Michelin-Developed Marked Tires

OE (Original Equipment) tires are the tires fitted to a vehicle when it leaves the factory. These tires are selected and approved by the vehicle manufacturer and meet all regulatory requirements, as well as the manufacturer’s internal performance standards.

OE tires may include specific markings that indicate they were developed for a particular brand or model.

A tire created and authorized for a particular car manufacturer or model is indicated by a Michelin-developed marking. N-marked Michelin tires for Porsche, K-marked Michelin tires for Ferrari, and T-marked Michelin tires for Tesla are a few examples.

Based on collaborative research and validation, these indications attest that the tire satisfies the manufacturer's specifications for that particular vehicle.

To assist preserve the vehicle's intended performance characteristics, Michelin advises changing tires with the same designated version that was first authorized for it.

Every tire that is sold must abide by the laws of the nation or area in which it is sold. Manufacturer approval and this regulatory approval are not the same.

• Type-approved tires meet regional regulatory requirements

• Manufacturer-approved (marked) tires are developed and validated for a specific vehicle or model

• OE tires are manufacturer-approved tires fitted at the factory

Manufacturer approval is not mandatory, but it reflects additional testing and tuning performed to match the vehicle’s specifications.

Manufacturer markings appear on the tire sidewall as letters, symbols, or codes. These markings identify the vehicle brand, and sometimes the specific model, for which the tire was developed.

Below is a reference table showing common OE markings by manufacturer.

Marked tires are designed to meet the handling, comfort, noise, rolling resistance, and sometimes software-related requirements of specific vehicles. Replacing them with a non-approved version may change how the vehicle behaves.

When replacing tires, it is important to respect the manufacturer-approved specification, including tire load and speed ratings, to ensure compatibility with the vehicle.

Michelin therefore recommends replacing OE-marked tires with the same approved marking whenever applicable.

Leading automakers throughout the world use Michelin-developed marked tires, which have helped achieve noteworthy performance gains.

Michelin continues to work with vehicle manufacturers on future mobility solutions, including innovative concepts such as Uptis, an airless tire concept developed in partnership with General Motors.

Authorized dealers and specialty stores carry tires that are approved by the manufacturer for your car.

A Michelin professional may offer advice based on your model, driving requirements, and manufacturer specifications if you need assistance choosing the right designated tire for your car.