Winter tyres
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TristarSNOWPOWER2
195/45 R16 84HWinterBudget Fits your VANTIQ Index 69/100CHF 276.90per tyre Set of 4: CHF 1,107.60 Available from external warehouse 5–10 daysQuantity -
PirelliW Sottozero 3 Run Flat
225/45 R19 96VWinterPremium Fits your VANTIQ Index 71/100CHF 254.90per tyre Set of 4: CHF 1,019.60 Available from external warehouse 5–10 daysQuantity -
HankookW330 Winter i*cept evo3 X
285/45 R20 112VWinterPremium Fits your VANTIQ Index 79/100CHF 243.90per tyre Set of 4: CHF 975.60 Available from external warehouse 5–10 daysQuantity -
PirelliCinturato Winter 2
215/50 R17 95VWinterPremium Fits your VANTIQ Index 80/100CHF 151.90per tyre Set of 4: CHF 607.60 Available from external warehouse 5–10 daysQuantity -
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ContinentalWinterContact TS 860 S NE0
255/45 R21 106VWinterPremium Fits your VANTIQ Index 82/100CHF 296.90per tyre Set of 4: CHF 1,187.60 Available from external warehouse 2–4 daysQuantity -
FirestoneWinterhawk 4
235/45 R18 98VWinterQuality Fits your VANTIQ Index 74/100CHF 119.90per tyre Set of 4: CHF 479.60 Available from stock 2–4 days In stock: 58 unitsQuantity -
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TristarSNOWPOWER UHP
235/55 R18 104VWinterBudget Fits your VANTIQ Index 53/100CHF 117.90per tyre Set of 4: CHF 471.60 Available from external warehouse 5–10 daysQuantity -
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MichelinPilot Alpin PA4
295/30 R21 102WWinterPremium Fits your VANTIQ Index 72/100CHF 323.90per tyre Set of 4: CHF 1,295.60 Available from stock 2–4 days In stock: 246 unitsQuantity -
BridgestoneBlizzak 6 Enliten
205/55 R18 96VWinterPremium Fits your VANTIQ Index 87/100CHF 157.90per tyre Set of 4: CHF 631.60 Available from external warehouse 5–10 daysQuantity -
PirelliW Sottozero 3 MGT
235/50 R18 101VWinterPremium Fits your VANTIQ Index not yet ratedCHF 209.90per tyre Set of 4: CHF 839.60 Available from external warehouse 5–10 daysQuantity -
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NexenWinguard Sport 2 SUV
255/45 R20 105VWinterQuality Fits your VANTIQ Index 73/100CHF 179.90per tyre Set of 4: CHF 719.60 Available from external warehouse 5–10 daysQuantity -
PetlasW671 SUV Explero
225/55 R18 102HWinterBudget Fits your VANTIQ Index 50/100CHF 138.90per tyre Set of 4: CHF 555.60 Available from external warehouse 5–10 daysQuantity -
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ContinentalWinterContact TS 860 CS
205/55 R16 94VWinterPremium Fits your VANTIQ Index not yet ratedCHF 197.90per tyre Set of 4: CHF 791.60 Available from external warehouse 5–10 daysQuantity -
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OptimoOW31 Winter GT
245/45 R18 100VWinterQuality Fits your VANTIQ Index not yet ratedCHF 108.90per tyre Set of 4: CHF 435.60 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.