When should you mount winter tires?

4 min read
Rolf Hächler
Rolf Hächler
Executive Management, Häpo Reifencenter AG · Winterthur
Last checked: October 6, 2026

The most important points at a glance

Winter tires are best mounted when temperatures regularly fall below 7 °C or at the latest according to the rule of thumb from O to O, i.e. from October to Easter. In cold weather their rubber compound remains more elastic than that of summer tires, thereby improving grip, lateral stability and braking distance. Häpo Reifencenter in Winterthur carries out the change professionally, flexibly and, if desired, also without an appointment.

In practice, Häpo repeatedly sees the same pattern: those who change too late lose time when the road gets busy. Therefore it is worth planning the wheel change before the first snowfall, not just after.

Why winter tires grip better in cold weather

As soon as temperatures drop, summer rubber reaches its limits. The rubber compound of summer tires hardens in the cold, causing grip, lateral stability and braking distance to suffer significantly, even on dry roads.

thanks to a higher natural rubber content, winter tires stay elastic even at sub-zero temperatures. Together with the special tread grooves, the sipes, they interlock better with snow, mud and icy roads.

When is the right time for the change?

As a proven rule of thumb: from O to O, i.e. October to Easter. At the latest when the thermometer regularly falls below 7 °C, winter tires belong on the car.

Changing in time before the first snowfall saves hustle and dangerous slipping. That is why early planning is often the better solution than waiting for the first winter onset.

How does the service work at Häpo Reifencenter?

  • Genuine specialty store and certified operation with mounting according to manufacturer specifications
  • Flexible change even without an appointment if it suits you better
  • Fast service with an established team and short waiting times
  • Wheel hotel for practical interim storage of summer wheels
  • Optional combination with vehicle care in the adjacent wash park

Häpo Reifencenter AG offers tire service from A to Z for cars, SUVs, vans, motorcycles, trucks as well as excavators and construction machines. In addition to the change, tire repair, mobile tire service, pick-up and delivery service, tire warranty and fleet management are part of the offering.

Vehicle groupService at Häpo Reifencenter
Cars, SUVs and vansTire service including mounting and wheel change
MotorcyclesTire service for two-wheelers
trucks and busesTire service for commercial vehicles
Agricultural vehiclesTire service for field use
Excavators, construction machines and industrial vehiclesTire service for heavy special vehicles
Which vehicle groups are covered by tire service?

What distinguishes Häpo Reifencenter in Winterthur?

For the change, not only the product counts but also the execution. Häpo Reifencenter combines modern workshop technology with professional mounting and is, among other things, Michelin-certified, which underlines the quality standard of the operation.

Added are the KMU Max Award and the waste disposal certificate. For customers this means: the winter tire change is done not only quickly but in a operation that adheres to standards and clean processes.

Frequently asked questions

Can I also have winter tires changed if I don't have an appointment?
Yes, according to the described service a change is also possible without an appointment. You can simply come by and you will be served directly if capacity allows. This is especially practical when the weather shift comes faster than planned.
Does Häpo Reifencenter also offer storage for summer tires?
Yes, there is a wheel hotel. This way you don't have to store the tires yourself and you have them ready at the same place for the next change.
Can I also buy tires there?
No, buying new tires is not among the offered services. The focus is on tire service, mounting, repair, storage and other tire-related services.
For which vehicles is the service suitable?
The tire service covers several vehicle groups, including cars, SUVs, vans, motorcycles, trucks, buses as well as agricultural vehicles and special vehicles such as excavators or construction machines. Thus the offering targets not only private vehicles but also commercial and heavy-duty uses.

Who monts your winter tires early, drives more relaxed into the cold season and avoids unnecessary stress just before the first snowfall. This also applies especially when the tire change is combined with other tasks such as wheel storage or vehicle care.

If you want to have your winter tires professionally mounted, Häpo Reifencenter in Winterthur is a suitable contact point for fast and safe change.

Winterreifen montieren lassen in Winterthur

Häpo Reifencenter AG, Winterthur

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