Tyre Query

[allan2]

Hi everyone, I'm looking for info/opinions about tyres. I've recently replaced my Sharan with a 1.9 tdi galaxy and whilst on holiday in Scotland had the misfortune to wreck a cuople of tyres. When I asked the guy at the tyre place for reinforced tyres, he said I didnt need them and in fact VW never fitted them in the first place. Now I.ve just come to replace a couple of tyres on the Galaxy and our local tyre merchant is adamant that only reinforced tyres are fitted to the Sharan/Galaxy. Looking in the owners handbook for both vehicles, tyre sizes are mentioned but no indication as to whether these are reinforced or not. Advice please.

[NikpV]

if its a mk2 then the manual states reinforced 215/55 16 that is

[allan2]

1999 Mk1

[seatkid]

AFAIK tyres are not always marked as reinforced or XL (extra load) when they in fact are reinforced.

 

Its the load index that indicates it. (thats an additional number at the end of the tyre dimension e.g. 215 / 55 R16 97 H)

 

A standard tyre will have something like 93 whereas a reinforced tyre will have 95 or more.

 

Your manual will show the full tyre size designation including the load index

 

....for a Mk1 you need a minimum load index of 95, I don't know what it is for a Mk2

 

My handbook (Alhambra Mk1) states the following "normal" tyres (i.e. not Winter)

 

195 / 65 R15 95 T reinforced on 6J x 15, o/s 55 wheels

205 / 60 R15 95 H reinforced on 6J x 15, o/s 55 wheels

215 / 60 R15 95 H ............... on 7J x 15, o/s 59 wheels

 

Note the largest size does not mention reinforced, probably because 95 is the minimum load index for that size anyway.

 

Hope you understand what I mean... ;)

 

This might explain it better

Edited September 22, 2007 by seatkid

[gregers]

this weeks auto express magazine has a supplement about tyres.

[big_kev]

All the Shalaxy variants need reinforced tyres. :23:

 

This may not be mentioned in the MK1 handbook but is marked on the vehicles ( look at either nearside or offside door pillar or inside the fuel flap, or possibly in the glove comnpartment ).

 

Also don't confuse "Reinforced" with the load rating it is not the same... ;) the minimum load rating recommended is at least 95.

Reinforced tyres typically are inflated to a greater pressure than non-reinforced tyres.

 

Use of non-reinforced tyres will lead to the deformation and/or collapse of the tyre sidewall when cornering in turn leading to loss of steering and control.....obviously this is not good !

 

Remember it doesn't matter how good your brakes, steering and suspension are, or how good a mechanical condition the rest of the vehicle is in, everything relies on the tyres ( normally they are the only part of the vehicle in contact with the ground ).

 

 

The fact I am running on slicks at the moment is irrelevant.. :19:

Edited September 22, 2007 by big_kev

[seatkid]

Also don't confuse "Reinforced" with the load rating it is not the same... :

Big Kev may be right .......

 

 

 

I thought "slicks" were another name for "summer tyres" ;)

[big_kev]

Big Kev may be right .......

 

It had to happen sometime.. ;)

[allan2]

Many thanks for everyones input. I think I understand now, I think I'll go for re-inforced tyres anyway, once again thanks to you all.

[big_kev]

Many thanks for everyones input. I think I understand now, I think I'll go for re-inforced tyres anyway, once again thanks to you all.

 

Black ones are the best.....if you can get them.. :wacko:

[mumof4]

I'm a justa wondering.....wonder if its possible to get pink ones???? :wacko:

[seatkid]

Better ask Elton about that...... :wacko:

[NikpV]

Big Kev may be right .......

 

It had to happen sometime.. :D

 

yeah but we're all trying to recover from the shock :wacko:

 

:D :o :o :16:

[big_kev]

That's another one of my xmas list

[NikpV]

That's another one of my xmas list

 

 

:o

 

 

:wacko: :o :16:

[scrappydoo]

Don't know how true it is, but I seem to remember someone telling me a while ago that there could be a problem with your insurance if you don't have reinforced tyres on a Shalaxy;

not that it's generally asked when you get a quote, but if you have to make a claim, it could be one of their ways of snaking out of making a payment if you have the "wrong" tyres(?)