Ask the expert: Winter tyres in ski resortsGoing on holiday to Switzerland can be challenging in winter. Weather conditions are cold and icy which can make driving a car very difficult.

We have asked Hendrik Luetjens, Sixt Operations Director in Geneva Switzerland, about winter tyres when renting a car in Geneva, Zurich, Basel or Bern.

Do I need a car with winter tyres in Switzerland?

Definitely. If you drive with summer tyres in winter you might have serious problems. The ski resorts in the surroundings of Geneva or in France are in very high areas which are accessible only by mountain passes. It is not only the risk of having an accident. Frequently there are police controls and cars with summer tyres are not let through to higher villages.

Are winter tyres a legal requirement in Switzerland?

No, legally not. But insurances can refuse the payment in case of damages if a car is driven with summer tyres in winter conditions.

Do I need a car with winter tyres if I am not going to the mountains and only stay on the motorway?

Yes, winter tyres improve the road grip also on wet streets. Tests have shown that winter tyres have better performances with all temperatures below +6 degree Celsius.

How much do I have to pay for winter tyres when hiring a car?

With Sixt rent a car the price is only 9 CHF (Swiss Francs) per day with a maximum of 90 CHF for longer periods. This fee is mandatory in winter. But we also offer some special rates where winter tires are already included in the price.

Actually we offer a promotion on our website where all fees are included. You can reserve at http://www.sixt.co.uk/best-deals/ .

When reserving your car hire through other websites or car rental brokers the fee is charged locally when picking up the rental car.

Book car hire in Geneva with Sixt.

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