tyre speed ratings
Discussion
W rated tyres are have a speed rating of 168mph,technically this is too slow for a C5 even though you may never exploit the top speed.
Y rating is 186mph but the most important number to look at is the load rating,this the figure that appears just before the letter I.E. 245/40/18 96W, in this case it's 96.
Basically the speed rating denotes the tyre ability to retain it's integrity and lose heat build up at constant speed and the load denotes the maximum corner weight the tyre is constructed for without compromise.
Insurance companies love tyres with insufficient capacity for the application when they are looking for ways to duck out of a claim.
Always go for the same load/speed ratings or higher when changing tyres.
I hope that makes sense.
Y rating is 186mph but the most important number to look at is the load rating,this the figure that appears just before the letter I.E. 245/40/18 96W, in this case it's 96.
Basically the speed rating denotes the tyre ability to retain it's integrity and lose heat build up at constant speed and the load denotes the maximum corner weight the tyre is constructed for without compromise.
Insurance companies love tyres with insufficient capacity for the application when they are looking for ways to duck out of a claim.
Always go for the same load/speed ratings or higher when changing tyres.
I hope that makes sense.
It is legal to fit them, for an MOT, the tyres fitted must simply be appropriate for the use of the vehicle, The tyre speed rating is for extended use at the maximum load rating for the tyre, don't think anyone could argue that having tyres rated for 168mph extended running is even close to being borderline for being short of appropriate in the UK.
Your insurance company may well question a claim where you had been driving at extended periods above 168mph in any case!
Manufacturers obviously have to fit Original Equipment tyres that accomodate the maximum speed of the vehicle to cover their arse, they don't know that you're not going to spend all your time hooning up and down the Autobahn at top whack or lapping Daytona or whatever...
Unless you are planning on entering any endurance races you should be fine....
P.
Your insurance company may well question a claim where you had been driving at extended periods above 168mph in any case!
Manufacturers obviously have to fit Original Equipment tyres that accomodate the maximum speed of the vehicle to cover their arse, they don't know that you're not going to spend all your time hooning up and down the Autobahn at top whack or lapping Daytona or whatever...
Unless you are planning on entering any endurance races you should be fine....
P.
Since the tyre contact patches are all that's between us and the afterlife it seems a good idea to fit tyres of at least the manufacturer's rating. Especially since Corvette is one of the quickest cars on the road. 
The insurance point is crucial too. You don't want to find yourself driving without insurance.
The insurance point is crucial too. You don't want to find yourself driving without insurance.
5 USA said:
The insurance point is crucial too. You don't want to find yourself driving without insurance.
If you read the small print you will have to declare any modifications from the standard carI have runflats on the front and had to go for Kumos on the back as couldn’t source the tyres when the time came up but at least I feel safer with a firm front end
Sam
Gassing Station | Corvettes | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff