Van Tyres vs Car Tyres

Torchwood · Post by **Torchwood** » Wed Nov 14, 2007 3:03 pm

Is the "Swaying" mainly on motorways?

I have had cars that do it terribly if they get into the nearside lane "rut" worn in the tarmac by wagons that you sometimes can't even see.

My main car is a 3-litre V6 converted MR2, and with Pirellis on the front it was awful. Changing to Yokohamas made an amazing improvement, which just goes to prove that the same size but different manufacture of tyre can give considerably different handling characteristics!

TORCHWOOD

surfnut · Post by **surfnut** » Wed Nov 14, 2007 3:53 pm

Hi Torchwood, yeah it`s that type of thing. I know how daft this sounds, but if she nudges the white lines, she rolls around. We can only be talking a few millimetres!

dandywarhol · Post by **dandywarhol** » Wed Nov 14, 2007 4:17 pm

Check the condition of your wishbone/body bushes.

Mr Halibut · Post by **Mr Halibut** » Wed Nov 14, 2007 8:57 pm

215/65 R 15 96 S

I was under the impression that the tyre data breakdown was:

215/65 = Width followed by height as a percentage of the width (known as the profile).

R = Radial

15 = The diameter of the tyre's inner rim in inches.

96 = Load capacity of the tyre (measured in some wacky index) where 96 is a maximum of 710 kg.

S = Speed Rating where S is max 111.8 mph. Also I read that van tyres are N or P rated which is a maximum of 87 and 93mph respectively.

Socket Set Sue · Post by **Socket Set Sue** » Wed Nov 14, 2007 9:47 pm

Details below taken from http://www.etyres.co.uk

What does RNF mean?
RNF indicates that the tyre is reinforced. Reinforced tyres are mostly fitted on to small / light vans, people carriers and some 4X4 vehicles and estate cars. More recently, car manufactures such as Audi, Renault and Saab have been using a new type of reinforced tyre. These tyres are high-performance, low profile tyres and come as original equipment on high-performance cars. The extra load carrying capability gives these tyres more rigidity, enhancing the road holding.

What does 6PR mean?
6PR means 6 ply. These are tyres used on light commercial vehicles and are constructed using extra reinforcing called 'ply.' Most car tyres are 4ply construction.

What does 8PR mean?
8PR means 8 ply. These are tyres used on light commercial vehicles and are constructed using extra steel reinforcing called 'ply.' Most car tyres are 4ply construction.

scanner · Post by **scanner** » Wed Nov 14, 2007 11:09 pm

From Blackcircles.co.uk

Sidewall Marking......Explanation

205........................Width of the tyre in millimetres

50.........................Height of the tyre sidewall as a percentage of the width. In this case 50% of 205mm. Also known as the aspect ratio.

R..........................Radial Construction.

15.........................The diameter of the tyre's inner rim in inches

91.........................Load Capacity of Tyre (See Load Table). In this case its 615kg

V..........................Speed Symbol. Indicates the max. speed for the tyre at full load. In this case 149.1mph.

E4.........................ECE type approval mark, which demonstrates the tyre has been tested as high quality by the European Regulatory Authorities.

The Great Pretender · Post by **The Great Pretender** » Fri Nov 16, 2007 12:04 am

Surfnut, may not be relative, but fitting wider than recomended tyres on a narrow rim reduces the sidewalls abillity to constrain loads. Think of it like this, sidewall doing this / \ to side wall doing this \ /. Make sense?

Muvwitch · Post by **Muvwitch** » Wed Nov 21, 2007 4:04 pm

I have just got my van back from the garage and
asked for new tyres which have been fitted. The
garage have fitted rear - 215/65R15 96S - Goodyear
all round. I have just returned from being told this
is because it is a grey import. I queried this and
have just received a message from them saying
the tyres are correctly the same F and R. What on
earth can I do? I even showed them the manual.
I need to use the van but the fronts are not right.
My van is 1995 reg. is this the same size all round?

I am confused and they are pretty arrogant at this
garage. Can someone please tell me which is correct?
Looked on the tyres section and that also says 2 sizes.

Help!!!

mikeonb4c · Post by **mikeonb4c** » Wed Nov 21, 2007 4:13 pm

There must be someone you can report them too using the line that they are jeopardising your safety and/or or your insurance validity by fitting tyres which it is clear from the manufacturers guidance aer not compliant.

Anyone else got an idea? Trading Standards?

I'd be reluctant to ask my insurance to use muscle as (a) they probably don't have any in this case and (b) you might shoot yourself in the foot by drawing to their eagle eye a loophole through which they can jump if you tell them and they then tell you you shouldn't drive with them.

Is your Bongo 4WD because if so its important to have correct tyres. If not then does it really matter (in fact its a plus as they are all interchangeable)? I think mine are all the same and I have a 2WD and its ticketyboo

Good luck

Muvwitch · Post by **Muvwitch** » Wed Nov 21, 2007 4:28 pm

Just spoken to them on phone and he assures me
they are very good tyres and best for this vehicle.
It is 2WD so I just hope he is right. I have the invoice
proof so just hope nothing goes wrong. Thanks Mike

smartmonkey · Post by **smartmonkey** » Wed Nov 21, 2007 4:37 pm

The garage are wrong - they have fitted the wrong tyres. Mazda clearly state what size tyres should be fitted and they aint them.

However, when my fronts need replacing I will use the 215s' all round because I think it makes for a safer, better handling van. I would be very happy with the garages selection as I think it is the best combination and they are a good quality tyre. But they are still wrong and if you arent happy they will have to change them.

I would also check the load rating is OK - you need at least 96 (I think).

Muvwitch · Post by **Muvwitch** » Wed Nov 21, 2007 6:02 pm

Whilst I was there another silver Bongo was on the
ramp. They checked and it also had same tyres all
round.

What can I say? I'm only a woman!

(That seems to be the unspoken comment)

mikeonb4c · Post by **mikeonb4c** » Wed Nov 21, 2007 6:53 pm

Don't say that in front of Chaka Khan

Post by **Bob** » Wed Nov 21, 2007 7:46 pm

There's a fact sheet on this in the Members Area which gives a lot of detail, which I won't bore you with by re-typing.

scanner · Post by **scanner** » Wed Nov 21, 2007 8:09 pm

Muvwitch wrote:Whilst I was there another silver Bongo was on the
ramp. They checked and it also had same tyres all
round.

What can I say? I'm only a woman!

(That seems to be the unspoken comment)

Which garage did you use?

No name (just in case) location will tell me which one.

Just interested, for future reference.

It is clearly shown on the plate inside the driver's door what the correct fitment should be, so there is no excuse for getting it wrong.