Tyre Speed Ratings

Anonymous · April 19, 2005, 22:29

Advice please...

Just recently picked up my '2 and am having a minor spat with my (independent) dealer.

The tyre that was fitted to the front passenger side wheel was a Pirelli P6000 with a speed rating H. I took the car to my local tyre shop who gleefully told me that H was the wrong speed rating for the '2 and it should be V as per the other 3 Bridgestone tyres. I was also told that the wrong speed rating can invalidate insurance. Is this right?

My dealer thinks not (he would eh?) and refuses to replace the tyre...

Also, does Toyota specify V as the speed rating for the '2? I cannot find anything in the handbook.

Help?!

kanujunkie · April 19, 2005, 22:36

mine are V's as well if i remember right, but you shouldn't mix tyres anyway, they should be replaced in pairs for the same type on each side

Anonymous · April 20, 2005, 11:04

m http://www.hkaa.com.hk/tips04_en.html m

Q = 160km/h
S = 180km/h
T=190km/h
U = 200km/h
H = 210 km/h
V = 240 km/h
W = 270 km/h
Z = above 270 km/h

The '2s official max speed is 130mph, or 208kph, so you're just within (but uncomfortably close imho) to a H rated tyre. However, if you happen to be going downhill at the time you could easily hit 135 (216kph) and if you ever manage to max out the uk gearing at about 152mph (turbo anyone?) then even V rated aren't any good.

As has been said, I would be more immediately worried about the mix of tyres. Incidentally, Toyota fit V rated on new vehicles, so perhaps that should tell you something?

Anonymous · April 20, 2005, 11:07

I would always round up one higher to the highest speed, which in this case, the 2 should e a V rating.

H is too close to call and I would go back and play merry hell!!! s:twisted: :twisted: s:twisted:

Anonymous · April 20, 2005, 11:09

I run 235 / 40 ZR17`s !!!

Ih i had H rated i say below 80 mph s:cry: :cry: s:cry:

Anonymous · April 20, 2005, 11:18

Quote from: "LLOYD"I run 235 / 40 ZR17`s !!!

Ih i had H rated i say below 80 mph s:cry: :cry: s:cry:

My typing is poor today! s:cry: :cry: s:cry:

should say `if i had H rated i would stay below 80mph!`

Anonymous · April 20, 2005, 11:21

If you do not fit tyres that are to Toyota specification your insurance will not pay for an RTA related claim, the only exception is when the spare is fitted.
I hope this helps as its info from the trade.

Anonymous · April 20, 2005, 11:54

Quote from: "1ZZ"If you do not fit tyres that are to Toyota specification your insurance will not pay for an RTA related claim, the only exception is when the spare is fitted.
I hope this helps as its info from the trade.

Totally agree, insurance companies will do ANYTHING to get out of a claim!

Anonymous · April 20, 2005, 13:33

Quote from: "1ZZ"If you do not fit tyres that are to Toyota specification your insurance will not pay for an RTA related claim, the only exception is when the spare is fitted.
I hope this helps as its info from the trade.

Even if they are a higher spec?

BenF · April 22, 2005, 01:11

I'd point out that its a sports car, and that the tyre should have matched the others on the car to keep the handling and balance correct.

the P6000 isn't a bad tyre, but it won't grip in the same way as the other three. The price difference is minimal I'd have thought between that and the 'proper' tyre ..

One factor is the speed rating, but there's also the load rating each tyre has - H is likely to be lower than V or Z, but it is tyre specific.

Anonymous · April 23, 2005, 08:09

Higher speed rating is OK.

Anonymous · April 26, 2005, 16:28

Slightly tricky issue. First, I would check in the car handbook. Does it specify that tyres should be V rated? If it does, go back to the tyre supplier with the book and politely but firmly tell them that they have fitted the wrong tyre. They must change it for the insurance reasons that others have pointed out.
Another piece of ammunition is to tell them that Pirelli specify V-rated P6000s for the MR2 (this info from m http://www.pirelli.co.uk m )

Go get 'em

Personally, I would suggest that you also tell them that you would prefer the replacement to be a Bridgestone to match the other 3. It will not do the handling of your car any good to mix tyres.

Good luck
Andy