Tyre Information: Tyre Symbols Guide

	Run-flat tyres have heavily reinforced sidewalls and are designed to keep the tyre fixed to the wheel, even when operating at zero pressure. Most tyre manufacturers DO NOT recommend a Run-flat tyre be repaired following operation at reduced pressure. Tyre Shopper recommends replacing run-flat tyres with run-flat tyres.
	White wall tyres are tyres that have a stripe of white rubber on the outer sidewalls. Popular on classic and custom cars.
	Outline White Lettering tyres have white raised lettering often identifying the tyre manufacturer and tyre model. Popular on some 4x4 vehicles.
	Cold Weather Tyres, sometimes referred to as winter tyres, are designed for improved performance at temperatures below 7°C. At this temperature the rubber in summer tyres starts to harden and lose performance whilst the rubber compound of cold weather tyres remains supple, maintaining grip.
	Asymmetrical tyres have a different tread pattern on each side of the tyre. This allows different tread patterns with differing wet /dry performance characteristics to be combined in one tyre. Usually identifiable by an ‘inner’ and ‘outer’ marking on the sidewall of the tyre.
	Mud & Snow tyres have specifically engineered rubber compounds and often more aggressive "block style" tread patterns to increase performance in poor road conditions.
	Reinforced tyres are often fitted to vehicles which are likely to be carrying above average weights typically small vans, people carriers and some 4X4 vehicles and estate cars. The letters R/F will be moulded on the sidewall.
	Extra Load tyres are an evolution of the reinforced tyre for heavier, higher performance vehicles, allowing a lower profile tyre with extra load carrying capability, these tyre give more rigidity and enhanced road holding. Extra load tyres have a higher inflation pressure and often have XL moulded on the sidewall.
	All Terrain tyres (marked with an ‘AT’ on the sidewall) offer a 50:50 compromise between off-road and on-road capability, providing good versatility on a wide variety of surface types, from dry sealed roads to dirt and mud tracks. The preferred choice for many 4WD owners who wants to use their vehicle both on and off road. All Terrain tread patterns are designed to give improved grip on unsealed surfaces whilst clearing mud and dirt from the tyre tread.
	Low rolling resistance tyres have an ‘E’ on the sidewall. The lower the rolling resistance the less fuel is required to propel a vehicle forward. Adding silica to the tread compound of tyres can result in a reduction in rolling resistance of 20% or more. A 20% reduction in rolling resistance can equate to a 5% fuel saving. For maximum efficiency, Tyre Shopper recommend replacing in sets of four.
	Highway Terrain tyres (marked with an ‘HT’ on the sidewall) are recommended for drivers who spend limited time off-road. They are designed to offer excellent ride comfort, low noise and motorway speed durability and road handling. Most brand new 4WDs and especially the compact 4WDs are fitted with these tyres as standard fitment.
	Mud Terrain tyres (marked with an ‘MT’ on the sidewall) are generally recommended for drivers who spend at least 80% of their time off-road. Generally characterised by their large and chunky tread pattern, this design provides grip by biting into muddy surfaces. The large open tread design also allows mud and dirt to clear more quickly - an important anti-slip factor for negotiating muddy inclines or declines with safety and ease.
	Porsche recommends only 'N' marked tyres. These tyres have been specifically designed to compliment the performance characteristics of their vehicles. Tyre Shopper recommends replacing in sets of four. These tyres should not be fitted to any other vehicle.
	Chrysler recommends only 'C1' marked tyres. These tyres have been specifically designed to compliment the performance characteristics of their vehicles. Tyre Shopper recommends replacing in sets of four. These tyres should not be fitted to any other vehicle.
	Ferrari recommends only 'K1' marked tyres. These tyres have been specifically designed to compliment the performance characteristics of their vehicles. Tyre Shopper recommends replacing in sets of four. These tyres should not be fitted to any other vehicle.
	Bentley / Audi recommends only 'B' marked tyres for the Audi S3, S4, TT and Bentley Continental GT. These tyres have been specifically designed to compliment the performance characteristics of these vehicles. Tyre Shopper recommends replacing in sets of four. These tyres can be fitted to other vehicles but only in sets of four.
	Renault recommends 'A' marked tyres for the Espace 4. These tyres have been specifically designed to compliment the performance characteristics of this vehicle. Tyre Shopper recommends replacing in sets of four. These tyres can be fitted to other vehicles.
	BMW recommends '*' marked tyres to improve performance. These tyres have been specifically designed to compliment the performance characteristics of their vehicles. Tyre Shopper recommends replacing in sets of four. These tyres can be fitted to other vehicles.
	Mercedes recommends ‘M0’ marked tyres to improve performance. These tyres have been specifically designed to compliment the performance characteristics of their vehicles. Tyre Shopper recommends replacing in sets of four. These tyres can be fitted to other vehicles.
	Jaguar recommends only 'J' marked tyres. These tyres have been specifically designed to compliment the performance characteristics of their vehicles. Tyre Shopper recommends replacing in sets of four. These tyres can be fitted to other vehicles.
	Audi recommends 'R0' and 'A0' marked tyres to improve performance. These tyres have been specifically designed to compliment the performance characteristics of their vehicles. Tyre Shopper recommends replacing in sets of four. These tyres should not be fitted to any other vehicle.

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Tyre Information: Tyre Symbols Guide

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