What brand are the original tires for the Audi A3?
2 Answers
The original tire brands for the Audi A3 are Hankook and Goodyear, with tire sizes of 225/40R18 and 225/45R17. The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company was founded in 1898 and has a history of over a century. Goodyear is the world's largest tire manufacturing company, headquartered in Akron, Ohio, USA. The company primarily produces tires, engineered rubber products, and chemical products in over 90 factories across 28 countries. Today, Goodyear employs more than 80,000 people worldwide. Hankook Tire was established in 1941 as Korea's first tire company, providing radial tires for passenger cars, light trucks (SUVs, RVs, etc.), trucks, buses, and special racing vehicles. Hankook has five R&D centers globally, ensuring its tires meet the needs and enhance satisfaction for consumers in each region. Hankook Tire products are available in over 180 countries and regions worldwide and entered the Chinese market in 1996. For the Audi A3's tires in daily use, pay attention to the following points: Regularly inspect the tire surface for cracks, deformations, or other defects. Due to wear from driving, the tread grooves gradually become shallower. If the tread wears flat, it loses its drainage and anti-slip functions, significantly reducing the car's performance. Small cracks may seem minor but can lead to tire blowouts at high speeds. Additionally, promptly remove pebbles lodged in the grooves. Try to park on flat ground. Avoid parking on roads with thick, sharp, or pointed stones. Do not park near or in contact with petroleum products, acids, or other materials that can deteriorate rubber. After parking, the driver should not turn the steering wheel, as this accelerates tire wear. Do not splash water to cool the tires. In hot weather or during high-speed driving, tires can overheat, and the pressure may increase. In such cases, stop to let the tires cool down naturally. Never release air to reduce pressure or splash water to cool the tires, as this can cause abnormal aging of the tread rubber. Avoid sudden braking. Try to minimize frequent and hard braking to prevent accelerated tread wear from dragging against the ground.
I remember when I bought my Audi A3, the original tires were Michelin, specifically the Primacy series. They provided excellent stability and strong grip. The Audi A3 may come with different tire brands depending on the model year—older versions might use Bridgestone, while the newer 2022 Sportback edition often comes with Continental tires at dealerships. The brand selection is quite meticulous, taking into account the need for matching tire sizes, such as the significant difference between standard 16-inch and higher-end 17-inch options. After driving for several years, I found Michelin tires to be durable with low noise on highways, though winter tires are necessary for safer driving in cold conditions. Overall, the original tires are carefully chosen by the manufacturer, so it’s best not to alter the size casually, as it could affect handling and fuel efficiency. After purchasing the car, check the manual or the markings on the tire sidewall to confirm the brand, ensuring safety and avoiding potential repair issues later on.
