Speed ratings

Alpha206 · Dec 4th, 2006, 18:29

I'm just about to change the front tyres on my S60 2.0T SE and I've decided to settle on Michelin Pilot Sport PS2...but what speed rating - V, W or Y?

Currently I've got the original factory-fitted P6000, which are Y-rated (225/45 R17 91Y) - ie good for up to 186 mph. However, I could get away with V-rated (150mph), and the brochure states W-rated (169mph) are the standard fit

. There's not a huge difference in price as far as I can tell but could do with some clarification...

JackT5 · Dec 4th, 2006, 19:02

I once tried going down one step on the tyre speed rating on a car i used to have, however the tyre company refused to fit them. The manager told me that the manufacturers recommended rating or greater were the only ones he could allow fitted.

Alpha206 · Dec 4th, 2006, 20:23

Which means I could go down to "W"..? (I know you can't go below the manuf's rating for insurance reasons)The handbook doesn't specify the speed rating as far as I can tell, although the specifications brochure (which I'm not taking as gospel) states "W" - so why do they fit "Y" rated tyres?

mhon72 · Dec 5th, 2006, 04:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by Graeme Catnach

Which means I could go down to "W"..? (I know you can't go below the manuf's rating for insurance reasons)The handbook doesn't specify the speed rating as far as I can tell, although the specifications brochure (which I'm not taking as gospel) states "W" - so why do they fit "Y" rated tyres?

If the literature states "W" then you should okay as long as the Load Index is the same or higher.
I'm trying to recall what my original factory fit 225/45 17" Conti SportContacts were. I think 91Ws.
I guess Volvo must have got a better deal on 91Y Pirellis than 91Ws.
A similar situation applies to the R-models. The literature states Y-rated but no load index. I've been looking at a few pre-owned models and have noticed that previous keepers have been replacing the factory fit 94Y XL (extra load) Pirellis with regular load 91Ys. Perhaps a minor point but for a performance motor like the R what are the pros & cons?

DaveMitch · Dec 5th, 2006, 07:29

If your going to change just 2 tyres,tyre manufacturer's state you should put the new pair on the rear wheels. If you dont you might find a situation where 'your' back steps out under heavy braking.
Cheers
Dave

Alpha206 · Dec 5th, 2006, 08:22

Thanks Dave, having seen the effect demonstrated a couple of years back on TV (and the comparison with the new tyres on the back) I shall be insisting that's done!

Graeme

binty · Dec 7th, 2006, 22:20

Dear Graeme,
I am lucky to work with some Collision Investigation Team staff from the local police and when replacing my rear tyres a couple of weeks ago took their advice.
You can increase either speed rating or load rating from standard, but must not go below it. If you do and you are involved in an accident, you may be compromised.

I agree with your choice of Michelins, My front have done 18 000 miles and are still going strong, not bad on a T5.

It had sports tyres on when I bought the car, but I made the decision to go for Michelin Pilot Primacys rather than Sports as these were designed specifically for large fast saloons. I was pleased with the difference, they were substantially quieter, gave a better ride, no noticable loss of grip and the tendancy to tramline on ruts in the road disappeared.
I understand though that the sports do give more feedback through the steering and better wet cornering. You pays your money and takes your choice.

Prices vary wildly though. Currently the best price I could get for 225/45R17 94W rated was £109 on the car, nitrogen filled.(VAT included) This is from COSTCO wholesale and it is worth paying the joining fee to get the prices. They also have 20% off if you buy four together.
They only deal in Michelin and they also fit new tyres to the rear to prevent the back end stepping out.
Some places wanted over £160 each.

Good luck

Alpha206 · Dec 7th, 2006, 22:54

Hi Binty, thanks for that - found Pilot Sports on eTyres for £120 & my local fitter has agreed to do them at the same price (having originally quoted me £133!). So the credit card's limbering up for a severe bashing tomorrow!

Alpha206 · Dec 8th, 2006, 12:19

Well, the credit card is now on life support.

Went into the tyre fitting place (Protyre Bath Road, Slough - thoroughly recommended) and asked them to change the fronts and then swap with the rears, and they even removed the wheels without using the windy gun.

Then I received the dreaded "Can you come and look at this, sir?",

and the fiter showed me the scrubbing on the rear tyres probably as a result of the tracking being out. He advised that although the tyres were fine if left on the back he wouldn't recommend them going on the front as they would cause too much vibration. As I didn't want to keep worn tyres on the back I took the decision to replace all 4 tyres and get the tracking done (which was WAY out - probably a result of the 30 speed cushions on my route to work.

)

£540 later

I have 4 new tyres and it feels like a different car...

imac · Dec 8th, 2006, 19:01

£540?! WOW!

A full set of Goodyear Eagles Can be had for £360 fitted and balanced in your size, with tracking/laser alignment £40!

In regards to the original post, I fit winter tyres on my car, and the highest speed rating I can get them is "V", so I have no choice but to drop down a few speed ratings. I don't intend going over 149mph tho, and the load rating is above the required amount!

My summer tyres are Y rated.

Dec 4th, 2006, 18:29	#1
Alpha206 S60 Reg Keeper (Retired) Last Online: Jun 10th, 2023 11:03 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Raxocoricofallipatorious	Speed ratings I'm just about to change the front tyres on my S60 2.0T SE and I've decided to settle on Michelin Pilot Sport PS2...but what speed rating - V, W or Y? Currently I've got the original factory-fitted P6000, which are Y-rated (225/45 R17 91Y) - ie good for up to 186 mph. However, I could get away with V-rated (150mph), and the brochure states W-rated (169mph) are the standard fit. There's not a huge difference in price as far as I can tell but could do with some clarification... __________________ MY05 S60 2.0T SE...no more MY16 V60 T6 Polestar MY71 H.S.121-3B-101 http://www.savethetrident.co.uk/ Campaign to save G-ARPO, the last surviving Trident 1C

Dec 4th, 2006, 19:02	#2
JackT5 Member Last Online: Apr 22nd, 2008 22:26 Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Grimsby	I once tried going down one step on the tyre speed rating on a car i used to have, however the tyre company refused to fit them. The manager told me that the manufacturers recommended rating or greater were the only ones he could allow fitted. __________________ 2002 S80 D5 SE, 96 850 T5

Dec 4th, 2006, 20:23	#3
Alpha206 S60 Reg Keeper (Retired) Last Online: Jun 10th, 2023 11:03 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Raxocoricofallipatorious	Which means I could go down to "W"..? (I know you can't go below the manuf's rating for insurance reasons)The handbook doesn't specify the speed rating as far as I can tell, although the specifications brochure (which I'm not taking as gospel) states "W" - so why do they fit "Y" rated tyres? __________________ MY05 S60 2.0T SE...no more MY16 V60 T6 Polestar MY71 H.S.121-3B-101 http://www.savethetrident.co.uk/ Campaign to save G-ARPO, the last surviving Trident 1C Last edited by Alpha206; Dec 4th, 2006 at 20:25.

Dec 5th, 2006, 08:22	#6
Alpha206 S60 Reg Keeper (Retired) Last Online: Jun 10th, 2023 11:03 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Raxocoricofallipatorious	Thanks Dave, having seen the effect demonstrated a couple of years back on TV (and the comparison with the new tyres on the back) I shall be insisting that's done! Graeme __________________ MY05 S60 2.0T SE...no more MY16 V60 T6 Polestar MY71 H.S.121-3B-101 http://www.savethetrident.co.uk/ Campaign to save G-ARPO, the last surviving Trident 1C

Dec 7th, 2006, 22:20	#7
binty Senior Member Last Online: Apr 9th, 2021 16:08 Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: S****HORPE	Go up but not down Dear Graeme, I am lucky to work with some Collision Investigation Team staff from the local police and when replacing my rear tyres a couple of weeks ago took their advice. You can increase either speed rating or load rating from standard, but must not go below it. If you do and you are involved in an accident, you may be compromised. I agree with your choice of Michelins, My front have done 18 000 miles and are still going strong, not bad on a T5. It had sports tyres on when I bought the car, but I made the decision to go for Michelin Pilot Primacys rather than Sports as these were designed specifically for large fast saloons. I was pleased with the difference, they were substantially quieter, gave a better ride, no noticable loss of grip and the tendancy to tramline on ruts in the road disappeared. I understand though that the sports do give more feedback through the steering and better wet cornering. You pays your money and takes your choice. Prices vary wildly though. Currently the best price I could get for 225/45R17 94W rated was £109 on the car, nitrogen filled.(VAT included) This is from COSTCO wholesale and it is worth paying the joining fee to get the prices. They also have 20% off if you buy four together. They only deal in Michelin and they also fit new tyres to the rear to prevent the back end stepping out. Some places wanted over £160 each. Good luck __________________ Binty XC90 D5 SE Auto (Black) Mazda MX5 Sport Tec (Black) Mercedes SLK 250d 9G auto AMG line (Black) Previous Volvos C30 Rdesign 2.0D (black), C30 Rdesign 1.6D (black), S60 T5 (black)

Dec 5th, 2006, 07:29	#5
DaveMitch Member Last Online: Oct 7th, 2021 11:34 Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: London	If your going to change just 2 tyres,tyre manufacturer's state you should put the new pair on the rear wheels. If you dont you might find a situation where 'your' back steps out under heavy braking. Cheers Dave

Dec 7th, 2006, 22:54	#8
Alpha206 S60 Reg Keeper (Retired) Last Online: Jun 10th, 2023 11:03 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Raxocoricofallipatorious	Hi Binty, thanks for that - found Pilot Sports on eTyres for £120 & my local fitter has agreed to do them at the same price (having originally quoted me £133!). So the credit card's limbering up for a severe bashing tomorrow! __________________ MY05 S60 2.0T SE...no more MY16 V60 T6 Polestar MY71 H.S.121-3B-101 http://www.savethetrident.co.uk/ Campaign to save G-ARPO, the last surviving Trident 1C

Dec 8th, 2006, 12:19	#9
Alpha206 S60 Reg Keeper (Retired) Last Online: Jun 10th, 2023 11:03 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Raxocoricofallipatorious	Well, the credit card is now on life support. Went into the tyre fitting place (Protyre Bath Road, Slough - thoroughly recommended) and asked them to change the fronts and then swap with the rears, and they even removed the wheels without using the windy gun. Then I received the dreaded "Can you come and look at this, sir?", and the fiter showed me the scrubbing on the rear tyres probably as a result of the tracking being out. He advised that although the tyres were fine if left on the back he wouldn't recommend them going on the front as they would cause too much vibration. As I didn't want to keep worn tyres on the back I took the decision to replace all 4 tyres and get the tracking done (which was WAY out - probably a result of the 30 speed cushions on my route to work. ) £540 later I have 4 new tyres and it feels like a different car... __________________ MY05 S60 2.0T SE...no more MY16 V60 T6 Polestar MY71 H.S.121-3B-101 http://www.savethetrident.co.uk/ Campaign to save G-ARPO, the last surviving Trident 1C

Dec 8th, 2006, 19:01	#10
imac Premier Member Last Online: Sep 19th, 2009 21:23 Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: Hove, Actually.	£540?! WOW! A full set of Goodyear Eagles Can be had for £360 fitted and balanced in your size, with tracking/laser alignment £40! In regards to the original post, I fit winter tyres on my car, and the highest speed rating I can get them is "V", so I have no choice but to drop down a few speed ratings. I don't intend going over 149mph tho, and the load rating is above the required amount! My summer tyres are Y rated. __________________ MY97 S70 T5 CD - Now with added Milltek!

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