Tyre speed rating query

ed.murph

Hi, first time post here, hope someone can help me out.

I recently replaced some tyres on a Corolla I have about 6 months. I put a reasonably good set on (Continental eco contact) and the fitter replaced the tyres with what had been on it previously. Since then I have looked at the car manual (should have done it beforehand!) and noticed that while the size and load bearing are correct, the speed rating recommended is a H (130 mph) and the new tyres are a T (118mph). The quoted max speed for the car is 115mph. I know the previous set were also T rated (I still have the spare from the set in the boot) so I’m guessing that somewhere along the life of the car the original H’s were replaced with T’s.

So I am wondering are they any safety implications for using these tyres? If the speed rating is the max speed the tyre can handle I am guessing not as I am never going to hit 118mph or even near it, but does the speed rating also take into account the engine size or anything else for that matter?

Finally would there be any insurance / NCT implications for using a tyre below the manufacturers recommended specs? Have tried trawling through google for an answer but can’t seem to find one…..

Thanks in advance!

ham_n_mustard

Howya, so long as the tyres on either side of the same axle are the same rating and pattern you shouldnt have any problems. i work in a garage and we fit our own tyres. I've only ever seen an assessor taking an interest in tyre fitment once. a car had one rear tyre changed and the replacement wasnt a match. long story short, the car couldnt hold a bend, skidded, crashed. owner tried to claim on comprehensive insurance, claim was rejected.

crosstownk

While you didn't mention the year of your Corolla, I'd be happy enough that T rate tyres would be sufficient. T is good for 190km/h so I don't think you've anything to worry about. It won't cause you to fail the NCT.

http://www.tyres-online.co.uk/techinfo/speed.asp

Bluefoam

It is my understanding that you must use the recommended rated tyre...

Seth Brundle

You should be fine once you are not going near that speed (which in a Corolla, you never will!

Some good saturday reading: www.carbibles.com

ed.murph

Cheers for the replies. Its a 02 1.4 litre vvti. As you say I am never going to hit 190 km/h or even near it (unless I'm on a really steep hill :pac:) so they should be OK.

kbannon wrote: »

You should be fine once you are not going near that speed (which in a Corolla, you never will!

Some good saturday reading: www.carbibles.com

Interesting reading re: DOT age codes. I would say there a fair few 6+ year old tyres sitting in boots around the country.

AsphaltRisin'

ed.murph wrote: »

Cheers for the replies. Its a 02 1.4 litre vvti. As you say I am never going to hit 190 km/h or even near it (unless I'm on a really steep hill :pac:) so they should be OK.



Interesting reading re: DOT age codes. I would say there a fair few 6+ year old tyres sitting in boots around the country.

i had one that was 27 years old in one car i had ha ha ha,! i also had two modern ones in there though. the original was just kept in there for the look of it as the car was kept very original apart from new brake lines, brakes, modern tyres etc to make it a little safer