Latest Feeling On Tyres?

[sparky Paul]

'Reinforced' or 'Extra Load' refers to sidewall reinforcement, and NOT load capacity. As a side effect, RF or XL tyres have a load index usually (but not always) 4 points higher than their directly equivalent standard tyre.

A primary reason for specifying RF or XL tyres is often for the increased LI, or load capacity - it is definitely not a side effect for tyres manufactured today - XL is eXtra Load, and a direct reference to the increased load capacity. Reinforcing the side walls is the method by which this can be achieved, although many manufacturers are now using the term "Extra-Load" rather than "Reinforced", as the latter does not always accurately reflect the differences in the tyre construction or accurately describe their function.

 

Earlier tyres marked "Sidewall Reinforced" were introduced to primarily offer stiffer (reinforced) sidewalls for improved handling characteristics, always desirable for tall vehicles like the Galaxy. However, these tyres did not always offer an increased load capacity, and tyres with a LI of less than 94 simply do not have the capacity to cope with a fully laden Galaxy.

 

On the Galaxy, both conditions need to be met - LI 95+ and reinforced / extra load. However, for the 215/55x16 size, this is all fairly academic, as I have never seen a non-reinforced tyre with a load index of 95 or higher or a reinforced tyre with a load index of less than 95, but this is not true for some other sizes. There are plenty of reinforced tyres with load indexes well under 95 - for example, 185/65R14 90H XL, 185/65R15 92H RF - and standard tyres with load indexes well over 95.

From what I am told, it is a correct LI and speed rating which have legal relevance for MOT purposes. Also, AFAIK, Ford still do not specify RF or XL tyres for the 215/60x15 size, which has a standard LI of 94 (the lowest LI permissible on the Galaxy), although dealers may fit 98 rated RF/XL tyres as a matter of course - though many manufacturers do not produce a RF/XL tyre in this size. However, it is possibly to be recommended with a tall vehicle like the Galaxy.

 

Of course the latter is correct, the increased LI of RF or XL tyres is only relevant for a given size and profile - the standard LIs for the tyre sizes you mention are 86 and 88 respectively.

 

Higher tyre pressures are recommended for RF or XL tyres - if you check the recommended pressures for standard tyres, these are much lower, and far lower in proportion to their load rating.

Not correct. For the reinforced 215/55x16 tyres, the maximum tyre pressure (rated for maximum weight of 730Kg) is 49 psi, the standard 93 rated tyre is generally maximum 44 psi (at 650Kg) - about 10% lower. The difference in load capacity between 93 and 97 rated is 80Kg - 730Kg as opposed to 650Kg, which is about 11%. The differences are actually in proportion with the load capacity, but only for a given tyre size/profile.

[tim-spam]

On earlier Mk 1 Alhambras, the tyre pressures recommended by the car manufacturer were considerably lower (from memory, around 35psi) than for the later cars on reinforced tyres. You are quite correct about the maximum rated pressure of the tyres however, which is roughly in proportion to their load rating for a given size.

As for the Mk 2 Alhambra, the 215/55R16 sized tyre is specified as having to be 'rf', whereas the smaller sizes are specified as having to be 'C' tyres (ie: commercial), with a load index of 97/98.

As regards the MOT, the load index is what they (should) check (but I wonder how many do - unless they sell tyres, of course!), but all I was trying to point out is that the car manufacturer (VW / Seat) recommends reinforced tyres with a minimum load index of 95 (or 'C' rated tyres for the smaller sizes), and should you be unfortunate to have an accident, the insurance company would expect the car manufacturer's requirements to be met.

[sparky Paul]

As regards the MOT, the load index is what they (should) check (but I wonder how many do - unless they sell tyres, of course!), but all I was trying to point out is that the car manufacturer (VW / Seat) recommends reinforced tyres with a minimum load index of 95 (or 'C' rated tyres for the smaller sizes), and should you be unfortunate to have an accident, the insurance company would expect the car manufacturer's requirements to be met.

 

As you say, I have no doubt that some MOT testers neglect to check that tyres are correctly rated for the vehicle. However, I suspect that it would not escape the the attention of the Police or insurance company should you have a serious accident. The manufacturer's recommendation should always be followed as an absolute minimum standard as you quite rightly say, if the book says RF/XL, then you must fit RF/XL of the specified LI rating... or you could be dicing with your insurance, not to mention your own safety. :P

 

At the end of the day, it's probably academic anyway, any 215/55x16 tyre which is of the correct load index will be reinforced or extra-load anyway, and vice-versa.

 

What I wanted to point out is that the 215/60x15 fitted to Galaxys is an exception - Ford don't specify RF. It would be interesting to see what Ford dealers did actually fit if they were to fit reinforced, I don't think either Michelin or Dunlop make RF or XL tyres in this size/profile, though Conti/Pirelli do.

[tim-spam]

I knew we'd agree in the end.

[shepheap]

Slightly off track, but just to report that the Fortuna F2000 215/55 r16 XLs that I have now done 3k on have been great.

Paid

[tim-spam]

I would say you're completely on track.

[Smilge]

Thanks to Tim and Sparky for that discussion .... So the conclusion is that for a Galaxy to pass an MOT, it must have a reinforced tyre (RF or XL) which must have a minimum load rating of 95?

 

If this is the case then that's cleared that up in my own mind thanks.

[Guest VR6!]

Thanks to Tim and Sparky for that discussion .... So the conclusion is that for a Galaxy to pass an MOT, it must have a reinforced tyre (RF or XL) which must have a minimum load rating of 95?

 

If this is the case then that's cleared that up in my own mind thanks.

 

 

no! the conclusion is that the tester HAS to notice that you dont have the correct rated tyres on the vehicle at the time of testing! mines passed three times so far without RF or XL rated tyres fitted at the time of testing!

[Smilge]

Thanks to Tim and Sparky for that discussion .... So the conclusion is that for a Galaxy to pass an MOT, it must have a reinforced tyre (RF or XL) which must have a minimum load rating of 95?

 

If this is the case then that's cleared that up in my own mind thanks.

 

 

no! the conclusion is that the tester HAS to notice that you dont have the correct rated tyres on the vehicle at the time of testing! mines passed three times so far without RF or XL rated tyres fitted at the time of testing!

 

Ok thanks m8

[sparky Paul]

So the conclusion is that for a Galaxy to pass an MOT, it must have a reinforced tyre (RF or XL) which must have a minimum load rating of 95?

 

The absolute minimum for the Galaxy is 94 rated.

 

RF or XL is most definitely advisable, but not technically a MOT fail - though tyres of the correct rating will certainly be RF or XL anyway. The only exception to this is the 215/60x15 tyre size mentioned above, due to the 94 rating on the standard tyre does not have to be reinforced.

 

Oh, and as VR6! says, the MOT tester has to notice!

[mumof4]

All my tyres are a 97 load rating with either a W or H speed rating.

[jkspoff]

Anyone had any dealings with 'mytyres.co.uk' ? I ordered my tyres last week and today spoke to foreign call centre, who then emailed me a poorly written email telling me they would be another week before delivery. Seems a bit poor service so far, maybe I won't bother with them next time, as 2 weeks delivery seems a bit much, when most can do next day delivery. Especially when I'm running on near bald, my fault that bit !

[sparky Paul]

Anyone had any dealings with 'mytyres.co.uk' ?

I bought my last tyres from mytyres, to be honest I was very impressed with the service, although my order was shipped and delivered quickly and without any problems...

 

If the tyres are in stock in this country, there should be no probelms whatsoever. The tyres I ordered were shipped from Germany, but still recieved within a couple of days, well before the anticipated delivery date - so hopefully your tyres will be delivered soon. Checking the online tracking link issued by mytyres on despatch will give you an idea of the delivery date.

[Guest HairyPlateEater]

have never had a problem with mytyres, except once when the tyres took 2 days longer than anticipated, but this was due to a fire at the courier company's depot!

 

As sparky says, if they are coming from overseas it may take a little longer. which make/model have you ordered?

[mumof4]

Had a reply.

 

Hi, I am at home now so I only have the data from the wholesaler to go by and that does not show the tyre as XL or RF , the fact that the load rating is 97 does not mean it has to be XL or RF , Falken also do a 97 V in this size and I know that is not reinforced. I will find out for sure tomorrow when I am at work and let you know, if these are RF or XL then they are a very good buy at this price. Regards, Edwin

 

 

Had mail back..are RF/Xtra Load.

[adrianf.]

Going to order some from My tyres soon,so will let you all know how it goes.

You cant beat their prices tho

[jkspoff]

I have still not received my tyres from 'mytyres', rang them lots of times, eventually get through to foreign call centre, now been waiting 3 weeks. They tell me that their supplier is out of stock, but they've not offered any alternatives, or told me this without me having to contact them. Poor service, with no communication other than from me by phone and email. Poor service, won't use them again or recommend them, but yes they are cheap. :rolleyes: Still waiting as prices hard to beat.

[jwilliams]

I have also ordered the same tyres from them and not heard anything.

 

I spoke to someone called Andreea today and she says they will let me know a despatch date tomorrow!

 

I was told they are in stock but they are having problems getting them from the warehouse.

 

Was tempted to go fot the Falkens instead but they are not in stock even though they are back on the site.

[jkspoff]

I have cancelled my order this evening with mytyres, after waiting 3 weeks they still stated that they cannot tell me a delivery date. Been on ebay and found a business seller with good priced new tyres, guarantees delivery within 3 days, ordered x2 Fullrun 215,55,R16 VR extra load for

[mumof4]

I have cancelled my order this evening with mytyres, after waiting 3 weeks they still stated that they cannot tell me a delivery date. Been on ebay and found a business seller with good priced new tyres, guarantees delivery within 3 days, ordered x2 Fullrun 215,55,R16 Re-inforced for

[jkspoff]

Yes,

[mumof4]

very good grip in the wet i have found..specially when on the odd occasion i have taken a corner a wee bit too fast..i noticed the difference right away when put on and dunlops taken off...i feel safer on these tyres and that for me is my main concern.Im going to stick with these tyres for some time to come.Mine came from a garage..but are exactly the same tyres.i was looking at that seller and he answered all my questions as at first he didnt realise they were reinforced.Top bloke id say.

[raymac]

I have cancelled my order this evening with mytyres, after waiting 3 weeks they still stated that they cannot tell me a delivery date. Been on ebay and found a business seller with good priced new tyres, guarantees delivery within 3 days, ordered x2 Fullrun 215,55,R16 VR extra load for

[mumof4]

http://search.ebay.co.uk/_W0QQfgtpZ1QQfrpp...ssZmillQ2dautos

 

 

http://feedback.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dl...erid=mill-autos

[jkspoff]

There you go, as if by magic ! :angry: