TCS guide: Why wear winter tires when it’s not snowing?

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I live in the Zurich plains, where it rarely snows. If there is a lot of snow on the road, I can switch to public transportation. Do I still need winter tires for my car?
C. Vincentini, Dietlikon

In some parts of Switzerland this thought may actually occur to you. However: Fitting winter tires is not necessarily related to snowfall. Because as soon as it snows, it’s basically already too late. Changing winter tires becomes necessary primarily from autumn due to rising temperatures and increased wetness.

Winter tires have a different rubber composition; They are softer than summer tires and the tread design is also different. Therefore, they are suitable for driving not only in snow, but also in slippery, wet conditions and generally at low temperatures. On slippery or icy roads, winter tires provide significantly more grip than summer tires and braking distance is significantly reduced.

Worn winter tires are also dangerous

Important: Your winter tires must still have a tread depth of at least four millimeters. Below this it becomes dangerous, because our tests clearly show this. Because if winter rubber needs to transfer lateral forces, for example in aquaplaning or wet grip, worn tires provide only a fraction of their original performance.

There is no obligation to have winter tires in Switzerland. However, anyone who causes or contributes to an accident with “unsuitable tyres” (and this may be summer tires in winter) or even simply blocks and obstructs traffic should expect a reduction in insurance benefits or a refund, depending on the circumstances. Fines may also be imposed for gross negligence.

Source: Blick