JARGON BUSTERS

Summer vs. All-Season: The Irish Choice

Summer tyres use hard compounds for maximum dry/wet precision above 7°C. All-Season tyres use flexible rubber and sipes for grip in both sun and snow. Due to Ireland's mild climate, most drivers prefer Summer tyres (like Primacy 5) for year-round use, though All-Season (CrossClimate 3) is growing for "peace of mind" without seasonal swaps.

Quick Guide: Markings & Features

• XL / FR: Reinforced for weight (XL) and rubber ridges to protect alloys (FR).
• OE Marks: Custom-tuned for ★ (BMW), MO (Mercedes), T0 (Tesla), AO (Audi), and VOL (Volvo).
• 3PMSF: Snowflake symbol certifying legal safety for severe winter and snow.
• EverGrip: Evolving grooves ensure high safety even as the tyre wears.
• MaxTouch: Even pressure distribution for 15% better mileage.
• EV Ready: Optimized for high torque and battery range preservation. 

Popular 18" Saloons, Hatchbacks & Estates 

• Audi A4 / A6: S-Line trims use 18" sizes to maintain executive poise with enhanced grip.
• BMW 3 Series: M-Sport variants require the precision of 18" fitments for dynamic handling.
• Mercedes C-Class: High-spec AMG Line models rely on MO-marked tyres for refined comfort.
• Volkswagen Arteon: This sleek fastback uses 18" wheels to bridge the gap between style and ride quality.
• Skoda Superb: SportLine and L&K trims use 18" fitments for a smooth, stable motorway experience.
• Tesla Model 3: The T0-marked version is essential for maintaining range and handling instant torque.
• Volvo V60: Requires 18" VOL-marked tyres to support its heavy plug-in hybrid drivetrain safely.
• Toyota Corolla: Higher trims like the GR-Sport use 18" wheels for a more planted feel.
• Ford Focus: ST-Line models often upgrade to 18" to match their sportier suspension setups.
• Peugeot 508: The GT trim uses 18" sizes to complement its unique sharp-handling characteristics.

Load Rating
The load index is a numerical code for the maximum kilograms a single tyre can safely support. For safety, the combined capacity of all four tyres must exceed the vehicle's maximum loaded weight. 

Speed Rating
A letter-based code indicating the maximum kilometres per hour a tyre can sustain. Higher ratings are engineered to better manage the heat and stress of increased velocities. 

Quick Reference Guide

• Check your requirements: You can find the specific requirements for your vehicle on the tyre information plate (usually located on the driver-side door pillar) or in the owner's manual.
• Replacement rule: It is vital never to fit a tyre with a lower load index or speed rating than those recommended by the manufacturer.
• Common Ratings: Standard ratings include T (190 kph), H (210 kph), and V (240 kph). You can view a full conversion table below..

These 2026 fitments provide elite year-round performance for the Irish climate. Most sizes are reinforced (XL) with rim protection (FR) and are EV Ready.

Available 18" Sizes:

• 215, 40, R18, 89Y, XL, FR
• 215, 45, R18, 93W, XL, FR
• 215, 50, R18, 92W, FR
• 215, 55, R18, 99V, XL, FR
• 225, 40, R18, 92Y, XL, FR
• 225, 45, R18, 95W, XL, FR
• 225, 45, R18, 95Y, XL, FR
• 225, 50, R18, 99W, XL, FR
• 225, 55, R18, 102V, XL, FR
• 235, 40, R18, 95W, XL, FR
• 235, 45, R18, 98W, XL, FR
• 235, 45, R18, 98Y, XL, FR
• 235, 50, R18, 101W, XL, FR
• 235, 55, R18, 104V, XL, FR
• 245, 40, R18, 97Y, XL, FR
• 245, 45, R18, 100Y, XL, FR