JARGON BUSTERS

Summer vs. All-Season:

Summer tyres like the Pilot Sport 5 use specialized compounds for maximum dry/wet precision and heat resistance above 7°C. All-Season tyres use flexible rubber for grip in both sun and snow. Due to Ireland's mild climate, most drivers prefer Summer tyres for their superior steering response and high-speed stability year-round, as extreme ice is rare.

Quick Guide: Markings & Features

• XL / FR: Reinforced for high-performance weight (XL) and integrated rubber ridges to protect alloy wheels (FR).
• OE Marks: Custom-tuned for MO (Mercedes), AO (Audi), T0 (Tesla), ★ (BMW), and N0 (Porsche).
• Dynamic Response: Aramid/Nylon belt provides razor-sharp steering and high-speed stability.
• MaxTouch: Evenly distributes forces for 15% better longevity than previous generations.
• EV Ready: Engineered for high torque and battery range preservation with a quiet tread design.
• Premium Touch: A sleek, velvet-effect sidewall finish for a high-end aesthetic.

Popular 21" Saloons, Hatchbacks & Estates

• Audi A7 / S7: Top-tier models use 21" for ultimate road presence and performance handling.
• BMW 7 Series / i7: Flagship saloons require 21" to manage extensive weight and advanced safety systems.
• Mercedes S-Class / EQS: AMG models rely on MO-marked 21" tyres for exceptional quietness and high-speed stability.
• Tesla Model S: Plaid and Performance variants use T0-marked wheels to handle extreme instant electric torque.
• Porsche Panamera: N0-marked tyres ensure the perfect chassis balance and performance demanded by Porsche owners.
• Audi e-tron GT: The performance electric saloon uses 21" for a balance of grip, range, and aggressive styling.
• BMW 8 Series: Gran Coupés use 21" fitments to ensure dynamic performance matches their luxurious aesthetics.
• Aston Martin DBX: (Note: SUV, but shares fitments) Uses these sizes for high-performance SUV handling.
• Bentley Continental GT: Ensures grand touring comfort while offering immense grip capabilities.
• Maserati Quattroporte: Uses 21" to match its high-performance Italian saloon character.

Load Rating: Maximum Weight Capacity Explained

The load index is a numerical code representing the maximum weight in kgs that a single tyre can safely carry. To ensure safety, the combined capacity of all four tyres must exceed the vehicle’s total weight when fully loaded.

Speed Rating: Maximum Velocity Explained

Represented by a letter, the speed rating indicates the maximum kph a tyre can maintain over a prolonged period. Higher speed ratings are engineered to handle the heat and stresses generated at faster speeds more effectively.

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..

Available 21" Sizes:
These 2026 fitments cater to flagship luxury saloons, high-performance EVs, and super-saloons in the Irish market.

• 245, 30, R21, 91Y, XL, FR
• 245, 35, R21, 96Y, XL, FR
• 255, 30, R21, 93Y, XL, FR
• 255, 35, R21, 98Y, XL, FR
• 265, 30, R21, 96Y, XL, FR
• 265, 35, R21, 101Y, XL, FR
• 275, 30, R21, 98Y, XL, FR
• 275, 35, R21, 103Y, XL, FR
• 285, 30, R21, 100Y, XL, FR
• 285, 35, R21, 105Y, XL, FR
• 295, 30, R21, 102Y, XL, FR

OE (Manufacturer Approved) Versions:

• 265, 35, R21, 101Y, AO
• 255, 40, R21, 102Y, MO
• 275, 35, R21, 103Y, ★
• 265, 40, R21, 105Y, T0
• 275, 30, R21, 98Y, N0