The best way to ensure that your vehicle does not lose control in snow is to have it fitted with winter tyres. But do the all-weather models that have become more popular in Switzerland in the past few years ensure safety on icy roads as well?
First things first: Contrary to many other countries, winter tyres are not mandatory in Switzerland.
In fact, they are not even mentioned in Swiss law.
The Swiss Road Traffic Act (Art. 29) only stipulates that all drivers on Swiss roads have a responsibility to ensure that their vehicles are “fit for the actual conditions.”
This means that tyres should be weather-appropriate for driving safely across a range of temperatures and weather conditions.
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What are the main differences between winter and all-weather tyres?
To understand that, let’s look at summer tyres first.
They are made with a stiffer rubber compound that stays firm in hot weather and feature a shallower tread depth.
Winter ones, on the other hand are – logically – a total opposite: they ave a deeper tread and are made from a softer rubber compound than summer tires, ensuring a better grip on ice and snow.
This technical tutorial is helpful in understating where the all-weather tyres fit in: according to AXA vehicle insurance, they are a “compromise product which, in terms of properties, ranks between winter and summer tyres.”
“The all-season tyre attempts to combine the advantages of summer and winter ones,” AXA explains. “It’s harder than a winter tyre, which reduces abrasion during the warm season. However, it’s also softer than a summer tyre, which is why it provides better grip during cold periods.”
The clear advantage of all-weather tyres is that you can use them all year round, saving the cost of switching them seasonally.
But can you safely use all-weather tyres in the winter?
It depends.
“All-season tyres are suitable for drivers who cover only a limited number of kilometres and primarily travel in urban areas where snow is rare,” said Marco Wölfli, spokesperson for the TCS motoring organisation.
He advises motorists who opt for these kinds of tyres to purchase only the ones featuring a snowflake logo, “indicating that they are approved for winter use.”
However, you should definitely outfit your car with winter tyres if you drive to (or in) the mountains, or live at snow-line altitudes.
All-weather tyres will not be safe In slippery, winter conditions (and summer tyres, even less so)
There are also insurance obligations to consider, as drivers without winter tyres may be deemed to be negligent in case of an accident.
The driver may be found liable if the car is not properly equipped for the road conditions. In such cases, the insurance company may not cover the full cost of the damage or may even take action against the insured person for negligence.
READ MORE: When should you change to winter tyres in Switzerland?
