Car tuning in Switzerland: what you need to know
Faster, louder or simply different: car tuning is very popular in Switzerland. But there are rules. If you break them, you’ll end up paying a lot.
15.08.2024
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1. Can I tune my car in Switzerland?
In Switzerland, you are allowed to tune your car. If you do so, it’s important to follow the restrictions under the applicable laws. The Ordinance on the Technical Requirements for Road Vehicles (not available in English) regulates what changes you can make to your vehicle.
However, this regulation doesn’t cover all the issues conclusively. That’s why the Association of Road Traffic Offices (ASA) has drawn up supplementary guidelines for both motor vehicles and motorcycles (in German only).
The Auto Tuning and Design Association of Switzerland/Liechtenstein (ATVSL) (in German only) also offers valuable advice and support for tuning enthusiasts.
2. What’s the extraordinary inspection obligation?
Swiss vehicle owners have an extraordinary inspection obligation (not available in English) if they make changes to their vehicle. In other words: you need to report or present (almost) any change to your vehicle to the registration authority.
Unreported changes may result in hefty fines of up to several thousand francs. In extreme cases, the police can even seize a vehicle directly during a traffic check. Then, the police will also typically initiate criminal proceedings.
What are the most common changes that need to be reported and inspected?
Not all changes to a vehicle are visible at first glance. The most common tuning adjustments include:
Exhaust and noise-related changes: such as changes to the intake or exhaust system
Chip tuning: technical changes to the vehicle to increase performance
Changes to the chassis: such as lowering the suspension
Installation of non-standard rims: installation of rims that are not from the original manufacturer
Weight changes: changes to make your car lighter or heavier
3. Does tuning my car void my warranty?
Your car’s warranty may become invalid if you tune it. This is the case if the changes are not approved by the manufacturer. Chip tuning in particular can affect important systems in the car.
If the manufacturer does not allow the changes or the changes have not been carried out professionally, they may reject warranty claims.
Before tuning your car, clarify with the manufacturer or dealer how the changes will affect the warranty. Sometimes manufacturers or authorized workshops offer tuning options that don’t affect the warranty.
4. What do I need to know about insurance for my tuned car?
If you don’t comply with the legal regulations and cause an accident, this can become rather expensive. In this case, the liability insurance provider may pay less or refuse payment altogether. Although the insurer may cover the damage, the money may be claimed back from you later (recourse).
In casco insurance, all tuning parts are considered accessories. By default, the insurers include 10% of the catalogue price in the cover.
Have you spent a lot on car tuning? If so, you should report this to your insurance company. Although this means that higher premiums will be due, you’ll not have to expect any benefit reductions in the event of a claim.
Do you want to adjust the sum insured now? This is a good opportunity to compare your insurance policy with other quotes. Be aware of the termination dates and deadlines.
This article was first published on 26.01.2021
