What’s my vehicle's correct tyre size?

Finding your vehicle's correct tyre size is straightforward with the right approach. Start by consulting your vehicle handbook, which contains the manufacturer's recommended tyre specifications. You'll also find size markings clearly displayed on your tyre sidewalls. The size codes indicate width, aspect ratio, and rim diameter. For complete accuracy and peace of mind, use our online tyre finder tool , which provides precise tyre recommendations tailored to your specific vehicle model.

Which tyre type is best for cars?

The best tyre choice depends on your car, where you live, and driving conditions. All-season tyres are most suitable for moderate climates with occasional temperature variations. Summer tyres deliver peak performance in warmer conditions, offering enhanced grip and fuel efficiency. Winter tyres are essential for consistent snowy and icy conditions, featuring specialised compounds and tread designs that provide maximum safety and control.

How to choose the best car tyres

What car tyres do I need? How to choose the best car tyres? If you are asking yourself these questions, our article will help you to consider the important criteria for making the right choice.

The tyre size might seem to be the only important factor in deciding which tyres to buy. However, as we will see, it is also essential to take into account your driving style and climatic conditions. To help you make the right choice, we'll also mention the European labelling system and provide you with a decision-making tool.

Tyre Width or Section Width : (Example : 255)
Tyre width in millimetres is measured from the widest point of a tyre’s outer sidewall to the widest point of its inner sidewall.

Aspect Ratio : (Example : 55)
Aspect ratio is the relationship between a tyre’s sidewall height and the tyre's width. The lower the ratio, the smaller the sidewall height, which means better cornering but a rougher ride.

Construction : (Example : R)
This indicates the tyre’s internal construction. They can be R (Radial) like most tyres, or D (Diagonal construction) or B (Belted).

Wheel Diameter : (Example : 17)
The number is in inches and indicates the diameter of the wheel on which the tyre is designed to fit.

Load Index : (Example : 72)
This indicates how much weight the tyre is certified to carry at maximum safe inflation. The numbers refer to a chart that specify the load capacity that the tyre can carry.
For example, 72 = 355 kg.

You can find yours in the load Index chart :

What are OE tyres?

OE stands for “Original Equipment”, meaning that the tyres were approved by your vehicle manufacturer to be fitted as standard on your vehicle.
Some vehicle manufacturers, such as Audi, BMW, Mercedes and others, equip their vehicles with tyres that are specifically designed for their brand. These tyres have a special OE marking on the sidewall. In this case, MICHELIN recommends replacing the tyres on your vehicle with tyres with the specific OE marking.

Table of OE markings by vehicle brand:

Once you have the dimensions, there are three other criteria to consider:

the climatic conditions in which you drive
your driving style
the type of vehicle (electric or thermic)

Climatic conditions :

The other criterion we recommend you take into account when choosing tyres for your car is the weather conditions.

How do I choose car tyres according to the climate?

Opt for summer and winter tyres if you drive in a mountainous region exposed to severe winter conditions (snow, winter, ice) for several months of the year and temperatures below 7°. If your winter conditions are more severe, see our article "How to choose a winter tyre?"

If you like a quiet comfortable ride :

Look for tyres that specifically mention comfort, smooth ride, or low road noise. Generally speaking, touring tyres with lower speed rating (S, T or H ratings on the sidewall) are optimized for more comfort instead of more speed – it's recommended to never fit a tyre with the speed rating lower than the one specified by the manufacturer of your vehicle. Also, avoid aggressive tread designs – they may look cool but can generate lots of road noise.
Our MICHELIN Primacy 4⁺, for example, would be a good choice.

The type of vehicle (electric or thermic)

More and more electrically powered vehicles are being introduced to the market. Specific tyres are now offered because they are designed for the particular characteristics of these vehicles. Tyres with low rolling resistance, for example, are suited to maximise battery range. This applies to our MICHELIN e·Primacy and MICHELIN Pilot Sport EV tyres.

Although the MICHELIN e·Primacy is not specifically designed for electric vehicles, it is particularly well suited to them because of its ability to offer low rolling resistance. The MICHELIN Pilot Sport EV is more suitable for "sporty" electric vehicles (e.g. Porsche Taycan, Tesla Model Y, etc.)

TYRE RANGES	FOR WHICH VEHICLES ?	RECOMMENDED FOR
TYRE RANGES	FOR WHICH VEHICLES ?	RECOMMENDED FOR
MICHELIN Primacy ⁴ ⁺	VW Golf 8, BMW Serie2, Renault Scenic, Peugeot 3008, DS3 CrossBack	Thermic
MICHELIN e·Primacy	VW Golf 8/e.Golf, Peugeot 3008/3008 Hybrid, Renault Zoe, DS5 Hybrib	Thermic & Electric
MICHELIN Pilot Sport ⁵ MICHELIN Pilot Sport ⁴ ˢᵘᵛ	AUDI A4, MERCEDES C, BMW X3-X5 AMG GLE	Thermic
MICHELIN Pilot Sport EV	TESLA Model Y, AMG EQS, VOLVO XC 40BEV	Electric
MICHELIN Pilot Sport ⁴ ˢ	BMM M3, PORSCHE 911(II), AMG CLS53	Thermic & Electric
MICHELIN CrossClimate² MICHELIN CrossClimate² ˢᵘᵛ	VW Golf 8, Peugeot 3008, Renault Kadjar, Volvo XC40, Audi Q3	Thermic & Electric

To help you choose the best tyres for your car, you can also use the labelling system set up by the European authorities, which allows you to highlight certain tyre performances, in particular wet grip and energy efficiency, with a grade ranging from A to E. See our article on the European tyre label :

Regular tyre inspection ensures optimal safety and performance. Check your tyre tread depth by looking at the tyre tread wear indicators, the small, raised bars of rubber built into the grooves of a tyre's tread. When the tread surface is level with the indicator, the tyre should be changed. Or, you can check your tyre tread depth using a 20p coin by placing it inside the tread. If the frame around the picture is visible, you've reached the legal minimum; it's time to replace your tyre!

Examine your tyres for visible damage, including cuts, cracks, or sidewall bulges, which compromise structural integrity. Remember that tyres naturally degrade over time, so it’s recommended that you replace them after 10 years, regardless of appearance, as rubber compounds can deteriorate even with minimal use.

Tyre performance varies significantly across brands and models, by grip levels, durability, and fuel efficiency ratings – areas where Michelin's advanced engineering delivers exceptional results. Tread patterns are specifically designed for various driving conditions, which affect traction and handling in different environments. The prices of tyre brands and models can reflect different factors and features, including tyre size and specifications of a particular range. The quality of the tyres you choose determines both longevity and overall performance over time. MICHELIN tyres are designed to offer the best set of performances, from the first to the last mile.

Consistency is crucial for maintaining balance and ensuring safety. It’s generally recommended to fit the same tyre type across all four positions on your vehicle, whether it’s a summer, winter, or all-season tyre. You can fit different makes and profiles of tyres on the front and rear of the same car. However, you must use two identical tyres on the same axle. Mismatched tyres can create unpredictable vehicle behaviour and compromise performance. Temporary spare tyres are an exception, which should only be used for short distances to reach the nearest garage following a puncture or damage.

Selecting appropriate tyres requires understanding your and your car’s specific needs. Consider your local climate, driving conditions, and vehicle usage patterns. Summer tyres perform best in warmer temperatures above 7°C. They offer excellent performance on vet and dry roads.Winter tyres provide superior traction in snow when temperatures drop below 7°C. Our tyres comply with European Union winter regulations. All-season tyres marked 3PMSF offer balanced performance in moderate climates. They are suitable for a wide range of temperatures and weather conditions (dry, wet, snow).

Always verify your vehicle's specifications, including size, speed rating, and load index, to ensure the tyres you choose are compatible and provide optimal performance.

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How to choose the best car tyres

Observe the dimensions indicated by the manufacturer

Where can I find the tyre sizes for my car?

You can also find the tyre sizes in your driver or passenger door

What do these letters and numbers mean?

High load Capacity tyres (HL tyres)

What are OE tyres?

Choosing car tyres according to my use and the conditions of use

Climatic conditions :

Your driving style :

If you like a quiet comfortable ride :

If you like to feel every curve :

The type of vehicle (electric or thermic)

Choosing car tyres using the European tyre label

A tool to help you choose the best tyres for your car

Addressing key questions

Find the right tyre