Two outwardly identical tyres sit on the shelf: one with an "AO" engraving on the sidewall, the other without it. The model name is the same and the tread looks identical, yet the Audi version has a changed rubber compound and carcass. This is an OE, or original equipment, tyre - a model variant factory-approved for a specific Audi. This section brings together exactly these AO, AOE and RO1 marked tyres for all seasons and in a wide range of sizes.
Audi original equipment (OE) tyres
AO, AOE and RO1 marked tyres that tyre manufacturers develop together with Audi for specific models.
133 tyre models available
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How the AO marking changes a tyre's construction
When a tyre manufacturer develops an OE version together with Audi, it is not the label that changes but the physics of the tyre itself. The carcass and rubber compound, and sometimes the tread pattern, are matched to this car's weight and quattro all-wheel drive. On an Audi such a tyre drives the way the factory intended: the steering responds predictably and the rolling resistance matches the original fitment.
In practice the difference is felt most clearly with AOE tyres. The self-supporting sidewall is stiffer and heavier, so after a loss of pressure the tyre holds the car's weight for a while and lets you drive on to a service centre. The ride does become harder, and without TPMS pressure sensors the driver will not notice that the air has already gone.
- The marking family. AO (with the AO1 and AO2 variants) is the standard Audi Original, AOE, or Audi Original Extended, is RunFlat with a reinforced sidewall, while RO1 denotes quattro and high-performance fitments. The code is engraved on the sidewall next to the size, for example 235/45 R18 AO.
- Load and speed rating. It must always match the car's technical data plate. For heavier quattro and e-tron models the load index is especially important, so a large share of AO tyres come with the XL (reinforced) marking.
- Do not mix AOE with ordinary tyres. The RunFlat construction must not be put in the same set as A or AO marked tyres - all four must be the same, and the car needs TPMS pressure monitoring.
- Replace with the same code. Match AO with AO, AOE with AOE. You may fit an unmarked premium tyre of the correct size, but then the precise alignment with Audi's calibration is lost.
- e-tron and electric models. For these the OE tyres are usually optimised for lower rolling resistance and a higher load. Ordinary tyres also suit an electric car, but the AO version in particular better preserves the factory range and quietness.
The segment is dominated by premium manufacturers, including Continental, Bridgestone, Goodyear and Michelin, so the choice is mostly between top-tier models. The OE marking is not required by law, but it is the simplest way to bring the factory driving character back to an Audi.
Frequently asked questions
No, the AO marking is not legally required - you may fit any quality tyre with a suitable size, load index and speed rating. However, by choosing the AO version you keep the factory-calibrated handling and comfort that an unmarked tyre does not reproduce exactly.
Physically, AO and AOE tyres are not locked to Audi and suit any car with a matching size and ratings. The added value, however, shows on the Audi they are tuned for - on another car it is simply a good premium tyre without the special benefit.
RO1 is a specification intended for Audi quattro and high-performance fitments, often found on S and RS models. Such tyres tend to be sportier with a softer compound, so expect potentially faster wear.
Yes, the AO marking appears on summer, winter and all-season models - the season is set by the tyre model itself, not the marking. Winter suitability is confirmed by the "mountain and snowflake" (3PMSF) symbol; in Latvia winter tyres are mandatory from 1 December to 1 March with a minimum tread depth of 4 mm.
Audi OE tyres are supplied by premium manufacturers - Continental, Bridgestone, Goodyear and Michelin, along with Pirelli and Hankook. Each of them develops the AO versions in cooperation with Audi.
An OE tyre includes the joint validation by the manufacturer and Audi together with the specific construction, so it is usually more expensive than the unmarked version. In return the buyer gets a precise match with the car - the same driving character the factory intended.
Special tyre categories
Niche tyre segments for specific applications - from all-terrain and sports tyres to seasonal and technology-focused tyres.