Changing your tires: Get off to a safe start this summer with our tips

Did you not get around to changing your tires in the past few weeks? Then now is the right time. Because when temperatures rise, summer tires are safer and more economical than winter ones. Here are a few tips that you should bear in mind.

Tips for making the tire change appointment

• First, find out on the internet, via social media or by telephone whether your garage is open. The situation may differ from place to place depending on cantonal regulations.
• Make the appointment with your garage ideally by telephone, email or through another digital channel (e.g. Skype, Messenger)
• Ask whether your garage also offers the option of changing tires on a contactless basis. Many garages offer drivers the option of dropping off their car keys directly via a key drop-off box/key safe and picking them up again using a code.
• If you take your car to the garage personally, make sure you maintain the 2-meter distance rule.

Why is it worthwhile changing from winter to summer tires?

1. Winter tires have a longer braking distance than summer ones
   Tests by AXA’s Accident Research show that winter tires have a longer braking distance than summer ones: at 100 km/h, the braking distance with summer tires was 41 meters and with winter ones 51 meters. When the car with summer tires had already stopped, the vehicle with winter tires was still traveling at 42 km/h.
2. Winter tires wear out quicker in the summer due to higher temperatures and the rubber compound.
3. Driving with winter tires uses more fuel.
   According to manufacturer details, a vehicle with winter tires uses more fuel in warmer temperatures due to higher rolling resistance.