Answers

Frequently asked questions about buying tyres

The twelve questions we receive most often — grouped by topic.

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We are available Monday to Friday from 8 am to 6 pm and also reply to emails the same day.

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How do I know what size my car needs?

Size

The size is written on the tyre sidewall, approximately 205/55 R16 91V - the size decoder above shows what each character means.

If you don't want to walk into the garage: The type approval number is listed under number 24 on the vehicle registration document. Enter them in the search above and we will show you the sizes approved for your vehicle.

Can I install a different size than the one approved?

Size

Only sizes approved for your vehicle. There are usually several - often three to five, often across different inch sizes. Anything beyond that requires a report and an entry in the vehicle registration document.

Our search only shows released sizes. What doesn't fit doesn't even appear.

What do load index and speed index mean?

Size

The two characters at the end of the size: At 91V The 91 stands for the load capacity - 615 kg per tyre - and the V for approval up to 240 km/h.

Both values ​​must never be below those approved for your vehicle. Higher is allowed. The only exception: Winter tyres may have a lower speed index if there is a notice in the driver's field of vision.

What does XL on the sidewall mean?

Technology

Extra Load, also called reinforced, is a strengthened version that reaches its load index at a higher tyre pressure. XL does not replace the load index; the number is still shown on the sidewall.

What is a run-flat tyre?

Technology

A tyre with emergency running properties: after pressure loss, reinforced sidewalls support the vehicle for a limited distance. Manufacturers use different markings, including RFT, SSR, ZP, DSST and ROF.

What does the snowflake symbol mean?

Technology

The snowflake within the mountain symbol (3PMSF) indicates a standardised winter-performance test. M+S is different: it is a manufacturer’s marking for which no test is prescribed.

What do MO, AO, N0 or a star on the flank mean?

Technology

These are manufacturer approvals - a sign that a vehicle manufacturer has approved this tyre for its models. MO stands for Mercedes-Benz, AO for Audi, N0 for Porsche, the star for BMW. You can find a complete overview of 49 vehicle manufacturers on the manufacturer approvals page.

Do I absolutely need a tyre with manufacturer approval?

Technology

No. A tyre without a marking can be used as long as the size, load and speed index are correct. What is approved for your vehicle is binding.

For leasing, guarantee and warranty questions, the vehicle manufacturer can still request the marked version. If in doubt, ask us or your garage.

What does “self-sealing” mean?

Technology

A layer of sealant on the inside seals small punctures, usually without any noticeable drop in pressure. Depending on the manufacturer, this is called Seal, ContiSeal or SelfSeal.

What is the VANTIQ Index?

Advice

An overall score from 0 to 100. It is based on three sources: publicly documented independent comparison tests, official EU tyre-label data and editorial calibration for tyres designed for particular uses. Each tyre’s score is accompanied by an explanation.

It is an editorial assessment, not our own measurement — we do not operate a test track. Price, our margin, availability, supplier and brand prestige do not affect the score.

Do I need winter tyres in Switzerland?

Advice

There is no requirement to have winter tyres. However, anyone who obstructs traffic with unsuitable tyres is liable - and the insurance can reduce the amount.

It's not the snow that's important, but the temperature: below around 7°C, the winter mixture has an advantage, and above that the summer mixture has an advantage.

Summer, winter or all year round – what suits me?

Advice

Two sets are more expensive to purchase, but together they last longer than one set of all-season tyres - each set only lasts for six months.

A few kilometers, Mittelland, rarely into the mountainsAll year round
Regular passes, foothills of the Alps or winter sportsTwo sentences
Many kilometers, mostly highwayTwo sentences

What does not affect the VANTIQ index?

Advice

Price, our margin, availability, supplier and brand prestige. The index is not a sell recommendation.

The fact that it is not simply the price in a different notation can be calculated: The three price classes overlap significantly - the best budget tyre in the range is above the weakest premium tyre.

What do premium, quality and budget mean?

Advice

A classification of the brand, not the individual tyre. It says something about the price range and the development effort of the manufacturer - not about whether a particular tyre is good. That's what the VANTIQ index is for.

How big is your selection?

Advice

Over 27,000 tyres from more than 70 brands in over 300 sizes. Enter your size, your vehicle or the type approval number - then you will only see what matches your selection.

What currency are the prices in?

Ordering

All prices are in Swiss francs including VAT. VANTIQ is a company registered in Switzerland.

Can I also buy a single tyre?

Ordering

Yes. Shipping is free for two or more tyres; A single tyre costs CHF 19.90.

Should I buy two or four tyres?

Ordering

Tyres are changed axle by axle - so at least two of the same type on one axle. Four at once is the norm when the season changes; In the event of a defect, two are often enough if the others still have enough profile.

How much does shipping to Switzerland cost?

Delivery

We deliver free of charge throughout Switzerland for two or more tyres. Shipping costs CHF 19.90 for a single tyre; This flat rate does not apply for fitting in 8304 Wallisellen.

OrderShipping throughout Switzerland
1 tyreCHF 19.90
2 tyresfree
4 tyres (set)free

How long does delivery take?

Delivery

For each tyre you will see an estimated delivery time in days. It depends on availability and storage location and may vary in individual cases.

Depending on the order, we deliver the tyres ourselves or via a shipping service provider. Therefore, a tracking number is not available for every delivery.

Can I have the tyres fitted?

Delivery

Yes, in 8304 Wallisellen. For the tyre, select “Delivery with fitting”; After placing your order, we will arrange an appointment with you. The tyres will already be ready when you drive up.

What does “available from external warehouse” mean?

Delivery

The tyre can be ordered, but is not in the nearest warehouse. Delivery will then take 5 to 10 days instead of 2 to 4 days. It doesn't mean the tyre is sold out — a displayed quantity of zero just means that we don't have it in stock.

Is there a general right of return?

Returns

No. In Switzerland, there is generally no general right of withdrawal or return for online purchases, and VANTIQ does not offer a voluntary general return period.

If there is an incorrect delivery or an actual defect, please contact us immediately. Your legal and contractual rights remain intact. A return as a gesture of goodwill is only possible after our express confirmation.

Where do you assemble?

Fitting

In the Zurich region, in 8304 Wallisellen. For the tyre, select “Delivery with fitting”; After ordering, we will arrange an appointment with you and prepare the tyres for installation. Delivery is free from two tyres onwards; For individual tyres, there is no shipping fee of CHF 19.90 when assembled in Wallisellen.

Are the tyres brand new?

Quality

Yes. We do not carry used or retreaded tyres - every tyre comes from the warehouse unmounted and unused.

We cannot guarantee a specific production date in advance; Which tyre is picked is decided during packing. How you read the age yourself is explained in the question about the DOT number.

How can I tell the age of a tyre?

Quality

Check the DOT code on the sidewall. The last four digits show the date: in DOT U2LL LMLR 2625, 26 is the calendar week and 25 is the year 2025. This tyre was therefore made at the end of June 2025.

The code has used four digits since 2000. If it only has three digits, the tyre is more than 25 years old and should no longer be fitted to a vehicle.

How do I store the second set correctly?

Quality

Cool, dry and dark. Tyres without rims stand upright and are rotated a little every few weeks; Complete wheels are stacked or hanging.

Wash before storing and note the tread depth - in the spring no one else knows which set was in front.

Who is behind VANTIQ?

About VANTIQ

VANTIQ is a company registered in Switzerland and delivers throughout Switzerland.

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