Tyre fitting or wheel change?

Tyre fitting removes the rubber tyre from the rim and mounts another one using specialist equipment. A wheel change replaces the complete tyre-and-rim assembly.

Choose the season by conditions

Switzerland has no fixed nationwide date requiring winter tyres. The October-to-Easter guideline is useful planning, but route, altitude and actual weather matter. Tyres must remain roadworthy; Swiss law requires at least 1.6 mm tread, while safety guidance recommends more for seasonal performance.

Inspect before fitting

Check each tyre for cuts, bulges, embedded objects, cracking, uneven wear, age and correct specification. Wheels must match the vehicle’s approved dimensions, load, offset, bolt pattern and fastening system.

Why workshop fitting is useful

A workshop can mount and balance tyres, inspect valves and wheels, service compatible pressure-monitoring sensors and use the correct lifting points and torque procedure. Direct and indirect TPMS systems differ; not every wheel change requires specialist recalibration.

If changing complete wheels yourself

Only proceed with suitable ground, lifting equipment, wheel restraint knowledge and the exact vehicle instructions. Secure the vehicle, loosen and tighten fasteners in the specified sequence, use a calibrated torque wrench and set pressures when cold.

Whether fasteners must be rechecked after a set distance depends on manufacturer and workshop instructions; 100 kilometres is not a universal rule. Likewise, tyre rotation must respect directionality, staggered sizes and the vehicle’s approved pattern.

Let condition decide

Uncertain fitment, run-flat systems, damaged wheels, sensor faults or unfamiliar fastening arrangements belong with a qualified workshop. AVP’s in-house service can combine the seasonal change with a condition check and documented handover.