AO on Your Tyres: The Audi Approval Marking Decoded

The tyre market is rife with different makes and models, from high-grade premium tyres right down to budget models – with an endless selection that sit somewhere in the middle. But while drivers often get caught up in the special features and design attributes of tyres, what many don’t realise is that some vehicle manufacturers have done all the hard work for them…

Vehicle-specific tyres tend to be developed in line with the vehicle, so as to optimise its performance, its safety, its durability, and its underlying features. These are the tyres that not only fit perfectly but balance the suspension and steering of the vehicle with finetuned precision. What’s more, they prioritise both performance and comfort, elevating the driving experience with ease.

For Audi drivers, the tyres they need to look out for are printed with AO markings. Here’s what it means…

What Does AO Mean on Tyres?

If you see an AO marking on your tyres, this means that the tyre is an ‘Audi Original’ – that is, it has been specifically designed and built with an Audi vehicle in mind.

What this means, in simple terms, is that AO tyres are approved by Audi engineers for use on an Audi vehicle – optimising the car’s performance with maximum compatibility. These tyres are tested to a rigorous standard and are fitted to all Audi’s when they leave the factory floor – making them a critical OEM fitment.

But what is it about these tyres that makes them so well-suited to Audi cars?

Key Features of AO-Marked Tyres and Why They Are So Popular

The things that make AO tyres different include:

• Load rating and the way they balance Audi vehicles
• Tread patterns to stabilise Audi handling and driving precision
• Rubber compounds that optimise the dispersal of weight

What these specific features mean is that Audi’s that are fitted with AO tyres benefit from a range of benefits, in comparison with Audi’s that are fitted with alternative tyres. Some of these benefits include improved steering and comfort, reduce road noise, better grip, and tyres that last longer.

Where is the AO Marking Found?

The AO marking that denotes an Audi Original tyre can be found on the tyre sidewall, printed alongside the tyre size calculation and other important markings.

It’s also important to note here that Audi does have an alternative marking – and it’s one you will specifically want to know about if you drive in an Audi Sports car. Audi Sports Models are fitted with RO1/2 tyres as opposed to the standard AO tyres – identifying their different design and compatibility with high-speed and high-performance driving.

So, Audi approved and original fitment tyres may be marked with either an AO or an RO1/2 – based on the specific Audi model and its intended use.

Can I Fit AO Tyres to Other Car Makes?

While it is always possible to find an AO tyre (or other vehicle-specific tyre) in the right size for different car makes and models, fitting a non-Audi with AO tyres is not recommended.

This is mainly because of the identifying features that make your AO tyres stand out – notably the construction, rubber compounds used, and the precise compatibility with Audi vehicles.

While tyre manufacturers like Michelin, Bridgestone and Goodyear develop a wide and diverse range of tyres that are well suited to varying vehicles, AO tyres are made specifically for Audi’s and so do not compliment the build or driving experience of other vehicles in the same way.

Our advice is to stick with AO tyres to optimise the driving experience in an Audi vehicle, but choose tyres from a more versatile tyre manufacturer if you’re shopping to fit a different car.