Discover MICHELIN

Michelin, leading global tire manufacturer is committed to making travel safer, more efficient and more enjoyable. That is why it has developed a comprehensive collection of car accessories to offer you even more comfort, protection and styling. Each product is developed to the highest technical specification, delivering the quality and innovation you would expect from MICHELIN. Why not treat your car to MICHELIN car accessories?

1. Type of Construction

Nearly all modern tires are of Radial construction.

2. Load Index

Refers to the maximum load the tire can carry at the speed indicated by its speed symbol.

3. Speed Symbol

A letter which indicates the maximum speed at which the tire can carry the load corresponding to the Load Capacity Index. Common speed symbols are ‘S’, ‘T’, ‘H’, ‘V’, ‘W’,‘Y’ and ‘Z’.

4. Uniform Tire Quality Grading Markings

Required by USA consumer information regulations (not required in UK).

5. Country of Manufacture

6. Brand Name

7. Location of Tread Wear Indicators

(Marking not on all tires) Tread wear indicators molded into the base of the main tread grooves are set at the minimum legal depth of 1.6mm. On Michelin tires, a small Michelin man is used instead of “TWI”

8. North American Department of Transportation (DOT) Markings

Compliance symbol and identification number

9. Manufacturing Date Code

These numbers represent the week and year the tire was made e.g. week 16, 2007 (1607)

10. European ECE Type Approval

Marks and numbers. ‘S’ = Sound (tire complies with EC noise directive).

11. Tire Construction Details

12. Commercial Name and Identity

13. MAX Load/ Pressure Information

(Not required in UK) Not to be used for setting pressures. Use the vehicle manufacturer recommended pressures.

14. Indicates exterior sidewall on asymmetric tires

For fitting purposes

15. Tire Size Designation

‘205’ is the nominal width of the tire’s cross-section in millimeters. ‘55’ is the ‘aspect ratio’ – the ratio of the sidewall height to the cross-section width. ‘R’ stands for radial-ply construction. ‘16’ stands for the nominal diameter (in inches) of the wheel that the tire is designed to fit.

Pressure: An essential factor in risk prevention

Did you know that tire pressure significantly influences tire performance and safety?

Under-inflated tires cause extra flexing to the casing which consequently leads to heat-build-up, an increased rolling resistance and premature wear. Under-inflated tires can lead to damage.

Over-inflated tires can also lead to a drop in mileage potential. It reduces grip and increases irregular wear.

Additionally, keeping your tires at the correct pressure and using energy efficient tires reduces your engine’s workload. This means you’ll save fuel and reduce CO2 emissions too!

Never set pressure to match the number listed on a tire’s sidewall because that number is the maximum safe inflation pressure for the tire and has nothing to do with the recommendation for your vehicle.

It is recommended that you check your car tire pressure (including the spare tire) monthly and before any long trip using an accurate gauge. Correct the tire pressures if they do not correspond to the pressures recommended by the vehicle manufacturer for the conditions of use.

The tire pressures should be checked when the tires are “cold”. This means that the tires have not run for at least two hours or have only travelled 1 - 2 miles at low speed (town driving). Tire pressure increases while the vehicle is being driven, which is quite normal. If the pressures are checked when the tires are hot, 4 to 5 psi should be added to the recommended “cold” pressure.

Never deflate tires when they are “hot”.

The vehicle manufacturer’s recommended tire pressures may be found, for example, in the vehicle handbook, on the door frame or fuel filler cap.

If you intend to use the vehicle for towing e.g. a trailer or caravan, always consult the vehicle handbook or trailer, caravan or tire manufacturer for suggestions as increased pressures may be required.

THE RISKS OF OVER- AND UNDER-INFLATION

Over-inflation reduces:

  • comfort
  • grip
  • tire lifespan

Under-inflation leads to:

  • Impact on vehicle handling and safety
  • An increase of rolling resistance

CONVERSION CHART BAR / P.S.I / KPa

BAR

PSI

KPA

ATM

0,5

7

50

0.49

1

15

100

0.99

1.5

22

150

1.48

2

29

200

1.97

2.5

36

250

2.47

3

44

300

2.96

3.5

51

350

3.45

4

58

400

3.95

4.5

65

450

4.44

5

73

500

4.93

5.5

80

550

5.42

6

87

600

5.92

6.5

94

650

6.41

7

102

700

6.91

7.5

109

750

7.40

8

116

800

7.90

8.5

123

850

8.38

9

131

900

8.88

9.5

138

950

9.40

10

145

1000

9.87

You can check the size of your wheels in your vehicle handbook or by checking your current tires.

The radius (R) of your tire is imprinted in the rubber on the outer wall of your tire; for example, 205/45R15 tire would indicate you have a tire with a radius of 15" on your car. If your tire size is 15", the diameter of the alloy wheel you need will also be 15".

To know which wheel trims to choose, you can check the size of your car's wheels in your vehicle handbook by checking your current tires.

The radius (R) of your tire is imprinted in the rubber on the outer wall of your tire; for example, 205/45R15 tire would indicate you have a tire with a radius of 15" on your car. If your tire size is 15", the diameter of the wheel trims you need will also be 15".

Wiper blades actively contribute towards ensuring a clear field of vision for the motorist and therefore play an important role for safe driving. It is recommended that wiper blades are replaced each year, either before winter or before summer to combat environmental damage caused by weather conditions.


Snow chains are an emergency product, often essential and sometimes compulsory to access certain zone. If you are visiting a foreign country which has winter seasons, it is recommended that you check the law regarding compulsory use of snow chains beforehand.

The type of snow chain and the dimension have to fit to the vehicle type. Most vehicles can be equipped with snow chains; however some cars and trucks have very little clearance between the tire and other internal components. To find out if your tires can be equipped with chains, check your vehicle's maintenance or owner's manual and verify that it contains no warnings advising against the installation of snow chains.

Once verified, take careful note of the three measurements on the side of your tire. The first number indicates tire width, the second gives you the tire height ratio (sidewall height as percentage of width) and the third denotes the diameter of the wheel expressed in inches. This information is critical in determining which snow chain size will fit your tire.

Michelin has developed 3 different types of snow chain to accompany you throughout the winter season.

METALIC SNOW CHAIN

  • For 4x4 vehicles, SUV’s, utility vehicles and camping cars
  • Thanks to the strong automatic tension box there is no need to tighten snow chains while driving the vehicle
  • Asymmetric treads ensure maximum traction, rear-wheel driving, efficient braking and turning on snow-covered roads

EASY GRIP SNOW CHAIN

  • Exclusive structure ensures optimum performance and road handling with efficient braking and turning on ice and snow-covered roads
  • Equipped with the Night Vision Security (NVS) reflective system which improves the lateral visibility of your vehicle at night

ELASTIC FIT CHAIN

This new generation of MICHELIN snow chains is a high performance metallic snow chain that mounts as easily as a textile snow sock. MICHELIN Elastic fit chain is suitable for all chainable cars.

Tires should always be stored in a cool, dry, clean, indoor environment. If storage is for one month or more, eliminate the weight from the tires by raising the vehicle or by removing the tires from the vehicle. Failure to store tires in accordance with these instructions could result in damage to your tires or premature aging of the tires and sudden tire failure.



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