Tyre query

[Thriller]

I'm needing at least 1 new front tyre, possibly 2.

The current tires are P215/55 R18 94T but I'm struggling to source 94Ts.

I've been offered 99Vs but that is the same as the back tires and I'm sure I read its best to have different tires front and back.

Is this the case and how important is this?

I'm driving a 1996 Petrol 2.5 V6 2WD.

Thanks in advance!

[Bob]

On a 2 wheel drive it isn't that vital.

Just make sure the load rating is up to it, and 99 is fine.

Many of us run the same size tyres all round, no probs.

[cmm303]

The 94 is a load rating, so anything higher is fine. (Rear requires 96 min, 98 on some Bongo)
The "T" is a speed rating, so again anything higher is fine. (T=118mph, V=149mph). I'm not sure what the minimum spec for Bongo is but not normally a critical factor!

Original spec put slightly narrower tyres on the front to make steering lighter. As Bob says many use same size all round and without any detriment to the steering.

Make sure your spare is up to the spec required for the rear. i.e. Your fronts' load rating is inadequate for the rear so should not be used as a spare.

[Thriller]

Excellent, thanks folks.

Whats the minimum for the back then, 99?

[Bob]

96, So 99 is fine.

[Northern Bongolow]

just a little add on to the above, as i understand it the v6 is slightly different, the safest way to judge what tyres is to check the door plate, this gives weight and speed ratings as well as tyres sizes but as your already running a non standard wheels you may have to do a work around, but use the info on the door plate to make your decision together with any possible insurance implications.

[rita]

just a little add on to the above, as i understand it the v6 is slightly different, the safest way to judge what tyres is to check the door plate, this gives weight and speed ratings as well as tyres sizes but as your already running a non standard wheels you may have to do a work around, but use the info on the door plate to make your decision together with any possible insurance implications.

This should be number One on your list if you have not already contacted your Insurance Company (Not the Broker/Agent)
I know of several cases where the Insurance Company refused cover for this Modification.

Good Luck.

[Thriller]

Hmm, now I'm a little confused by the insurance suggestions.

I'm only changing the tires, not the wheels. My insurance covers my 18" alloys.

My insurance doesn't know what rating of tire I have so how would they know I have changed them?

Surely changing from 94T tires to 99V tires wouldn't be classed as a modification.

[Bob]

I wouldn't have thought so.

I let my company know when I fitted winter tyres but there was no charge, just replacing normal ones should be ok.

[rita]

Hmm, now I'm a little confused by the insurance suggestions.

I'm only changing the tires, not the wheels. My insurance covers my 18" alloys.

My insurance doesn't know what rating of tire I have so how would they know I have changed them?

Surely changing from 94T tires to 99V tires wouldn't be classed as a modification.

Sorry for the confusion I was referring to the Modified wheels " non standard wheels" as I said some Insurance Companies see this Mod as a No No, and will render Insurance cover Void (in the event of a claim) if the Mod has not been disclosed and Authorise.

Good Luck.

[Thriller]

Thanks folks.

I inflated the tires as it seems like the problem one is a slow puncture. I intend to replace the two front tires as they are looking like they need replacing.

The door info was useful and although not for exactly the same tires it helped me decide on 35 psi or 2.4 bar.

I inflated all 4 tires to the same pressure - is this a acceptable or should the backs be higher than the fronts?

[Bob]

I run mine at F38 R40, but I keep a fair bit of camping gear in the back.

General feeling is to run them a little higher than originaly recommended so your 35 sounds about right.