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 21" Fitments for the Irish Market

• BMW 7 Series / i7 / X3: (255/35 R21 & 285/30 R21 - staggered fitment) Precision-tuned with the ★ (BMW) marking for ultimate high-speed stability.
• Audi A8 / S8 / Q5: (265/35 R21) AO marked fitments ensure peak braking performance and executive comfort on Irish motorways.
• Mercedes-Benz S-Class / EQS / GLC: (265/35 R21 & 265/40 R21) The MO spec guarantees compatibility with Mercedes-Benz electronic safety systems.
• Tesla Model S Plaid / Model Y Performance: (255/35 R21 & 275/35 R21) Leverages ELECT technology to handle extreme torque and maximize range efficiently.
• Volvo S90 / V90 / XC60: (255/35 R21) VOL marked versions designed to preserve the signature Scandinavian ride comfort.
• Lucid Air / Porsche Taycan: (245/35 R21 & 265/35 R21) Enhanced wet grip and efficiency for high-performance electric saloons.

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 P7 (C3) 21" Size List (Smallest to Largest)

• 245, 35, R21, 96Y, XL, EVc, FR
• 245, 40, R21, 100Y, XL, EVc, FR
• 255, 30, R21, 93Y, XL, EVc, FR
• 255, 35, R21, 98Y, XL, EVc, FR
• 265, 35, R21, 101Y, XL, EVc, FR
• 265, 35, R21, 101Y, XL, EVc, Seal Inside, FR
• 275, 30, R21, 98Y, XL, EVc, FR
• 275, 35, R21, 103Y, XL, EVc, FR
• 275, 35, R21, 103Y, XL, EVc, Run-Flat, FR
• 285, 30, R21, 100Y, XL, EVc, FR 

Manufacturer-Specific Fitments (OE)

• 245, 35, R21, 96Y, XL, EVc, AO (Audi), FR
• 255, 35, R21, 98Y, XL, EVc, ★ (BMW), FR
• 265, 35, R21, 101Y, XL, EVc, MO (Mercedes-Benz), FR
• 275, 35, R21, 103V, XL, EVc, VOL (Volvo), FR