The most important thing first
In Switzerland there is no fixed winter tire requirement with a date, but there is certainly a duty to operate a roadworthy vehicle. Once temperatures reliably drop to around 7 degrees in the morning, winter tires belong on the car. Those who wait too long risk reduced liability, longer braking distances, and in the worst case trouble with police or insurance.
Every year the same pattern appears: the first cold morning often comes at the end of October, and suddenly everyone wants to change tires at once. That makes every garage crowded. Therefore it pays off to check the condition and not wait for the first snowfall.
Is there a winter tire obligation in Switzerland?
No, there is no rigid legal winter tire obligation in Switzerland. Unlike Germany, Austria or Italy, no law requires mounting winter tires from a certain date. But that doesn’t mean you may drive in winter with summer tires without consequences.
What the law requires is a roadworthy vehicle and a driving style that always fulfills your due-care obligations. If you drive with snow and ice on unsuitable tires, you may not meet that in doubt. The BFU also notes that fines, license suspension, or reductions by the insurance are possible.
Why we at Emil Frey St. Gallen recommend early switching
In practice we repeatedly see that many plan the change too late and only react at the first cold spell. In cold, a summer tire loses grip measurably, even on dry and wet roads. On snow the braking distance can be up to four times as long as on dry pavement.
As soon as temperatures reliably drop below about 7 degrees in the morning, the winter tire belongs on the car. The well-known rule of thumb is from October to Easter, but temperature is a more precise everyday guide. Switching early is almost always more relaxed than waiting for a sudden winter onset.
How much tread does a winter tire need?
Legally, a tread depth of 1.6 millimeters is required, but that is only an absolute minimum. For winter tires, the TCS recommends at least 4 millimeters, because their effectiveness on snow and wet surfaces drops well below that.
Another point that is often overlooked: today a full winter tire is the Alpine symbol with a snowflake in the mountain pictogram. The old M+S designation alone is not equivalent. When buying tires next time, a careful look at the sidewall is worthwhile.
Are all-season tires a real alternative?
All-season tires are a compromise, and BFU also classifies them as such. They do not achieve the performance of a specialized tire in either summer or winter. If you regularly drive to higher elevations, you should weigh this especially carefully.
In the TCS winter tire test 2025, the models that failed were all the cheapest in the field. This clearly shows that with tires, the lowest price does not yield the best result. Safety pays off here directly.
| Criterion | Winter tires | All-season tires | Minimum value / note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Use in cold | Best choice at reliably below ~7 degrees | Compromise solution | Temperature is the best practical indicator |
| Performance on snow | Designed for winter operation | Much weaker than a specialized tire | Braking distance can be significantly longer |
| Tread depth | At least 4 mm recommended | Also regularly check | Legally 1.6 mm minimum tread depth |
| Labeling | Alpine symbol with snowflake | Check suitability | M+S alone is not equivalent |
What should you check before the wheel change?
- Check remaining tread, plan replacement if below 4 mm.
- Keep all four tires equal, mixed sets behave unpredictably in edge cases.
- Check the tire age via the DOT number, because rubber compounds harden and become more brittle with age.
- Regularly check air pressure, this saves fuel, reduces wear and prevents breakdowns.
Especially when it comes to storage, many don’t realize how practical a tire hotel is until autumn. Emil Frey St. Gallen stores the wheels cleaned and properly, so they are mount-ready for the next change. This saves transport and simplifies planning for the next appointment.
FAQ: Common questions about winter tire obligation in Switzerland
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive in winter in Switzerland with summer tires?
Are all-season tires enough for the winter months?
How do I know if my winter tire is still good enough?
What does a tire hotel actually offer?
Those planning winter tires who look not only at the date but also at temperature, tread and condition are clearly more forward-thinking in Switzerland. That is the more sensible approach to winter tire obligations in Switzerland, even though there is no rigid date by law. At Emil Frey St. Gallen we assist you with advice, tire service and proper storage.
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Emil Frey AG, Zweigniederlassung St. Gallen, St. Gallen