You may see "OEM" mentioned when shopping for tyres — here's what it actually means and whether it matters for your replacement tyres.
What OEM means
OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. An OEM tyre is one that was specified by your vehicle's manufacturer to be fitted from the factory.
How to spot an OEM-specific tyre
| Sidewall Mark | Manufacturer |
|---|---|
| MO | Mercedes-Benz Original |
| N0 / N1 / N2... | Porsche Original |
| AO | Audi Original |
| ★ (star) | BMW Original |
These markings mean the tyre has been specifically tuned and approved for that manufacturer's vehicles, but it doesn't mean other quality tyres in the correct size won't work well on your car.
Do you need to replace with the exact OEM tyre?
Not necessarily. Once your original tyres wear out, you're free to choose any tyre that matches your vehicle's required size, load rating, and speed rating. Many drivers choose a different tyre for reasons like cost, tread life, or a different balance of comfort versus performance. If you have a performance or luxury vehicle where handling characteristics were closely tuned to the OEM tyre, it's worth discussing your options with us before switching.