Tire experts please step in...
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 401
Likes: 0
From: FL
Tire experts please step in...
Is there potentially a problem with going with a lower load index when switching tires? More specifically, is going from a 99 index to a 94 index tire okay for a non-raced, non-tracked daily driver? The load index for a 99 is 1709 lbs. vs. 1477 for the 94. My thought is that, because the GAWR on my '98 coupe is shown as 1977 lbs., each individual rear tire is under a load of 988.5 lbs. (1977 divided by 2). Putting tires with a 94 load index (again, 1477 lbs.) theoretically, would mean that each individual tire still has 488.5 lbs. (1477- 988.5) of unused "load room" vs. 720.5 lbs. with the 99 index tire before it experiences failure.
I don't see any obvious problem here, but then I'm not a tire guy either. Any input would be most appreciated. Thanks.
I don't see any obvious problem here, but then I'm not a tire guy either. Any input would be most appreciated. Thanks.
Last edited by acerider; Jan 6, 2007 at 01:59 PM. Reason: spelling
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 4,933
Likes: 30
From: San Rafael CA
Remember that the weight rating does not take into account what happens when the vehicle is moving. Hard acceleration moves much of the cars weight to the rear tires, while braking moves most of the cars weight to the front tires. Same thing with cornering, the outside tires in a corner carry much more of the vehicles weight than the inside tires.
However, the Eagle F1 Supercar tires on my Z06 have a load rating of 91, so I'd think you're gonna be OK with a 94
However, the Eagle F1 Supercar tires on my Z06 have a load rating of 91, so I'd think you're gonna be OK with a 94
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 401
Likes: 0
From: FL
