Table of contents: All season tires ↓ Wheel and tire sizes ↓
On the sidewall of each tire installed on a vehicle, a TPC number is molded, characterizing the set of operational properties of this tire (the TPC number is located next to the tire size designation). The presence of the corresponding TPC number means that the tire meets all the requirements of the Audi company for tires in terms of grip properties, service life, dimensions, noise level, controllability, rolling resistance, etc. Usually, each tire size has its own TPC number. When replacing tires, only tires of the same design, size and load capacity as those installed on the vehicle at the manufacturer's factory should be used. It is best to install new tires on the vehicle with exactly the same TPC number as the old tires. Violation of this rule will lead to deterioration in comfort and controllability of the vehicle, increase the error of the speedometer, change the ground clearance and gaps between the tires and body elements and the vehicle's suspension. (This does not apply to the spare tire that comes with the vehicle).
Attention: It is prohibited to install tires of different designs on a vehicle at the same time (radial, diagonal or diagonally belted). The only exception may be in cases of extreme necessity. When using tires of different designs on a vehicle, the vehicle's handling deteriorates, which may lead to loss of control over the vehicle and an emergency situation.
It is recommended to install new tires in pairs on the wheels of the same axle.
Despite some external differences between tires manufactured by different companies but having the same TPC number, they can be installed on a vehicle in any combination.
All season tires
Most car models are now fitted with all-season radial steel-belt tyres as standard equipment. These tyres have an average of 37% higher snow traction than the regular road tyres that were fitted to cars previously. At the same time, such properties as wet grip, rolling resistance, service life and the ability to retain air pressure have also been improved. These improvements have been achieved through changes in the tread design and the use of special rubber compounds. All-season tyres are marked "M+S" moulded into the sidewall following the tyre size designation. The TPC number also ends with the letters "MS".
Some vehicles may be equipped with non-all-season tires by special order. In these cases, the TPC number is indicated without the "MS" marking.
Wheel and tire sizes
The original version of the article is posted on the website: audimanual