Winter tyres
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FirestoneWinterhawk 4
235/45 R19 99VWinterQuality Fits your VANTIQ Index 74/100CHF 152.90per tyre Set of 4: CHF 611.60 Available from external warehouse 5–10 daysQuantity -
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HankookiON i*cept SUV IW01A
255/50 R20 109HWinterPremium Fits your VANTIQ Index not yet ratedCHF 261.90per tyre Set of 4: CHF 1,047.60 Available from external warehouse 5–10 daysQuantity -
DunlopWinter Sport 5
245/40 R19 98VWinterPremium Fits your VANTIQ Index 80/100CHF 193.90per tyre Set of 4: CHF 775.60 Available from external warehouse 5–10 daysQuantity -
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BridgestoneBlizzak LM 005
275/40 R18 103VWinterPremium Fits your VANTIQ Index 77/100CHF 190.90per tyre Set of 4: CHF 763.60 Available from external warehouse 5–10 daysQuantity -
UniroyalWinterExpert
235/50 R18 101VWinterQuality Fits your VANTIQ Index 74/100CHF 154.90per tyre Set of 4: CHF 619.60 Available from external warehouse 5–10 daysQuantity -
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FalkenEurowinter HS02 PRO
245/45 R17 99VWinterQuality Fits your VANTIQ Index 71/100CHF 122.90per tyre Set of 4: CHF 491.60 Available from external warehouse 5–10 daysQuantity -
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TriangleSnowlink PL02
235/60 R19 107HWinterBudget Fits your VANTIQ Index not yet ratedCHF 135.90per tyre Set of 4: CHF 543.60 Available from external warehouse 5–10 daysQuantity -
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HankookW330 Winter i*cept evo3
245/40 R17 95VWinterPremium Fits your VANTIQ Index 79/100CHF 144.90per tyre Set of 4: CHF 579.60 Available from external warehouse 5–10 daysQuantity -
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PirelliScorpion Winter 2 R0
285/40 R22 110VWinterPremium Fits your VANTIQ Index not yet ratedCHF 360.90per tyre Set of 4: CHF 1,443.60 Available from external warehouse 5–10 daysQuantity -
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BFGoodrichG-Force Winter 2
215/50 R17 95HWinterQuality Fits your VANTIQ Index 76/100CHF 138.90per tyre Set of 4: CHF 555.60 Available from external warehouse 5–10 daysQuantity -
GtradialWinterpro 2 Sport
225/50 R17 98VWinterQuality Fits your VANTIQ Index not yet ratedCHF 103.90per tyre Set of 4: CHF 415.60 Available from external warehouse 5–10 daysQuantity -
TriangleEffeXWinter TW421
255/45 R20 105WWinterBudget Fits your VANTIQ Index 62/100CHF 120.90per tyre Set of 4: CHF 483.60 Available from external warehouse 5–10 daysQuantity
Winter Tires
Winter tires are designed for low temperatures, wet conditions, snow, and ice. Their rubber compound remains more flexible in the cold than that of a summer tire. Sipes in the tread create additional gripping edges and improve traction on winter roads.
Winter tires can also offer advantages on cold, wet roads. Therefore, the decisive factor is not just whether there is snow, but under what conditions the vehicle will actually be used.
When should I switch?
The rule of thumb "from October to Easter" provides a simple guideline but does not replace considering the weather and area of use. In mountainous regions, a change may be necessary earlier than in the milder lowlands.
It makes sense to switch before frost, snow, or wintry road conditions occur regularly. Those who wait for the first snowfall often encounter busy workshops and a smaller selection of tires.
Are winter tires mandatory in Switzerland?
In Switzerland, there is no general legal obligation to use winter tires. However, the vehicle must always be roadworthy and controllable according to road conditions.
Anyone who causes an accident or significantly obstructs traffic with unsuitable tires must expect legal and insurance consequences. Regardless of a legal obligation, winter-suitable tires are therefore advisable wherever cold, snow, or ice can be expected.
Tread and Winter Suitability
The legal minimum tread depth for winter tires is also 1.6 millimeters. However, the safety-relevant properties in snow and slush can significantly decrease even before that. ASTRA therefore recommends a tread depth of at least 4 millimeters for winter tires.
The snowflake symbol – also known as 3PMSF – helps identify winter-suitable tires. It indicates that the tire has passed a standardized test under winter conditions.
Winter or All-Season Tires?
All-season tires can be a practical alternative for low mileage and predominant use in the lowlands. For regular drives in mountainous regions, longer winter trips, or high annual mileage, dedicated winter tires usually offer greater safety reserves.
The decision depends not only on your place of residence. Commuting, travel destinations, driving times, and the option to leave the car during heavy snowfall also play a role.
Why Summer Tires Are Not Sufficient in Winter
The rubber compound of a summer tire is designed for warm roads. At low temperatures, it becomes stiffer, which can reduce grip and braking performance. The tread also has fewer sipes and is less able to interlock with the road surface in snow.
Even an all-wheel-drive vehicle does not replace suitable tires. All-wheel drive can make starting easier but does not automatically improve traction when braking or steering.
Finding the Right Size
The tire size is indicated on the tire sidewall, for example, as 205/55 R16 91V. In the Swiss vehicle registration document, the individual permissible tire sizes are usually not fully listed.
For newer vehicles with IVI vehicle data, you can conveniently select your vehicle by make, model, body type, and engine at VANTIQ. Alternatively, enter the type approval number from field 24 of the Swiss vehicle registration document. We will then show you the tire sizes stored for your vehicle.