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Does anyone know the legalities around Tyre Load ratings?

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XXX-1.8T Bishop of Volkswagenism

3,113 posts · joined Oct 2002 ·

#822128
My tyre placard says this on my Passat R36:

235/45 R17 94W
235/40 R18 95Y

I have a set of 19" wheels and the tyre size that suits best not to foul up the speedo is 235/35/19. Problem is that all tyres in 235/35/19 size are rated at 91Y

Which is technically illegal unless there is a rule i dont know about?

Funnily enough the Passat CC have a placard that says:

235/45 R17 94W
235/40 R18 95Y
235/35 R19 91Y

So do i need to find 95Y rated tyres or will they come under the rules of 91Y as per Passat CC?

Or if the tyre size is not listed i can do what i want?

65standard Officially Full-On Dubber

373 posts · joined Apr 2009 ·

#822148
XXX-1.8T wrote:My tyre placard says this on my Passat R36:

235/45 R17 94W
235/40 R18 95Y

I have a set of 19" wheels and the tyre size that suits best not to foul up the speedo is 235/35/19. Problem is that all tyres in 235/35/19 size are rated at 91Y

Which is technically illegal unless there is a rule i dont know about?

Funnily enough the Passat CC have a placard that says:

235/45 R17 94W
235/40 R18 95Y
235/35 R19 91Y

So do i need to find 95Y rated tyres or will they come under the rules of 91Y as per Passat CC?

Or if the tyre size is not listed i can do what i want?
I don't know what you're asking about legalities of load ratings, but here's a link that may help you.

http://www.bridgestoneselect.com.au/LearnTyres/charts/loadspeed.aspx?ax=true&KeepThis=true&TB_iframe=true&height=450&width=605

I would dare say that the legalities to worry about are the tyre/wheel width so they don't stick out past the mud guard and the overall rolling circumference so that you don't get errors at the speedo.
If it ain't broke, fix it till it is!

XXX-1.8T Bishop of Volkswagenism

3,113 posts · joined Oct 2002 ·

#822159
Ive heard that if you get a tyre thats lower than your load rating it is illegal and your insurance is void.

In my case for 18" it is 95Y but nothing is specified for 19".

So do i need a 95Y 19" or can i fit anything?

65standard Officially Full-On Dubber

373 posts · joined Apr 2009 ·

#822171
I thought it was a given that you wouldn't use a tyre under rated for its use. Particularly its load rating.

I can't give you legal advice, but I would stick with the manufacturer's specifications or see a tyre fitting place and seek their advice for your needs.

Sorry I can't be of more help.
If it ain't broke, fix it till it is!

1303Steve Scirocco Rare

8,650 posts · joined Aug 2002 ·

#822227
Hi

Owners of Range Rovers had an exemption organised through an RTA engineer for the fitting of lower speed rating tyres, where in Australia can you use the actual speed rating on the tyres expect on a race track. So maybe you could get a RTA approved engineer to sign off on using lower load rating tyres.

How much does the car weigh?

91 = 615 kgs per tyre
94 = 670 kgs per tyre
95 = 690 kgs per tyre

Steve

XXX-1.8T Bishop of Volkswagenism

3,113 posts · joined Oct 2002 ·

#822233
Hi Steve,

Weight is 1747kg's

I spoke to VW Australia and they said they would get back to me.

So i should have an update tomorrow but the person at VWA thinks 91Y should suffice.

What ever they tell me im going to get it in writing.

XXX-1.8T Bishop of Volkswagenism

3,113 posts · joined Oct 2002 ·

#822341
Am i covered with this email:

From: Costa
Sent: Thursday, 20 January 2011 11:29 AM
To: Caroline

Hi Caroline,

Just checking to see when you will send the email confirming that:

235/35/19 load rating 91Y is the correct tyre to put on my Passat R36 when upgrading to 19 inch wheels

I would like to order the tyres today and I want to make sure I have ordered the correct ones.

Kind regards,
Costa

From: Caroline [mailto:caroline@volkswagen.com.au]
Sent: Thursday, 20 January 2011 12:09 PM
To: Costa

Hi Costa,

The below rim/tyre configuration is used on our factory 19 inch rim:

8.0J X 19 235/35R19 91Y - CONTINENTAL SPORT CONTACT 3

Hope this is the answer you are looking for

Kind regards,
Caroline
Customer Care Representative

VOLKSWAGEN Group Australia
PO Box 2316 Strawberry Hills
Phone: 1800 607 822
Email: caroline@volkswagen.com.au

colin Fahrvergnugen

984 posts · joined Mar 2007 ·

#822366
I work at a tyre and mechanical workshop and it is my understanding of the tyre placard that you cannot put a 91y tyre on a car that specifies a higher speed and load rating.
It can be failed for rego and will also void your insurance.
You can however go up 1 size in rim diameter so 19 will be okay.
Seek help from your local tyre retailer they will be able to source a suitable tyre.

Cheers Col

XXX-1.8T Bishop of Volkswagenism

3,113 posts · joined Oct 2002 ·

#822379
I checked with my insurance company GIO and they said that if i pay $100 a year extra they will insure me with 19" wheels. Just to be on the safe side i will specify my tyres are 235/35/19 91Y so that way they cant say i havent disclosed all information.

I should be fine now i think?

also i found this:
http://rvcs-prodweb.dot.gov.au/perl/35384_881602_RVD_22Jan2010143220.cmd

Can anyone explain what government site it is?

barls Administrator Causer of Chaos and Mayhem

9,476 posts · joined Jun 2004 ·

#822382
looks like an rta vehicle sheet
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