What does AO on tires represent?
2 Answers
Tire AO represents Audi Original tires. AO is the abbreviation for Audi Original. Audi original tires must undergo over two years and 50 rigorous tests including traction, off-road performance, grip, strength, fatigue resistance, etc. Additionally, they must pass more stringent drainage and high-speed stability tests than industry standards before being selected and recommended by Audi's global engineering certification system, and marked with Audi's unique AO certification logo on the tires. Currently, most tires on cars are tubeless, composed of tread, sidewall, cap ply, belt layer, inner liner, bead, etc. The tread is the hardest part of the tire, providing maximum grip and drainage. The tire body consists of numerous cord layers to ensure strength and pressure resistance, while the cap ply and belt layer enhance wear resistance and rigidity, protecting the tire body from external impacts.
Having worked in the automotive industry for years, I'm quite familiar with various tire markings. The "AO" on tires stands for "Audi Original," indicating Audi's original factory certification. This marking is commonly found on tires from brands like Michelin, signifying that the tire has passed Audi's rigorous performance tests, including wet grip, handling stability, and fuel efficiency. Using factory-certified tires can enhance the driving experience. When driving an Audi, I've tried AO tires and could feel the strong grip even on rainy downhill roads, with no drifting during turns. While non-Audi vehicles can also use these tires, the compatibility might be poorer, potentially leading to increased fuel consumption. When selecting tires, you can refer to the vehicle manual and prioritize certified tires to ensure safety; ignoring this might affect the vehicle's lifespan and driving pleasure. Balancing cost-effectiveness with performance is crucial.
