Tyres for SUVs, electric and sports cars: the answers

Not necessarily: Michelin states that all its ranges are suitable for electric vehicles. Electric cars, however, are heavier because of the battery and have instant torque, and some manufacturers offer dedicated tyres: Pirelli, for example, identifies with the marking Elect the tyres developed with carmakers for electric and plug-in hybrid cars, focusing on low rolling resistance and less noise. In any case size, load index and speed code must respect what is specified for the car.

Sources: michelin.it, michelin.it, pirelli.com

It can happen: according to Michelin the weight of the battery, the faster weight transfer and the immediately available torque increase the rate of tyre wear. Actual wear depends in any case on model, driving style and pressure. Check the pressure regularly and, if provided, follow the rotation pattern recommended by the manufacturer. There is no mileage valid for everyone.

Sources: michelin.it, michelin.it

Rolling resistance is one of the forces the car has to overcome: a tyre that offers less requires less energy and helps battery range. On the European label rolling resistance is expressed in classes from A to E. Pressure also matters: under-inflated tyres increase consumption. For electric cars some manufacturers develop dedicated low rolling resistance ranges.

Sources: pirelli.com, energy-efficient-products.ec.europa.eu, michelin.it

With a silent motor rolling noise is heard more, and manufacturers have developed quieter tyres. Some use a layer of sound-absorbing foam inside the tyre, like Pirelli's PNCS or Continental's ContiSilent; Michelin uses Acoustic technology. On the European label external noise is shown in dB and in classes from A to C, while the noise perceived in the cabin also depends on the car, the road surface and the size.

Sources: pirelli.com, continental-pneumatici.it, michelin.it, energy-efficient-products.ec.europa.eu

Yes, if size, load index and speed code respect what is specified for the car: Michelin, for example, states that all its ranges are suitable for electric vehicles. Some manufacturers, however, choose tyres with specific markings as original equipment, and certain producers offer ranges dedicated to electric cars, designed for weight, range and noise. Check with the tyre fitter what your model requires before changing the type of tyre.

Sources: michelin.it, michelin.it

SUVs are often heavier, so they use tyres with a higher load index, sometimes marked XL (Extra Load) or HL, that is with higher load capacity than the normal version of the same size. The index is a code that corresponds to a maximum load per tyre: for example 91 equals 615 kg. An XL or HL tyre must be replaced with one of equivalent load capacity. Also follow the pressure given by the manufacturer for the different load conditions.

Sources: michelin.it, michelin.it

Road SUV tyres favour comfort and behaviour on tarmac. All-terrain (AT) ones have a more blocky tread for alternating road and unpaved surfaces, while mud-terrain (MT) ones are designed for demanding off-roading. In general, the more off-road-oriented a tyre is, the more comfort and road noise suffer. Choose based on real use and respect the size and indexes specified for the vehicle.

As a rule yes: for four-wheel-drive SUVs Michelin strongly recommends four identical tyres, that is of the same brand and model, sizes and level of wear, and for optimal performance changing all four together. Follow in any case the indications in the car's manual. If a tyre is damaged, ask the tyre fitter how to handle the difference in wear with the other three.

Sources: michelin.it

Run-flats let you keep driving after a puncture, at zero pressure, to a nearby workshop: according to Michelin generally up to 80 km at a maximum speed of 80 km/h, values that vary with manufacturer, load, temperature and road. In some cases they require a specific rim. If the car has them as standard, ask the manufacturer or the tyre fitter before switching to normal tyres. Repair is technically possible in some cases, but each manufacturer decides whether to allow it.

Sources: michelin.it

It needs tyres with speed and load indexes suited to the car's performance. Many carmakers approve tyres developed with manufacturers and mark them with markings on the sidewall: N0, N1 and similar for Porsche, MO for Mercedes-Benz, AO for Audi, the star for BMW. Michelin states that this manufacturer approval is different from the regulatory type approval of the tyre. For the choice between high-performance road tyres and track tyres real use counts; ask the tyre fitter which markings your model requires.

Sources: michelin.it

They are original equipment markings: N0, N1, N2 and similar for Porsche, MO for Mercedes-Benz, AO for Audi, the star for BMW. They indicate that the tyre was developed and approved with that carmaker for certain models. Michelin states that this approval is an internal process of the car manufacturer, different from the regulatory type approval of the tyre. If the manual recommends a specific marking, it is the choice that guarantees the behaviour intended by the carmaker: ask the tyre fitter for the list for your model.

Sources: michelin.it

Not between axles: with different sizes front and rear, tyres are not swapped between front and rear, because rotation between axles is only done with identical sizes. Swapping left and right on the same axle is possible only with non-directional tyres, because a directional tyre must turn in the direction of the arrow. With asymmetric tyres the "Outside" side must stay facing outwards. Check wear separately for each axle.

Sources: michelin.it

A directional tyre has an arrow on the sidewall showing the direction of rolling and must be used only in that direction. An asymmetric tyre has a sidewall marked "Outside" that is fitted facing the outside of the vehicle. For both, Michelin recommends that in rotation they are swapped only between the front and rear axle on the same side. Incorrect fitting worsens grip, noise and wear: the tyre fitter follows the sidewall markings.

Sources: michelin.it

Yes, load and towing stress the tyres more and wear can be faster and more uneven. Use the pressure given by the manufacturer for that load condition, which usually differs from driving unladen, and check that the load index is suitable. Always respect the towing mass specified for the vehicle and check the tyres before trips with a load.

As with electric cars, the weight of the battery and the electric motor's torque can stress the tyres more. Special tyres are not necessarily needed, but load index and speed code must respect what is specified for the car. Some manufacturers also develop tyres for plug-in hybrids: Pirelli's Elect marking, for example, covers electric and plug-in hybrid cars. Check pressure regularly, because it also affects consumption.

Sources: pirelli.com, michelin.it

You need the size, load index and speed code specified in the trailer's documents, with a speed code suited to the towing speed. Load and pressure must be respected. Since many trailers are used little, the age of the tyre matters: check the DOT date, the sidewalls and the spare wheel, if there is one. If in doubt bring the documents to the tyre fitter.

Sources: michelin.it