bar above normal
• Check the tyres for damage before storing them
• Measure and note down the tread depth

Tyres without rims

• Store them upright and turn them every few weeks
• Do not stack them on top of each other (this deforms the tyres)
• Store in a dry, cool place, protected from sunlight

Professional storage

Many garages and tyre dealers offer professional tyre storage. The cost is CHF 30–60 per season. The vehicle is checked for wear at the same time, which makes it a convenient solution.

Tyre size and type: what do I need to bear in mind?

The right size

The permitted tyre size is listed in the vehicle registration document (Fahrzeugausweis, fields 31–33). Do not deviate from it: incorrect tyre sizes count as a defect at the MFK (Swiss vehicle inspection) and can compromise safety.

Reading the tyre designation

A typical designation such as 205/55 R16 91V means:

• 205: tyre width in mm
• 55: ratio of height to width in %
• R: radial tyre
• 16: rim diameter in inches
• 91: load index (615 kg per tyre)
• V: speed rating (up to 240 km/h)

Check the age of your tyres

Tyres age even when they are not used. The DOT number on the sidewall reveals the date of manufacture. Example: DOT 2024 = manufactured in calendar week 20 of 2024.

Recommendation: tyres older than 6 years should be replaced, even if the tread is still sufficient. The rubber compound hardens over time and loses grip.

Costs: how much does a set of tyres cost?

Costs vary greatly depending on the vehicle class and tyre brand:

Category	Summer tyres (set of 4)	Winter tyres (set of 4)
Small car (185/65 R15)	CHF 250–400	CHF 300–500
Mid-size (205/55 R16)	CHF 350–600	CHF 400–700
SUV (235/55 R18)	CHF 500–900	CHF 600–1'000
Premium (245/40 R19)	CHF 700–1'200	CHF 800–1'400

On top of that come fitting costs of CHF 60–100 per change (including balancing).

Tyre care: extending their life

Check tyre pressure regularly

The right tyre pressure is crucial for safety, wear and consumption. Check the pressure at least once a month and before longer journeys. You will find the recommended pressure on the sticker in the door frame or in the owner's manual.

• Too little pressure: More wear on the edges, higher consumption, poorer handling
• Too much pressure: More wear in the middle, harsher ride, less grip

Check tread depth

Measure the tread depth regularly with a tread depth gauge (available from CHF 5 in specialist shops). New tyres have approx. 8 mm of tread. Replace:

• Summer tyres at 3 mm remaining tread
• Winter tyres at 4 mm remaining tread

Rotate your tyres regularly

To promote even wear, you can swap the tyres from front to back every 10'000–15'000 km (on vehicles with the same tyre size front and rear).

Frequently asked questions

Can I fit different tyres? In principle, all four tyres should be of the same type and from the same manufacturer. Different tyres on one axle are dangerous and not permitted in Switzerland. You will find more answers to common car questions in our FAQ.

Do I need snow chains in Switzerland? Snow chains are not generally mandatory, but they are compulsory where signposted (blue sign with a chain symbol). On certain mountain pass roads they are essential.

Are complete winter wheels worth it? Yes, in the long run. Complete wheels (tyres on their own rims) save fitting costs when changing and protect the rims. The investment pays for itself after 2–3 seasons.

Conclusion

In Switzerland, the right tyres for the right season are not an option, but a necessity. Invest in good branded tyres, change them in good time and look after them: it pays off in safety, driving comfort and tyre life.

Are you looking for a new car and want to know whether winter tyres are included? At Car Trade24, we provide transparent information on the tyres and accessories of every vehicle. Contact us for advice, or book a test drive, for example with the VW Golf or the Seat Arona.