Drivers Pay Too Much For Tyres That Are Over Rated
Sunday, 31. October 2010
We’re getting to that time of year when I’m sure I’ll have plenty of reports relating to tyres but before we get into the summer/winter tyre debates a question has come up regarding speed ratings on tyres. When a car is new tyres are often fitted by the manufacturer that have a speed rating much higher than the car is capable of travelling. For example a car may be fitted with V rated tyres, safe to a speed of 149 miles per hour. The question is should the same tyres be fitted when they are due for replacement or can the driver fit lower H rated tyres safe to a speed of 130 miles per hour, especially as the car may not be capable of reaching 130 miles perhour. The official advice is that you can fit lower speed rated tyres as long as you fit them in pairs to either the front or rear. It is recommended that rear tyres are fitted with the new tyres and the older tyres, fitted to the rear, should be moved to the front. With regard to advising the insurer, Admiral advise that speed/load rating on tyres are not regarded as modifications and therefore insurers don’t need to be advised. By Graham Hill
