Tyres are the only parts of the vehicle in direct contact with the road. Their condition affects grip, braking, stability and water dispersal. Yet they are often checked only when a puncture or loss of pressure occurs.
The question “when should you change your tyres?” does not depend on mileage alone. Tread depth, sidewall condition, age, wear, seasonal conditions and the vehicle's behaviour must all be considered together.
How can you tell whether your tyres need replacing?
A regular visual inspection can reveal several important signs:
- low tread depth or tread close to the wear indicators;
- wear that is clearly more pronounced on one edge or in the centre;
- cracks, cuts, crazing or objects embedded in the rubber;
- a bulge, blister or deformation on the sidewall;
- recently developed vibrations or a loss of stability;
- repeated pressure loss with no identified cause;
- aged rubber or a tyre left stationary for a long period.
Check all four tyres, including their inner faces when visible. Wear may differ between the front and rear or between the two sides of the vehicle.
What is the minimum tyre tread depth in Switzerland?
In Switzerland, the minimum legal tread depth is 1.6 mm for both summer and winter tyres. This figure is a legal limit, not necessarily the ideal threshold for maintaining good performance.
The Federal Roads Office recommends a depth of at least 3 mm for summer tyres and 4 mm for winter tyres, because grip on wet, snowy or slushy roads may decrease well before 1.6 mm. You can consult the official FEDRO recommendations.
The measurement should be taken with a suitable tool at several points across the tread. Wear indicators moulded into the grooves provide a guide, but an accurate measurement is still preferable.
When should you switch to winter tyres in Geneva?
Switzerland does not require winter tyres to be fitted on a fixed date. However, drivers must always remain in control of their vehicle and use equipment suitable for the road conditions. If unsuitable equipment causes an accident or obstructs traffic, the consequences can be significant.
The period from October to Easter is a practical guideline, but it does not replace checking the weather and considering your planned journeys. It is better to prepare for the first winter conditions, especially if you drive early in the morning, at altitude or outside the canton. The official Swiss information on winter tyres confirms that you should not wait for the first snowfall.
When should summer tyres be refitted?
Summer tyres should be refitted once winter conditions have ended for the season and temperatures have risen. Summer tyres are designed for warmer conditions, while winter tyres used in hot weather may wear more quickly and provide less precise handling.
What about all-season tyres?
All-season tyres are a compromise. Whether they are suitable depends on your journeys, mileage, type of vehicle and the conditions actually encountered. A driver who regularly travels in the mountains does not have the same needs as a vehicle used mainly in the city.
Should old tyres with little tread wear be replaced?
Yes, this may be necessary. Rubber changes over time even when the vehicle is driven very little. Heat, sunlight, cold, humidity, storage and long periods of inactivity all affect ageing.
The manufacturing date shown on the sidewall helps determine the tyre's age, but age alone should not be treated as a verdict. Its actual condition, conditions of use and the manufacturer's recommendations must also be considered.
Cracks, hardened rubber, deformation or unusual behaviour justify a professional inspection, even if the tread depth still appears acceptable.
Why do tyres wear unevenly?
Abnormal wear may be related to several factors:
- pressure that is too low or too high;
- incorrect wheel alignment;
- incorrect balancing or a damaged wheel;
- a suspension or shock-absorber problem, or mechanical play;
- a heavy or poorly distributed load;
- frequent hard braking, acceleration or cornering.
Replacing the tyre without investigating the cause may result in rapid wear of the new tyre. The wear pattern often provides an initial direction, but checks are necessary before concluding that a component is defective.
Measure the tread
The depth is checked at several points and compared across the tyres.
Inspect the rubber and sidewalls
Cracks, cuts, embedded objects, bulges, deformation and signs of wear are checked.
Check the wear pattern
A difference between the inner edge, outer edge or centre may indicate another problem.
Choose the right solution
Repair, replacement, wheel alignment or a mechanical inspection is proposed according to the findings.
Does a puncture mean the tyre must be replaced?
Not necessarily. Whether a repair is possible depends on the location, extent and nature of the damage, the tyre's overall condition and the applicable recommendations.
Sidewall damage, deformation, prolonged driving with insufficient pressure or significant structural damage may require replacement. A reliable decision often requires the tyre to be removed and inspected by a professional.
A temporary external repair does not always reveal internal damage. It should therefore not automatically be considered a permanent repair.
Should you replace two or four tyres at the same time?
This depends on the vehicle, type of drivetrain, difference in wear and the manufacturer's recommendations. On some all-wheel-drive vehicles, a significant difference in circumference may disrupt or place additional load on the drivetrain.
When only two tyres are replaced, their position on the vehicle must be decided according to the vehicle's characteristics and the tyre manufacturer's recommendations. Tyres fitted on the same axle must remain compatible in size, construction, category and condition.
It is therefore better to avoid applying a general rule and have the situation checked before ordering.
Change your wheels or tyres without losing half a day
For many motorists, the work itself is not the only difficulty. You need to make an appointment, transport the wheels, drop off the car, wait and then return to collect it.
When conditions allow, Depamec can replace complete wheel-and-tyre assemblies at your home or workplace.
When the tyres need to be removed from the rims, fitted and balanced using workshop machinery, Depamec can arrange an automotive concierge service with a partner. This distinction makes it possible to offer a realistic solution without promising an on-site service that requires fixed equipment.
To prepare your request, send the vehicle registration document, specify whether you have complete wheels or tyres only, indicate where they are stored and send photos of the wear or damage observed.
Frequently asked questions about tyres
What is the minimum legal tyre tread depth in Switzerland?
The minimum legal tread depth is 1.6 mm for both summer and winter tyres. However, FEDRO recommends at least 3 mm for summer tyres and 4 mm for winter tyres.
Are winter tyres compulsory in Switzerland?
No, there is no general requirement to fit winter tyres on a fixed date. However, drivers must always remain in control of their vehicle and use equipment suitable for the conditions.
When should winter tyres be fitted in Geneva?
It is better to prepare for winter conditions rather than wait for the first snowfall. The period from October to Easter is a practical guideline that should be adapted to the weather and planned journeys.
Is age alone enough to decide whether to replace a tyre?
Age must be considered alongside the tyre's actual condition, storage, use and the manufacturer's recommendations. Cracks, deformation or deteriorated rubber justify a professional inspection.
Can a punctured tyre be repaired?
It depends on the location and extent of the damage, the tyre's condition and the applicable recommendations. The tyre must be examined by a professional before any decision is made.
Can Depamec change tyres at your location?
When conditions allow, Depamec can replace complete wheel-and-tyre assemblies on site. If the tyres need to be fitted and balanced in a workshop, Depamec can arrange an automotive concierge service for the vehicle.