What does OEM mean for tires?

OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. For tires, it means the tires that came on your car from the factory, chosen by the automaker to meet its performance, safety, and ride goals, and often produced by a tire company under an OEM contract.

This article explains what OEM tires are, how they differ from aftermarket options, when it makes sense to stick with OEM specifications, and how to choose replacements that preserve your vehicle’s design intent and safety features.

What OEM tires are

Original equipment tires are the specific tires the automaker selects for a given model and trim. They are designed to work with the car’s suspension, braking, traction control, and other systems to deliver the handling, ride quality, and efficiency the manufacturer intends.

Key characteristics of OEM tires include:

• Exact size, load index, and speed rating as specified by the vehicle manufacturer.


• Tread type and pattern chosen to balance performance, climate, and noise for the model (e.g., all-season, winter, summer, or run-flat).


• Branding and model: many vehicles use a specific tire model produced by a tire maker under an OEM supply contract; you may see the same brand or a different one on replacement tires.


• Compatibility with safety systems: OEM tires are validated to work with ABS, traction control, and electronic stability control; changing tire characteristics can affect calibration.


• Ride and efficiency targets: OEM tires are chosen to support the vehicle’s ride comfort, noise level, and fuel economy as designed by the automaker.

In short, OEM tires are the baseline specification the car was designed to operate with, reflecting a balance of performance and safety built into the vehicle from the factory.

OEM tires vs aftermarket tires: key differences

Before replacing tires, it helps to understand how OEM tires compare with common aftermarket options. The following points highlight typical trade-offs you’ll encounter.

• Performance and testing: OEM tires are tested with the exact car model to achieve the manufacturer’s target handling, braking, and ride characteristics; aftermarket tires may prioritize different traits such as cost, tread life, or season-specific performance.


• Branding and availability: automakers may source tires from a single supplier for a model; aftermarket tires offer a broader brand and model choice but may require more comparison to match the original performance.


• Fit and safety systems: using tires with different sizes or speed ratings can affect ABS/traction control calibration and, on AWD systems, traction balance; ensure compatibility with the vehicle’s systems.


• Cost and warranties: OEM tires can be more expensive and may come with the tire brand’s warranty; aftermarket choices may offer lower price points and broader availability, but ensure you’re getting the right specs.

Overall, OEM tires are designed to preserve the vehicle’s intended performance and safety profile, while aftermarket options provide choice and potential cost savings, at the risk of diverging from the original design intent.

How to ensure you get OEM-equivalent tires

If you want to replace tires with the OEM-equivalent, follow these steps to ensure you preserve the car’s design intent and safety features.

• Consult the owner’s manual, door placard, or the manufacturer’s official site for the exact tire size, load index, speed rating, and recommended tire type for your model.


• Ask retailers or tire shops for the OEM specification or the exact model the vehicle originally shipped with; some models use more than one tire option depending on market or trim.


• For AWD or performance vehicles, consider replacing all four tires at once with the same model and specification to preserve balanced grip and drive characteristics.


• Have the installation done by a professional, ensuring proper mounting, balancing, and, if needed, alignment and TPMS adjustment.


• After installation, verify correct tire pressure, set or reset the TPMS as required, and schedule regular maintenance and rotations per the manual.

Adhering to OEM specifications helps maintain the vehicle’s safety, handling, and warranty expectations when replacing tires.

Summary

OEM tires are the original equipment chosen by the automaker to meet the model’s intended balance of performance, safety, and comfort. They are not the only option, but replacing tires with OEM-equivalent models helps preserve the car’s designed behavior and safety integration, especially on AWD or high-performance vehicles. When in doubt, consult your dealer or tire professional to confirm the exact OE specification for your car.

Do OEM tires not last as long?

However, the softer rubber's tread will wear down faster, as it's not as durable. Fortunately, while OEM tires typically use softer rubber, you can find specialty tires that use harder rubber and are designed to last longer.

Are OEM tires better than aftermarket?

OEM tires are the original equipment fitted to a vehicle, designed for a compromise between ride comfort, fuel efficiency, and cost. Aftermarket tires are replacements that can be chosen to upgrade performance, provide better traction in specific conditions (like snow or off-road), or suit a different driving style and budget. While both can come from reputable brands, the specific OEM version may have a different compound, and aftermarket options allow for greater customization.
 
This video explains how OEM and aftermarket tires can differ: 53sAutomotivePressYouTube · Sep 7, 2024
OEM tires

• Designed for compromise: Optimized for the "average" driver, balancing comfort, fuel economy, and cost for the vehicle's specific performance goals. 
• Specific calibration: The tire is engineered with the vehicle's suspension and systems in mind, sometimes resulting in a softer compound or less aggressive tread than an aftermarket version with the same name. 
• Guaranteed compatibility: They are guaranteed to work seamlessly with the vehicle and may be covered by the factory warranty. 
• Limited options: They are limited to the specifications and performance goals set by the vehicle manufacturer. 

Aftermarket tires

• Customizable performance: Allows you to choose a tire that is more specifically suited to your needs, whether that's better performance, enhanced all-weather traction, or a longer tread life. 
• Wider variety: Available in a vast range of options, including budget-friendly choices and high-performance or specialized tires that are not offered as an OEM option. 
• Potential for upgrade: You can often find an aftermarket tire that is superior to the OEM tire in a particular area, such as handling, snow traction, or durability. 
• Cost varies widely: Prices can range from lower-cost budget options to high-end performance tires. 
• Research is key: It is important to stay within the vehicle's recommended specifications for size, load rating, and performance capabilities to ensure safety and proper function. 

This video demonstrates the performance difference between OEM and aftermarket tires: 49sTyre ReviewsYouTube · Feb 12, 2024

Are OEM tires all season?

Most OEM tires are all-season, though some may vary widely between vehicles. For example, a sports car might come with touring tires, while a camper may come with OEM tires better suited to off-road conditions.

Which is better, OEM or replica?

Due to their inferior quality and absence of warranty coverage, replicas may require frequent replacements and repairs, resulting in additional expenses. On the other hand, genuine OEM parts from trusted suppliers last longer and have a lower risk of malfunction, ultimately saving you money in the long term.