Approved wheels and tyres in Switzerland

Check whether your wheels and tyres are authorised for your vehicle

Why approval matters

In Switzerland, the wheels and tyres fitted to your vehicle must be approved and compliant with the type approval specifications.

The Ordinance on Technical Requirements for Road Vehicles (OETV, Art. 58) defines the requirements for wheels and tyres. Non-compliance with these standards can result in:

Failure at vehicle inspection (MFK)

Non-compliant dimensions or condition

Fine or licence suspension

CHF 100/tyre, from 2 tyres: criminal prosecution and possible suspension (min. 1 month)

Reduced insurance coverage

Unsuitable tyres = serious fault in case of accident

Withdrawal of vehicle registration

Unauthorised vehicle modification

Did you know?

Your vehicle's type approval sheet contains the complete list of authorised wheel and tyre dimensions. Check it on SwissCarInfo before buying non-original wheels or tyres.

Where to find approved dimensions

Type approval sheet

The official FEDRO document contains all authorised wheel and tyre dimensions for your model.

Search my sheet

Vehicle registration

References the type approval (field 24) which links to the approval sheet containing the dimensions.

ABE/TUV certificate

For aftermarket wheels, the manufacturer's certificate indicates compatible vehicles.

Understanding tyre dimensions

225/45 R17 91W
225
Width (mm)

Tyre width in millimetres

45
Aspect ratio (%)

Height-to-width ratio in %

R17
Rim diameter

R = Radial, 17 = diameter in inches

91
Load index

91 = 615 kg max per tyre

W
Speed rating

W = up to 270 km/h

XL
Reinforced

Extra Load = increased capacity

Important: The load index and speed rating must be equal to or higher than the original values listed on the type approval sheet. A lower rating is not permitted.

Speed ratings

The speed rating indicates the maximum speed the tyre can sustain continuously. It must be at least equal to that specified by the type approval sheet.

Code km/h Code km/h Code km/h
Q160T190W270
R170U200Y300
S180H210(Y)>300
V240

Winter tyre exception

In Switzerland, winter tyres may have a speed rating lower than prescribed, provided a sticker indicating the maximum speed is placed within the driver's field of vision (e.g. "T = 190 km/h" sticker).

Load indices

The load index indicates the maximum load each tyre can support. It must never be lower than the original value.

Index kg Index kg Index kg
753878754599775
7741289580100800
7943791615102850
8146293650104900
8348795690106950
85515977301081000

Understanding wheel dimensions

7.5J x 17 ET45
7.5J
Width (inches)

J = flange profile

17
Diameter (inches)

Must match the tyre

ET45
Offset (mm)

Hub-to-rim centre distance

PCD
Bolt pattern

E.g. 5x112 (5 bolts, Ø112mm)

Critical wheel parameters

  • Bolt pattern (PCD): Must be identical to original
  • Centre bore: Must match the hub (spigot rings possible)
  • Offset (ET): Tolerance generally ±5mm
  • Diameter / Width: According to type approval sheet
  • Load capacity: Must support the vehicle weight
  • ECE marking: Mandatory for approval

Certificates and aftermarket approval

To fit wheels or tyres not originally specified for your vehicle, you need a certificate of conformity:

Certificates accepted in Switzerland

ABEAllgemeine Betriebserlaubnis (Germany)
TUVTUV-Gutachten / Teilegutachten
KBAKraftfahrt-Bundesamt (KBA number)
ECE/UNEuropean approval (E marking)

Procedure in Switzerland

  1. Check compatibility on the type approval sheet or via an ABE/TUV certificate
  2. If the dimensions are on the sheet: direct fitment authorised
  3. Otherwise: present the certificate to the cantonal road traffic authority
  4. Possible registration on the vehicle registration document

Keep your documents

Always keep the original or certified copy of the ABE/TUV certificate in the vehicle. During a police check, you must be able to prove the compliance of your wheels/tyres.

Winter tyres in Switzerland

Unlike Germany or Austria, Switzerland does not legally mandate winter tyres. However, articles 29 and 31 of the Road Traffic Act (SVG) require the vehicle to be in a condition fit for safe driving.

Consequences without winter tyres

  • In case of an accident on snowy/icy roads, your insurance may reduce its coverage
  • Shared liability possible even if you are not at fault
  • Fine for obstructing traffic if you block the road
  • Some mountain passes and roads may require winter equipment

Recommendations

  • Rule of thumb: "O" to "O" (October to Easter / Oktober bis Ostern)
  • Recommended minimum tread: 4 mm (legal: 1.6 mm)
  • Prefer the 3PMSF (Alpine snowflake) symbol over the simple M+S marking
  • The type approval sheet often lists specific winter dimensions

M+S vs 3PMSF: what's the difference?

M+S (Mud and Snow)

Unregulated marking, self-declared by the manufacturer. Does not guarantee tested winter performance. Common on all-season tyres.

3PMSF (Alpine snowflake)

Tyre tested and certified according to UNECE R117 regulation. Snow performance verified in laboratory. The only true guarantee of winter quality.

Studded tyres

Permitted from 1 November to 30 April. Speed limited to 80 km/h (mandatory sticker). Prohibited on motorways and semi-motorways. Required on all 4 wheels. Prohibited on vehicles over 3.5 tonnes.

DOT code and tyre age

The DOT code (Department of Transportation) is embossed on the sidewall of every tyre and indicates its manufacturing date.

DOT code example:

DOT XXXX XXXX 2523

25 = week 25 · 23 = year 2023

Recommended lifespan

  • Maximum use: 10 years from manufacture
  • Replacement recommended after 6 to 8 years
  • Regularly check for wear and cracking
  • Ageing affects the tyre even if unused

Tread depth

  • Legal minimum: 1.6 mm (OETV Art. 58)
  • Recommended summer: 3 mm
  • Recommended winter: 4 mm
  • Tread wear indicators (TWI) show the legal limit

European tyre labelling

Since May 2021 (EU Regulation 2020/740), the European tyre label is mandatory on all new tyres sold in Switzerland. It rates three criteria:

Fuel consumption

Classes A (best) to E. Related to rolling resistance.

Wet grip

Classes A (best) to E. Braking distance on wet road.

Rolling noise

Expressed in decibels (dB). Class A, B, or C.

The label may also mention snow grip (snowflake symbol) and ice grip (iceberg symbol) since 2021.

Tyre pressure and TPMS

Correct pressure

The recommended pressure is found on a sticker on the driver's door pillar or in the vehicle manual. Incorrect pressure causes:

  • Under-inflation: accelerated edge wear, increased consumption, blowout risk
  • Over-inflation: centre wear, reduced grip, less comfort
  • Check pressure when cold, at least once a month

TPMS (pressure sensors)

The TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) has been mandatory since November 2014 on all new vehicles (UNECE R64 regulation). Two types:

  • Direct: sensor in each wheel (more accurate, recalibration needed when changing wheels)
  • Indirect: uses ABS sensors (less accurate, reset after change)

Wheel changes and TPMS

When switching between summer/winter tyres, remember to recalibrate or reset the TPMS. If your vehicle has direct TPMS, winter wheels must be fitted with compatible sensors.

Run-flat tyres

Run-flat tyres allow continued driving after a puncture, typically for 80 km at max. 80 km/h. Each manufacturer uses its own marking:

Marking Manufacturer
RSC / ROFRun-flat standard (Bridgestone, Goodyear, Dunlop)
SSRContinental
ZPMichelin (Zero Pressure)
RFTPirelli (Run Flat Technology)
MOEMercedes Original Extended (run-flat)
AOEAudi Original Extended (run-flat)
★BMW (star marking = BMW approved)

A vehicle originally equipped with run-flat tyres does not have a spare wheel. If you switch to standard tyres, check the availability of a spare wheel or repair kit.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, if these dimensions are listed on the type approval sheet of your vehicle or if you have a valid ABE/TUV certificate for that wheel/tyre combination on your model. Check your technical data sheet on SwissCarInfo.

No, if the dimensions are already listed on the type approval sheet. Yes, if you use dimensions not originally specified but covered by an ABE/TUV certificate. In that case, contact your cantonal road traffic authority.

Yes, ABE and TUV-Gutachten certificates from Germany are generally accepted in Switzerland. Always keep the original or a certified copy in the vehicle for inspections. In case of doubt, consult your cantonal authority.

The inspector checks: dimensions compliant with the type approval sheet or certificate, tyre condition (min. 1.6 mm depth, even wear, no damage), load and speed indices compliant, wheel condition (cracks, deformation, corrosion), and manufacturing date (DOT code).

Yes, if these dimensions are specified on your type approval sheet. Many vehicles allow smaller wheels with higher-profile tyres for winter (e.g. 16" instead of 17"). The speed rating may be lower provided a sticker visible to the driver is applied.

No, there is no legal obligation for winter tyres in Switzerland. However, articles 29 and 31 of the Road Traffic Act require a vehicle fit for safe driving. In case of an accident on winter roads with summer tyres, your insurance may reduce coverage and you may be held jointly liable.

The M+S (Mud and Snow) marking is a self-declaration by the manufacturer without standardised testing. The 3PMSF (Three Peak Mountain Snow Flake) symbol, recognisable as a snowflake within a mountain, guarantees that the tyre has been tested and certified according to UNECE R117 regulation for verified winter performance.

The last 4 digits of the DOT code on the sidewall indicate the manufacturing date. The first 2 = week, the last 2 = year. Example: 2523 = week 25 of 2023 (June 2023). It is recommended not to use tyres older than 10 years.

XL (Extra Load) or Reinforced indicates a reinforced tyre with a higher load capacity than a standard tyre of the same size. These tyres require higher inflation pressure. If your type approval sheet specifies an XL tyre, you cannot fit a standard tyre of the same size.

Our database is synchronised daily with official FEDRO (ASTRA) data. We reference more than 732'443 vehicles and their complete type approval sheets. Last update: 13.03.2026.

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Find the approved wheels and tyres for your vehicle.

SwissCarInfo database

  • Vehicles 732'443
  • PDF sheets 43'920
  • Brands 1'996
  • Updated 13.03.2026

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