Check the load index printed on your current tyre sidewall and match it exactly, or use the vehicle handbook and door-jamb sticker. This size is often used on heavier SUVs, so choosing a lower load index than specified can affect safety, handling and insurance validity. If your vehicle specifies Extra Load (XL), select an XL-rated tyre with the correct load index.
Only choose XL if your vehicle placard, handbook, or existing tyres show an XL marking or a load index that requires it. Many vehicles that use this size place high demands on load capacity, so XL is common, but it is not universal. The safest approach is to match the original specification across all tyres on the axle.
Fit runflats only if your vehicle is approved for runflat use and you have the correct tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS). Mixing runflat and non-runflat on the same axle is not recommended because the sidewall stiffness and handling response differ. If you are switching types, replace tyres in pairs on the same axle and confirm compatibility with your vehicle manufacturer guidance.
It is often used as a rear size on staggered 21-inch SUV setups, but some vehicles run it on all four wheels. Check your current sidewalls for the size at each corner, or confirm the approved fitment in the handbook. If your vehicle is staggered, keep the correct sizes front-to-rear and do not rotate tyres front-to-back.
Summer tyres suit UK driving when temperatures are typically above 7°C and you want the sharpest steering response from a wide 285 mm footprint. Winter tyres are best for regular cold-weather travel, especially where you expect snow, slush or icy roads. All-season tyres balance year-round convenience with improved cold and wet performance compared with summer tyres, which can be a good match for everyday SUV use.
