Tyre Fitment

Are you thinking of changing your tyres? Our experts in the art of tyre fitment tell you everything you need to know to make it happen in the best conditions.

Your vehicle has been built to specific standards that must be met when tires need to be changed. These standards make it possible to guarantee the optimal functioning of your car and to maintain the guarantees provided by your insurance in the event of a damage. They prevent you from having to make counter-visits during your technical inspection.

There are three options to find out the size of tyres approved by the manufacturer. They are: 

• in your vehicle's owner's manual.
• on the inside of the driver's side door sill.
• on the side of your tyres.

On the sidewall of your tyres, you will find the manufacturer's name, the model name and the complete tyre size (for example, Michelin Primacy 4 205/55 R16 91 V). This is made up of a first number which indicates the width of your tire, a second which is the ratio corresponding to the ratio between the height of the sidewall and the width of the tyre, a letter indicating the structure (represented by the letter R" for "Radial", which is found on the majority of tyres), then the diameter of the rim, and finally the load index and speed index which indicate the weight and speed supported by the tyres.

Whether for budgetary or aesthetic reasons, or to improve the performance of its tyres, it is possible to fit tyres of a different size but under strict conditions of equivalence with the original fitting.

Equivalence tables or size calculators exist to determine the compatibility between several tire and rim sizes. Be careful, however, it is imperative to seek the advice of a professional when making such changes. First of all, the calculation to find tyre equivalence remains a theoretical calculation, as it does not take into account the technical characteristics of the vehicle body. Unpleasant surprises can therefore occur, especially if the gaps at the wheel arches or brake calipers have not been preserved: the tyres may touch the vehicle's suspension or protrude from the fender once fitted. Secondly, a wheel outside diameter too different from that recommended by the manufacturer may also cause malfunctions of the speedometer or the driver assistance systems (ABS or ESP).

The tyre is the only point of contact between you and the road! For their change and to ensure your security, trust professionals who will answer all your questions concerning the fitting in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications.