Twice a year it's time to change tyres in Switzerland. The rule of thumb is "O to O" – winter tyres from October to Easter ("Ostern" in German). The change is the perfect moment to clean wheels and tyres thoroughly before they spend half a year in the cellar or a tyre hotel.
Why wheels should be stored clean
Otherwise baked-on brake dust and road salt stay on the rims for months. On clean tyres you can also spot damage, cracks or foreign objects much more easily.
Step by step: cleaning the wheels
- Clean the wheels off the car – that way you can also reach the inside of the rim, where most brake dust collects. Ideally in a self-service wash bay, as brake dust and salt end up in the waste water.
- Pre-rinse to remove loose dirt and salt.
- Clean the rim with shampoo and a dedicated brush or mitt – never with the tools you use on the paint.
- Scrub the tyres and rinse thoroughly.
- Dry completely, e.g. with a separate microfibre cloth.
- Dress the sidewall with 7WASH Tire Dressing – apply thinly, never on the tread.
Checks before storage
- Tread depth: The legal minimum in Switzerland is 1.6 mm. For winter tyres, experts recommend considerably more – ask your garage for advice.
- Age: The date of manufacture is shown as the DOT number on the sidewall.
- Damage: Bulges, cracks or embedded stones? Have them checked by a specialist workshop before the next use.
- Mark the position (e.g. FL, FR, RL, RR) so it's clear at the next change where each wheel was.
Storing correctly
- Cool, dry and dark, away from direct sunlight.
- Wheels stacked lying flat or on a wheel tree.
- Away from solvents, oil and heaters.
And the car itself?
With the wheels off, you can easily reach the wheel arches and the area around the brake callipers. In spring, the tyre change is also a good occasion for the big spring wash after the salt season.
Frequently asked questions
What does "O to O" mean?
A common rule of thumb in German-speaking countries: from October ("Oktober") to Easter ("Ostern") you drive on winter tyres. In the end, road conditions are what matter.
Are winter tyres mandatory in Switzerland?
There is no general obligation. However, the vehicle must be equipped for the conditions; if you drive on summer tyres in snow and cause an accident, you risk consequences.
Can I apply tyre shine to the tread?
No. Tyre dressing belongs on the sidewall only – on the tread it would make the tyre slippery.