tyre load rating 2.0DTI

**shatz** · 5th February 2009, 13:34

would 88 load rated tyres be ok on the rears of a vectra 2.0dti.
tyres are 225/40/18. i understand the front is a lot heavier but these will be for the back only.

**Duncan** · 5th February 2009, 13:42

88 sounds too low. I'm sure the minimum you can run is 91.

**glenboy** · 5th February 2009, 13:45

My Khumo tyres are rated at 88w and are fine,i do drive a 1.8 though.......

**Duncan** · 5th February 2009, 13:46

Yep, but you've obviously replaced the original tyres. What was the load rating on them?

**m8internet** · 5th February 2009, 14:05

Originally Posted by shatz

vectra 2.0dti.
tyres are 225/40/18

Checked with ABI and the minimum load rating is 91, with a minimum speed rating of H

However, if it is a Vectra B, then you can go to minimum load rating of 88

**shatz** · 5th February 2009, 14:11

Originally Posted by Duncan

88 sounds too low. I'm sure the minimum you can run is 91.

surely it varies with either front or rear axle....is this 91 for fronts??

whats the worst that can happen if i use the 88W's??

**m8internet** · 5th February 2009, 14:27

If you use tyres with loading rating 88 and are involved in a total loss claim, then it may be refused

Although the majority of the engine weight is over the front of the vehicle the weight transfers during normal use, and can be up to 25% above the axle weight

**shatz** · 5th February 2009, 15:08

Originally Posted by m8internet

If you use tyres with loading rating 88 and are involved in a total loss claim, then it may be refused

Although the majority of the engine weight is over the front of the vehicle the weight transfers during normal use, and can be up to 25% above the axle weight

other then insurance issues....are there any major safety issues like high probability of blowout...or am i fairly safe in using them?

**Duncan** · 5th February 2009, 15:47

Originally Posted by shatz

other then insurance issues...

And that itself is not a good enough reason to put you off?!

Originally Posted by shatz

...are there any major safety issues like high probability of blowout...or am i fairly safe in using them?

If you run a tyre with a lower load rating than you need then yes, you do run a good chance of having a blow out. Simple fact is you'd be running a lower load rating tyre than the car is meant to have, therefore putting more load on the tyre than it was designed for - that's what load ratings are for.

Just ask Mark the Cabby, he had a place fit the wrong load rating tyres to his car, even though it had the correct ones to begin with, and had a blowout on the motorway. He was okay, as was the car, but could have been much worse.

Why are you so keen to go with 88 rating?

**m8internet** · 5th February 2009, 15:55

The tyre would probably be deemed as "unfit for purpose" making the vehicle unroadworthy and could even result in prosecution if stopped at the roadside, or in an extreme case in an injury or death as an indirect result of using such a tyre

On the other hand, the tyre could be used without any incident at all, but if it does happen then it could land you in a lot of trouble, both legally and financially
Replace the tyre with one of the correct speed and load rating

I myself have been unable to use my car today, due to a tyre defect
A replacement tyre isn't available until Saturday morning
Even though I could drive with the tyre as is, it's not worth the risk when you know and have seen what can happen with such a tyre, and the consequences of that