Tyre load rating advice

Associate
Joined
27 Dec 2004
Posts
1,199
Hey chaps, recently had four new tyres fitted to my car, and the manufacturer's specified load rating is 82. Had a quick check around the car today and spotted that the garage has fitted three tyres with a rating of 82, and one with a higher rating of 86.

Now, I know this is safe (as it exceeds the rating), but should I ask them to change it over to an 82? Reason I'm thinking is that I'd imagine the tyre has a stiffer sidewall compared to the rest, which may have some negative impact on the ride quality. Any thoughts? Thanks :)
 
No, the car requires tyres with a minimum speed rating of T (118mph). All four fitted tyres are T, but three are rated with the required load index of 82 (475kg) whilst one has a higher load index of 86 (530kg).
 
Yes, all are Goodyear Duragrip tyres (175/65 R14 T). The only difference is the load rating being higher on one of them. I guess the question I'm asking is am I being picky if I take it up with the garage? After all, I ideally want identical tyres on all four corners.
 
I would thought you'd want an axle to have 2 tyres the same with the same load rating, if it was me I'd take it back and demand that they match the tyre load rating per axle.
 
I'll be popping in tomorrow after work to discuss it with them, and request that it be changed to one with the same rating as the other three corners. I think it's a fair request, but will have to see how much of a fuss they kick up. I'd imagine they've only done it because they realised they didn't have enough stock, and just assumed I wouldn't notice a different spec tyre... regardless, bit of hassle I could have done without.
 
I'd say you'd not notice any effect on the ride quality or handling, to be honest. If you're running 176/65 R14 T tyres you aren't driving a supercar, and unless you have every single item of the suspension fully refreshed, the geometry absolutely perfect, the weight distribution of your car perfect in terms of fuel, occupants, luggage etc., it does seem a bit silly to request a different tyre over a very very small difference in load rating.
 
I'd say you'd not notice any effect on the ride quality or handling, to be honest. If you're running 176/65 R14 T tyres you aren't driving a supercar, and unless you have every single item of the suspension fully refreshed, the geometry absolutely perfect, the weight distribution of your car perfect in terms of fuel, occupants, luggage etc., it does seem a bit silly to request a different tyre over a very very small difference in load rating.

What so you'd be happy with a normal load tyre on 1 side of the axle and an XL tyre on the other? Maybe I don't know enough about tyres and their effect but I personally wouldn't be happy.
 
Even if it is fine now that you have noticed it will always be in the back of your mind, which will prob be more of a problem than the actual problem. So on that basis I would get it sorted to keep your head happy and allow you to drive worry free.
 
Back
Top Bottom