Tyres - what's the number before the speed rating?

[FnG]magnolia · 13 Mar 2008 at 10:58

I've just had the front tyres changed on my Pug207 Gti. The old ones were 205/45 R17 88W but the new ones are 205/45 R17 84W.

What does this number actually mean and do I need to get it changed to the 'proper' tyres?

cheers.

edit : Thanks for the responses

Cosimo · 13 Mar 2008 at 11:06

The load index, maxium weight a tyre can support.

84 500kg
85 515kg

kaiowas · 13 Mar 2008 at 11:07

It's the load rating. Your old tyre was rated at 560kg, your new one is rated at 500kg. Whether it's a problem or not depends on what the manufacturer specifies.

tigerstyle · 13 Mar 2008 at 11:40

kaiowas said:
Whether it's a problem or not depends on what the manufacturer specifies.

No fat chicks for you now man!