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[flymofred]

I've got a 2.6 elite Estate one of the rear tyres needs replacing. Whilst thank goodness the tyre sizes are the same the load ratings are different. One being 97W Extra Load the other 94y. Does anyone know what the correct loads rating should. Personally I don't think I need an Extra Load. rating as I'm not an antiques dealer. Thanks martinH

[McBandy]

But the estate (and the saloon) is a big heavy barge so you may find you do need XL.
I don't know exactly where you'll find it but try looking on the petrol cap or in one of the door shuts for a listing of what tyre sizes need which pressure and if you're lucky it will list speed and load rating. Failing that try looking in the handbook

[Doctor Gollum]

97W...

Antiques dealer or not, the tyres should match the ability of the car

[Lizzie Zoom]

97W every time.

On all my V6's I have had those fitted even if it has meant changing all 4 tyres because they are 'not to standard', although almost brand new.

As said, our cars are heavy beasts and require the best, high rated tyres, you can have fitted.

Oh no, ..just realised I have participated in yet another tyre thread...........this will go on and on, and on......

[neil74]

When I've gone to the tyre place they stick on 97W's without asking.

[terry paget]

Those letters ae speed ratings, not load ratings, and refer to the maximum speed at which the tyres are safe. They go from N - 87mpg, R - 105mph, V - 140mph, W - 168mph to Y - 186mph. Some say tyres should be fit for the maximum speed the car can do, but I reckon a R reg tyre should suffice on an Omega unless the owner plans to tour in Germany. 

[Nick W]

Those letters ae speed ratings, not load ratings, and refer to the maximum speed at which the tyres are safe. They go from N - 87mpg, R - 105mph, V - 140mph, W - 168mph to Y - 186mph. Some say tyres should be fit for the maximum speed the car can do, but I reckon a R reg tyre should suffice on an Omega unless the owner plans to tour in Germany.

You missed out several speed ratings.
The law says that the speed rating should match the car's top speed.
And I doubt that you can even buy R-rated tyres in the sizes that most Omegas need - even the budget 235/45 17s on mine are W-rated, as are the similar 195/50 15s on mum's Focus.

[TheBoy]

The official spec is a load rating of 93 or higher.

As for speed rating, you have to match or exceed what the manufacturer states.  For the V6, this is W, Y or Z.  For non V6, its V. 


Using a lower rating (speed or load) is not permitted, no matter how you drive.

[terry paget]

I merely quoted some of the speed ratings as examples. My point was that they refer to speed, not load. I presume the heavier the load the higher the inflation pressure.

I was aware of the principle that the speed rating should exceed the car's maximum speed, but having owned Senator 24valves and Omega 3.2s I have never suffered an MOT failure because the tyres had inadequate speed ratings, and doubt they ever check. I am preparing my 3.2 for MOT at the moment, it's tempting to find out.

[TheBoy]

I merely quoted some of the speed ratings as examples. My point was that they refer to speed, not load. I presume the heavier the load the higher the inflation pressure.

I was aware of the principle that the speed rating should exceed the car's maximum speed, but having owned Senator 24valves and Omega 3.2s I have never suffered an MOT failure because the tyres had inadequate speed ratings, and doubt they ever check. I am preparing my 3.2 for MOT at the moment, it's tempting to find out.

I don't think its checked at MOT.  Remember, an MOT is not a guarantee of road worthiness.

I've owned cars that have specified tyres way over the car's maximum speed.  Its not that clear cut, and has been carefully calculated by the manufacturer.


Its also very, very likely that you will have to declare it to your insurance company, as you have reduced the specification of a critical safety component.  That's assuming they will still insure you.

[terry paget]

It would seem irrational to fail a car at MOT just because its tyres are not 140mph rated when the national speed limit is 70mph. The driver's handbook lists the speed code letters, and observes that when on winter tyres with a speed rating lower than the vehicle' maximum speed 'a notice indicating the maximum permissible speed must be affixed within the driver's field of vision'. I am sure all members do this.

[LC0112G]

It's not an MOT failure, but it is an SVA/IVA failure. Plenty of Japanese imports fail their import SVA/IVA tests because the tyres are the wrong speed or load ratings. Daft, but "rulez is rulez". 

[STEMO]

The wife's captur, hardly a heavy car, comes out of the factory with XL Michelin's on it, and they should be replaced with XL's, according to Renault.

[Doctor Gollum]

Heavy it may not be, but tall it is, which has more of an effect on the sidewall loadings

You're right about the weight though... less than 1,200 kgs I would try not to crash it...

[Chazza12]

mine say 800kg 215/65R15 max 49 psi on rear told they people carrier tyres. but stick to the road well.