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Choosing the right truck or bus tire starts with the vehicle manufacturer's recommendations and applicable regulations. Tire selection should account for the required size, load capacity, speed capability, fitment and operating conditions.
When selecting a commercial tire, consider:
Looking for help decoding a commercial tire size? See How to Read Commercial Truck Tire Sizes for a detailed explanation of tire size markings and replacement fitment.
Once you've confirmed the vehicle manufacturer's requirements, consider four key factors when selecting a truck or bus tire: tire size, application, axle position and tread design.
Start with a tire size approved for the vehicle and capable of supporting the required axle load. The tire must also be compatible with an approved wheel or rim for that size.
Installing tires with a higher load capacity does not increase the maximum axle load approved by the vehicle manufacturer.
For help understanding commercial tire size markings, wheel compatibility and replacement fitment, see How to Read Commercial Truck Tire Sizes.
Commercial tires are designed for different types of operation. Consider where the vehicle operates, the type of work it performs, typical loads, road conditions and operating speeds when choosing the appropriate tire.
Michelin uses application designations to identify tires designed for different operating environments.
Michelin designation: A / X LINE
Designed for vehicles carrying heavy loads at highway speeds for extended periods, including applications such as truckload and refrigerated transport.
Michelin designation: E / X MULTI
Designed for operations with frequent starts, stops and route changes, including regional haul, LTL, parcel, food and beverage, and pickup and delivery.
Michelin designation: Y / X WORKS
Designed for vehicles that operate on both roads and more demanding surfaces, including construction, mining, forestry, logging and oil field applications. Some tires in this category may have speed or usage restrictions, so operators should follow the specifications for the individual tire.
Michelin designation: L / X FORCE
Designed primarily for very heavy loads and operation on poor or unimproved surfaces, including certain forestry, logging and oil field applications. Individual tire specifications should be followed for road-use and speed limitations.
Michelin designation: U / X INCITY
Designed for frequent stop-and-go service and routes within a limited operating area, including transit buses, refuse and sanitation vehicles, and local pickup and delivery.
Michelin designation: X COACH
Designed for coach and recreational vehicle applications, including highway and regional coach service and RV use.
Michelin commercial tire names include application designations that indicate the type of operation for which the tire is designed. Use the chart below to compare Michelin application designations with common commercial vehicle applications.
Michelin Commercial Tire Application Designations
Commercial truck tires are designed for specific axle positions. Michelin tire names use position codes to help identify where a tire is intended to be used on the vehicle:
Always confirm that the tire is approved for the intended axle position and application before installation.
Commercial Truck Tire Position Codes
Tread design should match the vehicle's application, axle position and operating conditions. Different tread designs are intended to support different performance needs, such as traction, mileage, durability or operation on demanding surfaces.
Once you've identified the appropriate tire size, application and axle position, compare Michelin tire options designed for those requirements. Follow the specifications and recommendations for the individual tire when making your final selection.
After identifying the appropriate tire for your application, make sure the tread designation is suitable for the axle position.
Z-designated tires are designed for the specific demands of steering axles, including load capacity, vehicle handling, axle geometry and mileage.
Michelin does not recommend installing Michelin retreads on the first steering axle of motor vehicles, including retreads with a Z tread pattern.
D-designated tires are designed for drive axles and the demands associated with transmitting driving and braking torque.
Z-designated all-position tires may also be used on drive axles when appropriate for the application. However, D-designated tires are optimized for drive axle performance, particularly in long-haul applications.
T-designated tires are designed for trailer and semi-trailer applications and the specific demands of load-bearing axles.
Z-designated all-position tires may also be used on trailer axles when appropriate. When using a Z tire in a trailer position, confirm that the tire's load and speed ratings meet the requirements of the axle.
Commercial Truck Tire Sidewall Markings
Commercial truck tire sidewalls contain markings that identify important information about the tire, including its size, construction, load and speed indices, position code, date of manufacture and other operating characteristics. The diagram below shows where common Michelin truck tire markings appear and what they mean.
Michelin commercial tire names provide information about the tire's application, performance characteristics and intended axle position. Understanding these designations can help you identify which tire is appropriate for your operation.
Michelin Commercial Tire Name Designations
For example, the elements in a name such as Michelin X MULTI ENERGY D identify the tire's application, benefit and position.
Michelin continually updates its commercial tire product information to reflect changes in industry standards. Always refer to the current Michelin product information and technical data when selecting tires and determining load and inflation requirements.
The actual load and inflation pressure used must not exceed the wheel manufacturer's maximum specifications. Never exceed a wheel manufacturer's limits without approval from the component manufacturer.
If you need information about a Michelin commercial tire that is not available online, contact your Michelin representative or authorized Michelin dealer.
Find more Michelin commercial tire solutions, guidance and resources for your operation.
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