JARGON BUSTERS

Key Features & Markings Explained

• ELECT: Technology integrated for electric and hybrid vehicles to manage high torque, minimize road noise, and extend battery range.
• EU Grade A Wet Braking: The highest attainable safety rating, vital for minimizing stopping distances in wet Irish conditions.
• FR (Felgenrippe): An integrated Rim Guard feature (indicated by the 'FR' in the list) that provides physical protection to your alloy wheels from accidental curb damage.
• Seal Inside: An internal sealant technology that allows you to continue driving without air loss after a puncture up to 4mm.
• Run-Flat: Reinforced sidewalls that support the car's weight for up to 80km at 80km/h after a total loss of pressure.
• XL (Extra Load): Reinforced construction for heavier vehicles.
• OE Markings (AO, MO, VOL, ★): Pirelli's "Perfect Fit" strategy—tyres developed specifically for Audi, Mercedes, Volvo, and BMW.

Popular 18" Fitments for the Irish Market

• BMW 3 Series / 4 Series / 5 Series: (225/45 R18 & 245/45 R18) Precision-tuned with the ★ (BMW) marking in Run-Flat or Seal Inside for executive comfort and safety.
• Volkswagen Passat / Tiguan: (235/45 R18 & 235/50 R18) A premium upgrade for high-mileage commuters and compact SUVs seeking "A" rated wet safety.
• Audi A4 / A5 / A6: (245/40 R18 & 245/45 R18) Utilizing AO marked fitments to ensure peak braking performance and motorway stability.
• Mercedes-Benz C-Class / E-Class: (225/45 R18 & 245/40 R18) The MO spec guarantees compatibility with Mercedes-Benz electronic safety systems.
• Tesla Model 3 / Model Y: (235/45 R18 & 245/45 R18) Leverages ELECT technology to maximize range and handle instant torque effectively.
• Ford Focus ST / Mondeo: (235/40 R18 & 235/45 R18) Enhanced steering response and wet grip for performance-oriented family cars.
• Toyota C-HR / Hyundai Kona Electric: (225/50 R18) Improved efficiency and reduced noise for hybrid and electric crossovers.

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 (C3) 18" Size List (Smallest to Largest)

• 215, 40, R18, 89Y, XL, EVc, FR
• 225, 40, R18, 92Y, XL, EVc, FR
• 225, 45, R18, 95Y, XL, EVc, FR
• 225, 45, R18, 95Y, XL, EVc, Seal Inside, FR
• 225, 50, R18, 95Y, EVc, FR
• 225, 50, R18, 99W, XL, EVc, Run-Flat, FR
• 235, 40, R18, 95Y, XL, EVc, FR
• 235, 45, R18, 98Y, XL, EVc, FR
• 245, 40, R18, 97Y, XL, EVc, FR
• 245, 45, R18, 100Y, XL, EVc, FR
• 245, 45, R18, 100Y, XL, EVc, Seal Inside, FR
• 255, 40, R18, 99Y, XL, EVc, FR
• 255, 45, R18, 99Y, EVc, FR

Manufacturer-Specific Fitments (OE)

• 225, 40, R18, 92Y, XL, EVc, AO (Audi), FR
• 225, 45, R18, 95Y, XL, EVc, MO (Mercedes-Benz), FR
• 225, 50, R18, 95W, EVc, ★ (BMW), FR
• 235, 45, R18, 94V, EVc, VOL (Volvo), FR
• 245, 45, R18, 100Y, XL, EVc, MOE (Mercedes-Benz Extended)