Tyres by car type: the answers
Every car has different needs: from larger rims to electric cars, from directional tyres to different sizes on the front and rear axles.
What tyres does an SUV need?
It needs tyres specified for that SUV, with a load index and speed code not lower than those indicated by the manufacturer: they often have higher loads and are XL. There are SUV-specific ranges designed for higher weight and centre of gravity. The choice depends on use (road or unpaved), climate and the specified size.
What is the difference between H/T, A/T and M/T tyres?
They are three categories for 4x4s and SUVs. H/T (Highway Terrain) is for tarmac, comfortable and quiet. A/T (All Terrain) is a compromise between road and unpaved, with more pronounced blocks. M/T (Mud Terrain) is designed for mud and very difficult terrain, with very open blocks: it is noisier and less precise and brakes worse on wet tarmac. The choice depends on where you drive most.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org
How do you choose tyres for light off-roading?
What counts is the proportion between road use and unpaved use. If you mostly drive on tarmac with a few gravel roads, an H/T or an A/T is enough; if off-roading is frequent, you need a more aggressive A/T or an M/T, accepting more noise and consumption. Check that the size and indexes are specified by the manufacturer. If it is also needed for winter, choose a model with the 3PMSF symbol, which has passed the snow test.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org, legislation.gov.uk
What tyres does an electric car need?
It needs tyres with load capacity suited to the weight of the battery, low rolling resistance for range and moderate noise. If the car came with HL (High Load) tyres, they must be replaced with HL. The size must stay the one specified by the manufacturer, with indexes not lower. The weight and high torque can speed up wear.
Sources: michelin.com.au, energy-efficient-products.ec.europa.eu
Do you also change run-flat tyres and tyres for alloy rims?
Yes, at our Milan shop we fit and balance tyres for cars, SUVs and vans, including run-flats, on steel and alloy rims. Run-flats have reinforced sidewalls and work together with the tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS). For a WhatsApp quote, including fitting, balancing and disposal, give the size or the car model.
Sources: continental-tires.com
Do you have motorcycle and lorry tyres?
Yes: we handle motorcycle tyres, and for lorries and HGVs we provide quotes on request. For motorcycles the size must be chosen based on the registration document, with suitable load index and speed code and distinguishing front and rear. The site has a size finder by motorcycle and car model. For heavy vehicles you need to state size, load index and type of use.
Can I use car tyres on a van?
Only if the tyre is approved for that van and has the required load index. Vans normally use C (commercial) tyres, with a reinforced casing and dual load index, because they carry heavier loads. A car tyre of the apparently same size may have an insufficient maximum load. What counts is the vehicle registration document, not just the size on the sidewall.
Sources: en.wikipedia.org
How do you choose tyres if you drive in the mountains with frequent snow?
You need winter tyres with the 3PMSF symbol and a pattern with many sipes. An all-season tyre is fine only if it has the 3PMSF and the climate is moderate; for severe and frequent conditions a dedicated winter tyre is preferable. The ice pictogram on the EU label concerns Nordic-type tyres: consider them only if you often drive on icy roads.
Sources: continental-tires.com, energy-efficient-products.ec.europa.eu, legislation.gov.uk
How does the choice change for someone who drives few kilometres or rarely uses the car?
The age of the tyre matters more than wear: the materials degrade even without use. Check the production date on the DOT (Michelin recommends replacement after ten years), the pressure about every month and the presence of cracks on the sidewall. An all-season tyre, if the climate allows, avoids changeovers and storage. For a long standstill Michelin recommends lifting the car or removing the wheels, so as not to deform the tyres.
Sources: michelin.ca, michelin.ca
Questions reviewed on October 5, 2026 by Pneumatici SuperStore, Via Enrico Cosenz 63/1, Milano.