JARGON BUSTERS

Key Features & Markings Explained

• 3PMSF Symbol: (3 Peak Mountain Snowflake) Signifies full certification for use in severe winter conditions, guaranteeing performance when temperatures drop below 7°C.
• EU Grade A Wet Braking: The highest attainable safety rating, vital for superior grip and minimal stopping distances in constant Irish rain.
• Adaptive Tread Technology: Features 3D sipes that change shape as the tyre wears to maintain grip on snow and water throughout the tyre's life.
• XL (Extra Load): Reinforced construction to safely handle the weight of modern passenger cars and small CUVs.
• FR (Felgenrippe): An integrated Rim Guard feature that provides physical protection to your alloy wheels from accidental curb damage.

Popular 18" Fitments for the Irish Market

• Volkswagen Passat / Arteon / Tiguan: (235/45 R18 & 235/50 R18) An "A" rated upgrade for business users, providing robust performance all year.
• Audi A4 / A5 / TT: (245/40 R18 & 245/45 R18) A practical choice offering excellent all-weather grip while maintaining a quality ride.
• Mercedes-Benz C-Class / E-Class / GLA: (225/45 R18 & 245/40 R18) Provides consistent safety in Ireland's variable climate, removing seasonal changeovers.
• BMW 3 Series / 4 Series: (225/45 R18 & 255/40 R18) Offers enhanced all-season performance, a smart alternative to summer-only run-flats.
• Skoda Octavia VRS / Superb: (225/40 R18 & 235/45 R18) Ideal for performance-oriented saloons/estates that need reliable bad-weather grip.
• Ford Focus ST / Mondeo: (235/40 R18 & 235/45 R18) Enhanced wet weather safety for these popular performance and family models.

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..

Pirelli Cinturato™ All Season SF 3 18" Size List (Smallest to Largest)

• 225, 40, R18, 92Y, XL, FR
• 225, 45, R18, 95Y, XL, FR
• 225, 50, R18, 99W, XL, FR
• 235, 40, R18, 95Y, XL, FR
• 235, 45, R18, 98Y, XL, FR
• 245, 40, R18, 97Y, XL, FR
• 245, 45, R18, 100Y, XL, FR
• 255, 40, R18, 99Y, XL, FR