Original vs. Replacement Tires
In the automotive tire market, the difference between original equipment tires and replacement tires often confuses car owners when choosing. The most obvious distinction between the two is the unique manufacturer certification mark on the original equipment tire—a seemingly simple combination of letters that serves as a "certificate of identity" that precisely matches the tire to the vehicle model.
In addition to Audi's "AO" (Audi Original) and Mercedes-Benz's "MO" (Mercedes Original), each car manufacturer has its own unique certification mark: BMW's original equipment tires have an "*" (star), Volkswagen uses the "VW" logo, Volvo uses "VOL" as its certification mark, and Porsche uses an "N" followed by a number (such as N0, N1) to distinguish original equipment tires of different performance levels.
Behind these designations lies a lengthy collaborative R&D process between tire companies and automakers. For example, for Mercedes-Benz "MO" tires, tire manufacturers must customize and optimize the tire's tread pattern, carcass structure, and rubber compound based on the vehicle's suspension tuning, weight distribution, braking system characteristics, and even chassis sound insulation.
These tires undergo at least 200 bench tests and over 100,000 kilometers of on-road testing to ensure they perfectly meet the vehicle's requirements in wet braking, high-speed stability, and noise control. Only then can they receive automaker certification and become original equipment tires.
Precisely because of this "tailored" fit, many car owners prioritize original equipment tires when replacing their tires—after all, original equipment tires have been proven to be compatible over time and can maximize the vehicle's original performance.
For example, BMW owners who prioritize handling can choose original equipment tires with the star logo, which offer a seamless integration of steering precision and cornering grip with the vehicle's chassis. Mercedes-Benz owners, however, prioritize comfort, and the quietness and vibration damping of "MO" tires ensure a luxurious driving experience.
Furthermore, some automakers incorporate original equipment tire compatibility data into their vehicle warranty systems, reducing unnecessary disputes during after-sales service, further strengthening owners' trust in original equipment tires.
However, the "customizable" nature of original equipment tires also presents a significant drawback: slow product updates and upgrades. Because original equipment tire R&D begins simultaneously with vehicle model development, its production cycle is often tied to the vehicle's lifecycle.
A car model typically takes three to five years from design to discontinuation of production. This means that the original equipment tires used for that model rarely undergo significant performance upgrades during this period. For example, the rubber compound and tread technology of a certain brand's 2020 model may remain at the 2018-2019 level.
Even if tire manufacturers subsequently develop more wear-resistant rubber materials or more efficient drainage patterns, these cannot be directly applied to the original equipment tires of this model. This design change requires full re-certification by the automaker, which is costly and time-consuming.
This "in-line" update rhythm means that original equipment tires consistently lag behind the mainstream market in terms of performance upgrades. This is especially true with the rapid development of new energy vehicles, where the lag in performance upgrades for original equipment tires, such as low rolling resistance and low noise, is even more pronounced when it comes to features suitable for new energy vehicles.
In contrast, the core advantages of replacement tires lie in their flexible iteration and diverse selection. Replacement tires aren't tied to the production cycles of specific vehicle models. Tire manufacturers can optimize their products at any time based on market demand and technological breakthroughs. For example, if they discover increased consumer demand for wet braking performance, they can adjust the drainage groove design of the tread pattern within six months.
To address range concerns among new energy vehicles, they can quickly launch energy-efficient replacement tires with lower rolling resistance coefficients. They can even develop replacement tires for snowy conditions in northern China and wet conditions in southern China, tailored to different regional climates.
For example, Michelin's Pride series replacement tires, which specialize in quiet and comfortable driving, undergo technical upgrades every two to three years on average. From the original Pride 3ST to the current Pride 4, wet braking distance has been shortened by nearly three meters, and noise reduction has been improved by 15%. These upgrades are far more rapid than those offered by original equipment tires.
Furthermore, the selection of replacement tire brands and categories is far greater than that of original equipment tires. Original equipment tires are typically supplied by one or two designated brands by the automaker (for example, a Volkswagen model might only come with Michelin or Hankook tires).
The replacement tire market encompasses international top-tier brands like Michelin, Goodyear, Pirelli, and Continental, as well as cost-effective joint venture brands like Hankook, Kumho, and Maxxis, and domestic brands with continuously improving technology like Chaoyang and Linglong.
Car owners can flexibly choose based on their needs: sports car owners seeking extreme performance can opt for Pirelli's P Zero series replacement tires; cost-conscious family car owners can find domestic brands' replacement tires that provide adequate performance for daily use at a lower price; and frequent long-distance drivers may find the wear resistance and quietness of Michelin's Journey series replacement tires more suitable.
This diverse selection allows replacement tires to better meet the personalized needs of different car owners, driving technological innovation and competition in the entire tire market.
