
The front and rear tire specifications of the Refine S3 are 205/55R16. Below is some relevant information about tires: 1. Tires are one of the important components of a car, directly in contact with the road surface, working together with the car's suspension to mitigate the impact during driving, ensuring good ride comfort and smoothness, and maintaining excellent adhesion between the wheels and the road surface. 2. Types of tires include: International standard tire codes, expressed in millimeters for the section width and the percentage of the aspect ratio. This is followed by: tire type code, rim diameter (in inches), load index (permissible load mass code), and permissible speed rating. R indicates that the tire is a radial tire; 16 refers to the rim diameter of 16 inches; 99 is the load index (i.e., a load capacity of 775kg); H indicates the speed rating (i.e., a maximum speed of 210km/h).

















The most common original tire specification for the Refine S3 is 205/55 R16, which balances comfort and economy. The 55% aspect ratio tires effectively cushion vibrations when going over speed bumps, while the 205mm tread width provides sufficient grip without being too fuel-consuming. When my friend was replacing the tires on his second-hand S3, he discovered that the spare tire was actually a full-size one, identical to the main tires, which is especially reassuring for long-distance road trips. However, it's important to note that some lower-trim models of different years may come with 195/65 R15 tires, so always check the label on the door frame to confirm the specifications when replacing tires. When choosing a tire brand, don’t just go for the cheapest option—wet grip performance is more critical, especially in rainy southern regions.

I just helped my neighbor replace all four tires on his Refine S3. The original tire size was 205/55 R16, which is quite common among domestic SUVs. The mechanic mentioned that the 55 aspect ratio strikes a good balance between handling and comfort, unlike the 45 low-profile tires on performance cars that are more prone to bulging. Interestingly, the load index 91V means each tire can carry 615 kg, which is more than sufficient for a compact SUV. During the tire change, I noticed the wheels are 16-inch five-spoke aluminum alloys with a sporty design. It's recommended to rotate the tires every 20,000 km to extend their lifespan by 30%. Don't wait until the tread is completely worn out—replace them when the tread depth drops below 1.6 mm.

The Refine S3 tires mainly feature the 205/55 R16 specification, and I paid special attention to the tire noise performance during the test drive. Tires of this size have low rolling resistance, saving about 0.3 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers in urban driving. The inner side of the tire has a production date code, such as '3723', which means it was produced in the 37th week of 2023. The recommended tire pressure for new cars is 2.3 bar, and it should not exceed 2.8 bar when driving on highways in summer. Once, I saw an owner modify the tires to 215 width, which actually caused rubbing against the wheel arches and also made annual inspections troublesome. For winter tires, you can opt for the 195/65 R15 snow-specific model, which has deeper treads and better water drainage. The warranty period for tires is usually 5 years, and aging cracks should be watched out for.

Researching the Refine S3 configuration reveals insights into its tires: the high-end model features 205/55 R16 tires, while the base model comes with 195/65 R15. The 16-inch wheels paired with 55 aspect ratio tires provide better roll support during turns. The tire speed rating V indicates a maximum speed of 240 km/h, far exceeding the car's actual needs. When replacing tires, pay attention to the load index; 91 means each tire can bear 615 kg. I've seen owners opt for cheap tires from small manufacturers, resulting in severe alignment issues. It's advisable to choose tire models with rim protection to minimize curb damage to the wheels. Regularly check tire pressure, as a deviation exceeding 0.3 bar can affect braking distance.

Last year, while driving the Refine S3 into Tibet, I paid special attention to the tires. The factory 205/55 R16 specification was quite suitable for long-distance travel. The 55 aspect ratio provided strong impact resistance on rough roads, and the 16-inch wheels offered just the right ground clearance. The tire sidewall had a TREADWEAR 380 marking, indicating a medium-to-high wear resistance index. In the highlands, I noticed that tire pressure increased with altitude, requiring adjustments at every stop. Another S3 in the convoy with modified 225-wide tires saw its fuel consumption rise by 2 liters. For tire replacement, I recommend brands with balanced 3T indices, especially those with a traction index of at least grade A. Don't leave the spare tire in the trunk unattended for seven years, as the rubber will naturally age and crack.


