Key takeaways
- Most 8V (2012 to 2020) and 8Y (2020 on) A3s run 205/55 R16 or 225/45 R17, with 225/40 R18 on many S line cars and the S3.
- The plug-in 40 TFSI e on 16-inch wheels is specified with a 94 load index rather than the usual 91, so do not copy a petrol A3's tyre.
- The 8Y RS3 runs wider tyres at the front than the rear, 265/30 R19 and 245/35 R19, so the tyres cannot be swapped front to back.
- Look for the AO marking if you want the tyre Audi signed off, and keep all four matched on quattro models.
The A3 shares much of its engineering with the Golf, but Audi specifies its own tyres, wheel options and, on the fast models, some unusual set-ups. The result is that A3 owners need to look a little more closely at their placard than most. This guide covers the factory sizes for the two most recent generations, the plug-in hybrid's load index, the S3 and RS3, and the Audi details that matter when you replace tyres.
What tyres suit an A3 best?
For the 30 and 35 TFSI and TDI models, a refined touring tyre with good wet grip suits the car's quiet, grown-up character. For S line cars on 18-inch wheels and the S3, a sportier ultra-high-performance tyre makes more sense. The RS3 needs a dedicated performance tyre in its specific front and rear sizes. Whichever you choose, start with the size, load index and speed rating on your placard.
What size tyres does an Audi A3 use?
The 8V A3 was sold from 2012 to 2020 and the current 8Y from 2020, with a facelift in 2024. These are the common original-equipment sizes; many cars were ordered with optional wheels, so read your own sidewall before you buy.
| A3 version | Common factory size |
|---|---|
| 8V and 8Y 30 and 35 TFSI and TDI | 205/55 R16 or 225/45 R17 |
| 8Y 40 TFSI e plug-in hybrid on 16-inch wheels | 205/55 R16 94V |
| 8Y 40 and 45 quattro and 45 TFSI e | 225/45 R17, with 225/40 R18 on some cars |
| S line on 18-inch wheels | 225/40 R18 |
| 8Y S3 | 225/40 R18 92Y |
| 8Y RS3 | 265/30 R19 front, 245/35 R19 rear |
Most of these sizes call for a high speed rating, often W or Y on the 17-inch and larger sizes. Our explainer on reading the numbers on your tyre takes you through it step by step.
Why does the A3 TFSI e need a different load index?
The plug-in hybrid A3 carries a battery that makes it heavier than the petrol versions. On 16-inch wheels Audi specifies a 205/55 R16 tyre with a 94 load index, where the petrol cars use 91. The size is the same, so it is easy to order the wrong tyre by copying a petrol A3. A tyre with too low a load index is not designed for the weight, can affect your insurance and is an MOT issue.
Our guide to tyre load index explains the numbers, and XL and reinforced tyres covers the extra-load versions that meet higher figures.
What makes the RS3 different?
The current RS3 runs wider tyres on the front axle than on the rear, which is unusual. The front tyres are 265/30 R19 and the rears are 245/35 R19. Because the sizes differ, the tyres cannot be rotated from front to back, and the fronts usually wear faster on a car this powerful.
The RS3 also uses quattro all-wheel drive with a rear torque-splitting system, so the tyres on each axle should be the same brand and pattern, and tread depths across the car should stay close. Treat the RS3 as two pairs of different tyres that still need to be chosen as a matched set.
Does the S3 need performance tyres?
The 8Y S3 uses 225/40 R18 tyres with a Y speed rating as standard, and it sends its power through quattro all-wheel drive. A summer ultra-high-performance tyre suits it best for most of the year. Keep all four tyres matched in size and pattern, and replace them together or keep the tread depths close, so the all-wheel-drive system is not working against itself.
Should you look for the AO marking?
Audi approves certain tyres for its cars and marks them with AO, or RO1 for some RS models, on the sidewall. These tyres are tuned for the car's handling and refinement. You do not have to fit a marked tyre, and a good unmarked tyre in the correct size and ratings is perfectly legal and safe, but many owners prefer to stay with the approved version, especially on the S3 and RS3. Whatever you choose, both tyres on an axle should match.
A3 quirks to know before a tyre change
- Pressure warning reset: most A3s use an indirect tyre pressure system based on the wheel-speed sensors, which needs resetting through the infotainment menu after new tyres or a pressure change.
- Locking wheel bolts: A3s use bolts rather than nuts, often with a locking bolt on each wheel. Keep the key in the car; we can remove locking bolts if it is lost.
- Sealant kits: many A3s carry a sealant and compressor kit rather than a spare. Tell the fitter if sealant has been used.
Audi A3 tyres fitted at home or work
An RS3 needs two different sizes on hand, so tell us the front and rear sizes when you ring 07717 389637 and we will bring both. Every other A3, from a 30 TFSI to an S3, is a single size we can usually have with you the same day through our mobile tyre fitting service, with locking wheel nut removal available if the key has gone missing.
Frequently asked questions
Most A3s run 205/55 R16 or 225/45 R17, with 225/40 R18 on many S line cars and the S3. The 8Y RS3 uses 265/30 R19 at the front and 245/35 R19 at the rear. Always check your own sidewall, as optional wheels vary.
It needs the right load index. On 16-inch wheels the 40 TFSI e is specified with 205/55 R16 94V, a higher load index than the petrol A3's 91. Do not copy a petrol car's tyre without checking the placard.
The current RS3 is set up with 265/30 R19 front tyres and 245/35 R19 rears from the factory. Because the sizes differ, the tyres cannot be rotated front to rear, and the front tyres usually need replacing first.
AO marks a tyre approved by Audi for its cars, and RO1 is used for some RS models. A marked tyre is not compulsory, but it is the version tuned for the car, and many owners prefer to keep it.
No. The 8Y RS3 runs 265/30 R19 at the front and 245/35 R19 at the rear, so the tyres cannot swap axles. Expect to buy front pairs more often than rear pairs, and keep each pair the same brand and pattern.