tyres

[jellybean36uk]

We're about to go on holiday so hubby was doing normal checks. Oil etc and was going to fill tyres but now we're confused. Lol ive checked through all the bongo paperwork ive got from last owner and cant find out was pressure to put in to them. Hubby is used to psi but the car is in bars. We have 195 tyres all round so what pressure should they be at??

[Muzorewa]

About 40psi all round. But are they 195/70 tyres? In which case the rears are really too narrow, Mazda fitted them on the front but 215/65 on the rear

[jellybean36uk]

Ok. Will have to get that sorted soon then. X

[Jerzy]

Hmmm...I have 195/70/R15 all round, as it came, with a side conversion.
When I have them changed, or sooner, am I just after 215/75/R15 for the back then ?

[Muzorewa]

215/65, not 215/75. Or 215/65 all round, but not 195/70 all round.

[Simon Jones]

It wasn't mentioned what the vehicle details are, but these are the official tyre size and pressure figures for 2002 V6 (2WD). You'll have a sticker like this on the B pillar for one of the front doors.



The tyres factsheet has the full lowdown on tyres, but as others have mentioned, 195 at the rear is too narrow and this may have insurance implications in the event of a claim.

[Jerzy]

Yeah, don't know why I typed "75".
Anyway, that's how it came from Ian Taylor.
So how does that affect the spare then, if the tyres are different sizes ?
ps, it's an N reg Diesel 4WD.

[Simon Jones]

Despite the different sizes, they work out as the same rolling circumferences which is especially important with 4WD as differences between front and rear axles can cause issues with the transfer 'box.

This will explain everything: http://www.igmaynard.co.uk/bongo/member ... /tyres.pdf

[Jerzy]

Thanks Simon, lots of numbers in there but I think I geddit
Ideally 215/65s on the rear to accompany my 195/70s on the front, probably especially as I've just put the bike rack on for an upcoming trip.

Only other question from the factsheet then:

"However, despite the manufacturer’s recommendations, there are a couple of problems associated with fitting 195s on the front, and 215s on the rear. Firstly, it means that your spare wheel is restricted to being a “spacesaver”. "

I had intended to get a full size spare to replace my old jap spacesaver which i've no idea of the condition, and was going to get one to match my 4 current 195/70s - can't I do that now ?? And why would the space saver be ok and a full size not ?
(OK that's two questions )

[Muzorewa]

Space saver is ok based on being speed restricted.

We've got a full size spare which is the front size, on the odd occasion I've needed it I've just had the puncture repaired straight away.

[Simon Jones]

The ideal solution is to have all 4 road wheels & the full size spare running on the same size (& make/model) tyres. Some folk have 17" rims on the van with low profile tyres & then a 15" wheel as the spare with 'high profile' tyre so the rolling circumference works out to be the same. Yes, ditch the space saver as the rubber will be perished & then find 15" steel wheel & fit suitable size tyre. My advice is to bring all 4 road wheels up to the right size (215) rather than taking the spare down to it (195).

[Jerzy]

Thanks chaps!
I'll look at getting some 215s on the back for now and by the sounds of it, match them on the front when I'm ready for swapping. Sounds like if I get a steel wheel, I could put one of my removed 195s on it if needed as long as I only use it to get me slowly to a garage in the event a repair.
Cheers again.
J

[Jerzy]

I take it the new 215/65/R15s for the back will go on the same rims as the 195/70/R15s I have will they ? Or will I need new wheels ??

[haybal]

I take it the new 215/65/R15s for the back will go on the same rims as the 195/70/R15s I have will they ? Or will I need new wheels ??

Will go on same wheels

[David Edwards]

I have always run on 215 65 15's all round with 32 psi front and 34 rear unless we have a load on then I increase it and, at £45.00 a tyre fully fitted, well happy lol.