Approved Tyres List ?

Wheels, Tyres, Suspension, Chassis, Issues and Fixes
SteveTTT
Posts: 26
Joined: Mon Jan 09, 2017 10:19 pm

Post by SteveTTT »

Nuclear Nick wrote: Mon Oct 11, 2021 7:39 pm
SAC1 wrote: Mon Oct 11, 2021 11:16 am Legally - the correct size, speed rating and load carrying capacity. The rating for the last two can be higher than OE, but not lower.

Porsche [and other manufacturers] with approved tyres - extensive research and development is under taken by the vehicle makers with the tyre companies. Construction, materials deployed and compounds are tweaked to optomise the performance window for each vehicle. Approval is only given to a select number of tyre manufacturers in each case. Porsche then authorises the N designation for that specific vehicle. With some highly specialised models, only one tyre may be approved.

If you want the very best performing set of tyres for your Porsche, then N-rated with matching numbers. The tread depths need to be within 3 mm of each other front to rear and with matching depths across each axle. Nomillay tyres have 8mm from new, a very few less / more. The legal limit is 1.6mm across 3/4 of the tread surface. Although on high performnce cars a minimum of of 3mm is advised and for anti-aquaplaning on all vehicles.
Good stuff Steve, but correction on tread differential across axle if I may, from Good to Know:

Only fit tyres of the same make with the same specification number (e.g. “N0”, “N1”, ...).

Before fitting new tyres, find out about the current approval status: Contact your Porsche partner.

Only use tyre makes that have been tested and approved by Porsche.

The difference in tread depth must not exceed 30% on one axle.

Only use second-hand tyres if you know their history.

Always replace both tyres on an axle so that different profile depths will not unnecessarily influence vehicle handling.

Tyres should only be fitted by professionals.
Visit a qualified specialist workshop. Porsche recommends a Porsche partner as they have trained workshop personnel and the necessary parts and tools.

Adapt your driving style to the changed vehicle handling.

I don’t believe there is a limit front to back as the transfer box will accommodate large differences. And no, it’s not the reason for TB failures!
Ref TB comments. I have edge wear on the fronts of my 2017 Macan D (still on its original Michelin all seasons, 4mm left after 38k miles). I asked a very highly rated indie about front/rear tread differential and he said this:
Hi Steve,
They aren’t sensitive at all to a tread imbalance - I wouldn’t worry at all 👍🏼
Front edges will be worn as the toe will likely be out of spec which hopefully has been resolved with the alignment.
I would only replace the fronts
Cheers
Scott
Current: 2017 Macan S D, 991.2 C2S

Previous Porsches: 964 C2 Cabrio, 986 Boxster S, 996.2 C2, 996 Turbo, 997.2 C4S Cabrio, 996.2 C4S, 991.1 C2S Cabrio

User avatar
Nuclear Nick
Posts: 3814
Joined: Wed Feb 17, 2016 3:42 pm
Location: Bristol

Post by Nuclear Nick »

SteveTTT wrote: Mon Oct 11, 2021 9:40 pm
Nuclear Nick wrote: Mon Oct 11, 2021 7:39 pm
SAC1 wrote: Mon Oct 11, 2021 11:16 am Legally - the correct size, speed rating and load carrying capacity. The rating for the last two can be higher than OE, but not lower.

Porsche [and other manufacturers] with approved tyres - extensive research and development is under taken by the vehicle makers with the tyre companies. Construction, materials deployed and compounds are tweaked to optomise the performance window for each vehicle. Approval is only given to a select number of tyre manufacturers in each case. Porsche then authorises the N designation for that specific vehicle. With some highly specialised models, only one tyre may be approved.

If you want the very best performing set of tyres for your Porsche, then N-rated with matching numbers. The tread depths need to be within 3 mm of each other front to rear and with matching depths across each axle. Nomillay tyres have 8mm from new, a very few less / more. The legal limit is 1.6mm across 3/4 of the tread surface. Although on high performnce cars a minimum of of 3mm is advised and for anti-aquaplaning on all vehicles.
Good stuff Steve, but correction on tread differential across axle if I may, from Good to Know:

Only fit tyres of the same make with the same specification number (e.g. “N0”, “N1”, ...).

Before fitting new tyres, find out about the current approval status: Contact your Porsche partner.

Only use tyre makes that have been tested and approved by Porsche.

The difference in tread depth must not exceed 30% on one axle.

Only use second-hand tyres if you know their history.

Always replace both tyres on an axle so that different profile depths will not unnecessarily influence vehicle handling.

Tyres should only be fitted by professionals.
Visit a qualified specialist workshop. Porsche recommends a Porsche partner as they have trained workshop personnel and the necessary parts and tools.

Adapt your driving style to the changed vehicle handling.

I don’t believe there is a limit front to back as the transfer box will accommodate large differences. And no, it’s not the reason for TB failures!
Ref TB comments. I have edge wear on the fronts of my 2017 Macan D (still on its original Michelin all seasons, 4mm left after 38k miles). I asked a very highly rated indie about front/rear tread differential and he said this:
Hi Steve,
They aren’t sensitive at all to a tread imbalance - I wouldn’t worry at all 👍🏼
Front edges will be worn as the toe will likely be out of spec which hopefully has been resolved with the alignment.
I would only replace the fronts
Cheers
Scott
Thanks for that Steve. Don’t let your rears get too low though, 3mm or less, as the rears are wide tyres and have less weight on them than the fronts so are more susceptible to aquaplaning. Tyre industry guidance is to put new tyres on the rear normally as understeer is easier to control than oversteer but of course this isn’t always possible on the Macan with unequal tyre widths front and rear.
Nick

Defender 90 V8

991.2 C2 GTS

Macan Turbo - sold

BMW K1300S, BMW R1250 GSA
User avatar
Neil1911
Posts: 3158
Joined: Sun Apr 14, 2019 12:00 pm
Location: Sheffield, England

Post by Neil1911 »

SAC1 wrote: Mon Oct 11, 2021 11:16 am
Porsche [and other manufacturers] with approved tyres - extensive research and development is under taken by the vehicle makers with the tyre companies. Construction, materials deployed and compounds are tweaked to optomise the performance window for each vehicle. Approval is only given to a select number of tyre manufacturers in each case. Porsche then authorises the N designation for that specific vehicle. With some highly specialised models, only one tyre may be approved.
I dispute nothing you've set out, BUT, does this mean that a Michelin Latitude 3 approved and stamped N0, is SO different from a Michelin Latitude 3 approved and stamped A0 that putting them on the wrong cars, with a Macan getting A0 and an Audi SQ5 getting N0, is going to end in death and destruction? I don't know if these two use the same profiles and diameters, but let's assume they do for the purpose of this exercise. :)
http://www.porsche-code.com/PP37WLA6, a Dolomite Silver S, collected from Stockport OPC on Valentine's Day 2023, after a 399 day wait.
Ex.: Gen2 S, Volcano grey 1/9/19 - 3/2/23 & 39,235 Smiles, RIP
User avatar
SAC1
Posts: 3784
Joined: Wed May 24, 2017 8:24 pm
Location: near BATH

Post by SAC1 »

Neil1911 wrote: Tue Oct 12, 2021 8:55 pm
SAC1 wrote: Mon Oct 11, 2021 11:16 am
Porsche [and other manufacturers] with approved tyres - extensive research and development is under taken by the vehicle makers with the tyre companies. Construction, materials deployed and compounds are tweaked to optomise the performance window for each vehicle. Approval is only given to a select number of tyre manufacturers in each case. Porsche then authorises the N designation for that specific vehicle. With some highly specialised models, only one tyre may be approved.
I dispute nothing you've set out, BUT, does this mean that a Michelin Latitude 3 approved and stamped N0, is SO different from a Michelin Latitude 3 approved and stamped A0 that putting them on the wrong cars, with a Macan getting A0 and an Audi SQ5 getting N0, is going to end in death and destruction? I don't know if these two use the same profiles and diameters, but let's assume they do for the purpose of this exercise. :)
If you want the best performance, then stay with that vehicle's approved spec. This will give optimum tyre braking, fuel economy, noise level, wet grip, cornering and general handling mix. With Porsche, it will not invalidate your warranty. These are not cheap cars, so why compromise.

As I say, there is then the legal aspect - this will not be an issue swapping N0 with A0, providing size, load and speed rating match the OE.
Steve

2020 GTS in Sapphire Blue
(sold) 2017 SD in Rhodium Silver
User avatar
Wing Commander
Posts: 19874
Joined: Tue Oct 06, 2015 5:43 pm
Location: Wiltshire

Post by Wing Commander »

On tyre pricing, I got a price from Black Circles for a new set of N rated Michelins for my car. The OPC got very close (massive reduction from their original quote) so I went with them. :)

No harm in asking... ;)
Simon

Sold: 2016 Rhodium Silver Macan 2.0
Sold: 2013 Platinum Silver 911 (991.1) C2
Sold: 2017 Carmine Red Panamera 4
Mine: 991.2 Carrera T Racing Yellow 06/04/2018
Post Reply

  • Similar Topics
    Replies
    Views
    Last post