Okay, this is getting stupid. I've got 17x7 wheels waiting, (itching), to get put on my car but I need tyres. Simple? Not as simple as I'd hoped. Here's the specifics.

* I had planned on putting 225/50/R17's (an obscure size/ratio)
* My car has a load rating of 95
* I'm yet to find a tyre of that specification and load rating
* A guy from a tyre joint said Mitsubishi are fools and all their cars have over rated load ratings. The last two models had 94 and I think Commodore and Falcon are 93, yet they are heavier (can someone confirm this?) and mines lighter with 95
* This guy said he has, (and showed me), genuine Mitsu tyre stickers to lower the rating to 94 which makes it easy to find a tyre but sounds dodgy.
* My insurance said they would be fine with lowering the load rating to find tyres but I bet it would require Mitsu to do it themselves.
* Funnily enough, it was a Mitsu service fella who pointed me in his direction.

So, does anyone have a suggestion? I'd like a legitimate outcome so if someone knows a make and model of 225/50/R17's and a load rating of 95 or higher, I'd love to hear from you.

Did that all make sence? Please ask for clarification.

Okay, this is getting stupid. I've got 17x7 wheels waiting, (itching), to get put on my car but I need tyres. Simple? Not as simple as I'd hoped. Here's the specifics.

* I had planned on putting 225/50/R17's (an obscure size/ratio)
* My car has a load rating of 95
* I'm yet to find a tyre of that specification and load rating
* A guy from a tyre joint said Mitsubishi are fools and all their cars have over rated load ratings. The last two models had 94 and I think Commodore and Falcon are 93, yet they are heavier (can someone confirm this?) and mines lighter with 95
* This guy said he has, (and showed me), genuine Mitsu tyre stickers to lower the rating to 94 which makes it easy to find a tyre but sounds dodgy.
* My insurance said they would be fine with lowering the load rating to find tyres but I bet it would require Mitsu to do it themselves.
* Funnily enough, it was a Mitsu service fella who pointed me in his direction.

So, does anyone have a suggestion? I'd like a legitimate outcome so if someone knows a make and model of 225/50/R17's and a load rating of 95 or higher, I'd love to hear from you.

Did that all make sence? Please ask for clarification.
bridgestone grid 2 / 3 (225/50/17) have em on my vrx

they have others just go into bridgestone tyre centre

bridgestone grid 2 / 3 (225/50/17) have em on my vrx

they have others just go into bridgestone tyre centre

Correct me if I am wrong, but I think you will find these Bridgestones are rated 94, not 95. Redav is after 95.

Two years ago when I got my 17's, and too could not find a 225/50/17 with a load rating of 95 or higher. (I think 235/45/17 is the same story).

Like what Redav has been recommended to do, and I took the advice of my tyre centre and replaced my tyre placard sticker with a VRX tyre placard.

Now at least it appears legitimate, and I know it's not a safety issue because the VRX's run with 94s. What else can you do if you want 17” wheels?

I also have 17x7 wheels. I have Federal 235/45/17 load rating 93 on my advance. So far not having any drama's at all. Nice chunky tyre handles well in the wet. Not sure on pricing as I scored my last set for free when I changed mags which I also got for free (excuse me while I brag a little :P )

Hope you find the answer to your problem soon.

Hope you find the answer to your problem soon.

Same here. I've got VR-X rims sitting in my room asking my why I'm not using them. MYV64U, you know that if you're in an accident, with a load rating below what you're stickered for then your insurrance will probably brush you?

Yeah, that's what this guy was offering Velocity. It's tempting but I'd like a legit solution. My worry there was that I reckon that my insurance would know what the car was stickered for regardless of what the sticker says. They are happy for it to be stickered for a lower rating but if they found out that it wasn't Mitsu that did it, and it was a tyre mob, then I'm gooOOoone.

I am insured through NRMA in NSW. They know all the shit that's on my car. They made me change my rims from 17x7.5 cause they'd only allow 7inch's wide.

They seemed cool when I told them. They seemed cool when they inspected the car. So I'm pretty sure they'll pay out. My last car was hit behind the drivers door by a driver who need's glass's and become airbourne into a pole. They paid that out in 4 days.

We'll wait and see .......... but after hitting a pole in the air and spinning like a top down the road for abit I won't be getting into another accident anytime soon.

Ahh... okay. I'm with NRMA too. Have you made any inquiries about mods etc? I've found them 95% helpful and accomodating with my desired mods. Well, all the basic mods anyway. Someone suggested apeaking to them about using tyres of a lower rating and get a letter in writing from them allowing it as it really is rediculous. I might try that avenue. I doubt they'll go for it but they might. They were happy with it being re-stickered. I'm going to have a chat to the Bridgestone dudes here in Milton at lunch and see what they recommend.

Just checked mine. Falken ZE 325 235/45/17 on 17.5 " ROH. Load rate is indicated as 650 kg, which is same as 93. Tyre placard states min 95 which is 690 kg.
Hmmm - I bought these tyres/wheels in good faith and my insurance company (Justcar) has not asked me questions about the legality of them. I might contact them as soon as I click off the net. Getting bit worried now....
Slayer - checked your yet? What did NRMA say?

yeah i actually new about this when I got my rims/tyres my tyres are rated at 94 load rating and I suspect my car tj advance would be 95. I say suspect because my car doesn't have a tyre placard. Yes it has worried me insurance wise (with nrma) but I've always heard you can by a placard from many of the other models that had a rating of 94. If any of you guys get a new placard let us know how i.e from mitsu spares and for how much?

If you're after a tyre placard I think I can help you here. I was offered one by a tyre store. If you're keen, I'll head back and see him. TJ's are 94 so you won't have anything to worry about. Any TL owners out there? I'd like to know what they are. Probably 94 too.

So, I'm going to speak to NRMA about it. It's 20kg between the 94 and 95. It's stupid. Mitsubishi suck.

Okay, NRMA now suck too. I now think they're 90% helpful.

:evil:

I'm going to cry. NRMA don't care how wide the tyre is, as long as it fits, they're happy. That being the case, back to the 235/45's make it easy. Pitty I want 225's. Guess I'll have to brush it.

yeah i actually new about this when I got my rims/tyres my tyres are rated at 94 load rating and I suspect my car tj advance would be 95. I say suspect because my car doesn't have a tyre placard. Yes it has worried me insurance wise (with nrma) but I've always heard you can by a placard from many of the other models that had a rating of 94. If any of you guys get a new placard let us know how i.e from mitsu spares and for how much?

I bought a VRX placard around 2 years ago from Mitsubishi Spare Parts and it cost less than $2 from memory.

The reason I believe Mitsubishi load rated most of the Magnas at 95 is not because of safety or performance issues, it's because the factory tyres are rated at 95. The VRX's 17" factory tyres are rated 94, so that's what the placard says! :evil:

Apparently there are some TE's out there with a load rating of 94, because Mitsubishi had to change their tyre brand for a while because of a supply shortage.

So, looks like I'm going to have to go for 235's, (I can't even go back to 215's), so is it poor form to fit 235's to a 7' wide rim? NRMA said as long as it fits, they don't car what size it is.

Here are a lot of details for those interested in the legalities and technicalities of 17” wheels on Magnas in NSW (and I’m guessing the rest of Australia).

Point 1 – Legally you must maintain your overall wheel diameter within 15mm of factory standard to maintain speedo accuracy.

205/65/15 - 647.44mm overall diameter
215/60/16 - 664.21 mm overall diameter
225/50/17 - 656.59 mm overall diameter
235/45/17 - 643.12 mm overall diameter

People who’s Magnas came with 15” wheels will have 205/65/15. You can see from the above table that either 225/50/17 or 235/45/17 are both within 15mm of your original diameter. One is slightly taller, the other slightly shorter.

Point 2 – Legally you cannot increase your width by more than 1” from factory standard and you cannot increase your wheel track by more than 1” from factory standard.

If you had 15” wheels, they will be 6” wide, which means you cannot go wider than 7”. And 235/45/17 are (to my knowledge) not approved by tyre makers for 7” wide rims.

So that means you have to go back to 225/50/17.

Point 3 – Legally you cannot use tyres with a loading rating lower than factory standard.

So this makes 225/50/17’s illegal as well as they are load rated at 94 or less and you need 95.

Conclusion – Magnas which had 15” wheels cannot legally use 17” wheels. Exception - if you are lucky enough to have a rare TE with 94 load rating on your placard, then 225/50/17 is legal as long as your don’t exceed 7” wide rims.

Next… if your Magna/Verada came with 16” wheels then your tyres are 215/60/16. Right away, from the above table, you can see that the only tyre diameter approved is 225/50/17 because 235/45/17 is way too short at 21mm less than factory standard.

But 225/50/17 does not meet the required load rating of 95.

Conclusion – Magnas which had 16” wheels cannot legally use 17” wheels. Exception – if you have a TJ or TL Sports, you have 16”x7” wheels. Which means you can use 17”x8”. There is a very obscure tyre size that Pirelli makes – the 235/50/17 which does have a load rating of 95, however they are around $500 per corner apparently.

Lastly, if your Magna came with 17” wheels (means you probably have a VRX or Ralliart) you can if you use 225/50/17 (factory standard) or 235/45/17 legally.

Based on all this, that is why I decided to take my chances and get the VRX tyre placard. If someone can prove me wrong on the above, it is welcomed.

Sorry for the long posting.

so how come every tyre joint ive been to have told me 235/45 are the best for 17's?

Hey guys

ok great might have to pop down and pick up a vrx tyre placard from mitsu soonish not that I'm hoping to have an accident anytime soon. Redav I have 17x7 rims with 235 rubber on them. 235 is cheaper as it's more widely available (stock size for falcons and commodores) and every wheel place I went too recommended the 235's over the 225's. I havn't come across any problems with the combination at all and it sticks within nrma guidelines :)

Sorry for the long posting.

Nah, that's a good post.

I'm going to go sulk! :(

I think you'll find that most insurance companys WONT payout ONLY if the tyre is incorrect for the car AND was the cause of the accident.

If you have an accident and your tyres are fine they will not inspect them in any depth.

Aslong as you buy good tyres that will not cause you an accident then i dont see why we should be worrying about anyone of this. What do you expect ppl, who dont even no what a load rating is, to do when they go down to there local tyre joint to pick up some new rubber? They take the advice the bloke there gives them. I dont think you'll see them ever getting knocked back on a claim because of a tyre issue.

I think your being a little TO causes with this one! Go grab a set of well know branded tyres in whatever width and profile you want and you'll be sweet....

Hey Velocity, you must have been talking to RTA same time as me, the guy had the answers pretty handy....
I would like to know how many claims have been rejected in cases like these. Anyone?
Also, RTA states that rim width may not exceed more than 26 mm (inch) from the original width OR largest optional wheel recommended by manufacturer. I wonder if Mitsu knows which models had which options. My TE manual says optional 6" alloy. Not 7". Other models come with 17*7 as STD. Sigh

TO? Mmmm - he is just careful. I never had a second thought about tyres. I foolishly trusted the tyre dudes to conduct their duty of care appropriately. Heh, how stupid am I! By law they should not sell ppl illegal stuff, unless the client demands so in writing. Assif this takes place!

I need to do some more work on this case. Problem is that apparently there is not many 17*7 wheels around, they are mostly 17*8.
Correct?

Don't fall in to abyss yet, Redav, you'll get there. If not - buy a Commod - auch, my Mrs just hit me for swaring on public forum. Sorry.




I think you'll find that most insurance companys WONT payout ONLY if the tyre is incorrect for the car AND was the cause of the accident.
If you have an accident and your tyres are fine they will not inspect them in any depth.
I think your being a little TO causes with this one! Go grab a set of well know branded tyres in whatever width and profile you want and you'll be sweet....

Hey Velocity, you must have been talking to RTA same time as me, the guy had the answers pretty handy....


Actually I found most of this on the RTA web site :lol:


Also, RTA states that rim width may not exceed more than 26 mm (inch) from the original width OR largest optional wheel recommended by manufacturer.


If a wheel/tyre is an option offered by the manufacturer, then it should already be stated on the tyre placard, along with the standard wheel/tyre. If it’s not shown there, then it was not a manufacturer’s option.

Slayer is right that 235’s are more common and less expensive and this is probably the reason why tyre centres fit them in preference to 225’s… they know if they have to order 225’s in for you, you are probably going to go down the road to the next tyre place and buy 235’s from them instead.

When I bought my 225’s the tyre centre was trying to argue with me that 235’s are better. I explained the problem with them being 21mm smaller diameter than my factory standard tyres (and therefore illegal). They did not seem to care or understand and basically said 235’s are the correct size, just like the Commodores. They said if I really want the 225’s they can order them in. Needless to say I went elsewhere.

I know of one guy (non-Magna owner), who was sold tyres which were actually marked on the sidewall as not for use with 7” wide rims, even though he actually had 7” rims. On investigating with the tyre manufacturer they only approve mounting on 7.5” or 8” for these particular tyres. So never think that tyre centres, or anyone else is the automotive industry is going to give you good advise in preference to making a quick dollar, until it’s proven otherwise. It’s worth investigating as much as you possibly can before talking to the “experts”.

And I agree with gremlin that the insurance company should not knock back your claim unless the tyres can be proven to have contributed to the accident. But it might be worth checking the fine print. I know of one insurance broker who specialises in modified cars and they have a simple policy – they don’t care what you do to the car as long as it’s RTA approved. I suppose they could argue that you broke a condition of your insurance so they are not paying the claim. But I have never heard of this happening.

dudes.. wow.. what mess!!

do as the booya does,
Stock: 15x6"

aftermarket varients:
17x9" 245/45/17
19x8" 235/35/19

stay cool peoples 8) 8)

(yes, i realise i dont like being told what i can and cant do by an insurance company, and this post is just to break the ice... no offence intended!)

I was asked to comment on this but to be honest, I really know no more than the average person on the street when it comes to tyres, brands etc.

It is just not an area I have dealt with and rather than say something and sound like an idiot - I iwll have to plead silence and say I don't know.

[quote:82c79c3296]I was asked to comment on this but to be honest[/quote:82c79c3296]

sure sure..

+1 more post for mitsman! :lol:

dudes.. wow.. what mess!!

do as the booya does,
Stock: 15x6"

aftermarket varients:
17x9" 245/45/17
19x8" 235/35/19

stay cool peoples 8) 8)

(yes, i realise i dont like being told what i can and cant do by an insurance company, and this post is just to break the ice... no offence intended!)

I have not taken any offence booya 8) Merely pointing out what I learnt when I got my 17" rims.

What I learnt in my case was to put a semi-legitimate VRX placard onto my Sports - problem solved :lol:

Booya maybe you can use Photoshop to print your own customised placard for these special aftermarket variants :badgrin: :badgrin:

sure sure..

+1 more post for mitsman! :lol:

Actually, he was asked. :lol:

Thanks, Dave. It was worth a shot. I've emailed various people asking for assistance. I don't hold out much hope but we'll see. I figured I can get one tyre on a wheel and fit it as my spare tyre and hope I don't have to use it. Actually, a mate suggested I should stop procrastinating as anything I buy will be better than the defectable slicks on my car. Out of the frypan and into the fire :lol:

You have ALOT more chance of a claim being knocked back for bald tyres as they are far more likely to cause an accident.

And i thought the Sports and VRX had the same sticker on em. At least mine, which is a 2001 model, has 16/17inch sticker...

Booya, Mitsiman etc
I think this post is VERY relevant and important and I also assume everybody has appreciated your comments - so don't feel bad. ;)

Anyway - just something more to add from RTA re Tyre Placards:
Missing placard is no excuse of not complying with the regs. One can call manufacturer and they can check from their data what are the details. This is what I did just to confirm....
If one places non original, incorrect placard on to the car and assumes it's ok, think again. It's illegal.
Question is - how much do Magnas get scrutinised on the road etc? Not much, eh. Being a "family car" (hate that name!)
But - in the worst case scenario, one could cop it hard and get nothing paid by insurer, because that vehicle did not comply with regs.

I guess it's a matter of taking a risk at the end of the day. I'm in process of getting mine changed from 8" to 7" and then getting tyres with min 95 load rate. This means I have a legal dispute arising with Australia's Best Tyres. Unless the guy agrees to actually admit that he neglected his duty of care to inform me of things like this and just kindly proceeds with the swap over.
Not looking forward to this, but - not gonna have an "illegal" Magna either. :(

Hows' things with you now, Redav?

This means I have a legal dispute arising with Australia's Best Tyres. Unless the guy agrees to actually admit that he neglected his duty of care to inform me of things like this and just kindly proceeds with the swap over.


:lol: Australia's Best Tyres - I do have stories to tell about them, but I should keep quiet I think.

There is another option for all of us with wheel and tyre legality problems - you can get an engineers certificate. I have heard of people who have done this with wheels/tyres on Lancers, and they say they did not have a problem getting the certificate, as long as the wheels/tyres where not too ridiculous like putting 19”x9” on a Lancer :badgrin:

Can't remember if I mentioned before, but I called one guy at Bankstown and he said straight away, no hope in hell - well, not those words.
Also, he quoted me 270 bux for sound test for exhaust!
Maybe I should try another Engineer....
C'mon, you can tell us the truth about ABT. :)

[quote="Velocity"]Australia's Best Tyres - I do have stories to tell about them, but I should keep quiet I think.
- you can get an engineers certificate./quote]

Hows' things with you now, Redav?

Well, I've just had a kebab so I was full but now feeling queasy :lol:

A phone call to NRMA said they don't care how wide a tyre is, as long as it fits and the wheel fits in with their 2 inches larger and 1 inch wider policy. I haven't pressed this further which makes me wonder whether 235/45R17's are the way to go even if they are recommended for 7.5' wide rims but still 'fit' to 7' rims.

So, how does someone find an engineer to certify this sort of stuff? I think I'll ask Queensland Transport. NRMA said to me that if the rating was lowered and the appropriate tyres fitted, they would be fine with that. I'd imagine an engineer certificate would comply with this.

Killer, I don't know how you'll go with ABTS regarding the actual wheels as it was your selection. With the tyres however, one would think that they should highlight tyre load issues. Last night I sent them an email asking for suggestions so I guess that might have an interesting responce. Mitsu rang me this morning saying that the placard needs to be complied with.

Well, I thought that I'd have problems with mods like suspension, chips and headers and never thought tyres / wheels would be an issue.

Did you have any garlic sauce in it? And a dash of chilli. I had ravioli.

Tyre size can be max 25 mm wider than std (as per RTA), so 235 is ok. Seems like it is tyre manufacturers' recommendation to fit 235 to 7.5 or wider. There seems to be no reg for that matter???

I got the engineers tel from RTA.

I was never instructed that I may not install 8" wheel to replace 6" std wheels. Grrrrrrrrrrr.
Very debatable. :cry:

Same thing about mods.... I knew the other stuff, but never bothered to check in to load ratings.... geesshh!

Still working on this matter - very difficult to find 235 tyres for 17*7 with 95 or higher.

BTW, try bit of ginger with the garlic.....



Well, I've just had a kebab so I was full but now feeling queasy :lol:

A phone call to NRMA said they don't care how wide a tyre is, as long as it fits and the wheel fits in with their 2 inches larger and 1 inch wider policy. I haven't pressed this further which makes me wonder whether 235/45R17's are the way to go even if they are recommended for 7.5' wide rims but still 'fit' to 7' rims.

So, how does someone find an engineer to certify this sort of stuff? I think I'll ask Queensland Transport. NRMA said to me that if the rating was lowered and the appropriate tyres fitted, they would be fine with that. I'd imagine an engineer certificate would comply with this.

Killer, I don't know how you'll go with ABTS regarding the actual wheels as it was your selection. With the tyres however, one would think that they should highlight tyre load issues. Last night I sent them an email asking for suggestions so I guess that might have an interesting responce. Mitsu rang me this morning saying that the placard needs to be complied with.

Well, I thought that I'd have problems with mods like suspension, chips and headers and never thought tyres / wheels would be an issue.

Someone said awhile back that so long as you don't put cheap and stupid tyres on your rims they shouldn't be scutinized all that much. Hat off to that person just too lazy to scroll back and find their nick.

I have 17x7 wheels on a TJ Magna advance. On these wheels are fitted Federal (made by bridgestone) 235 45 17. Yes that size tyre looks good on a 7.5 inch rim but it is still safe and offers the mag a certain element of protection should you head to close to the gutter. A scrubbed tyre is easier to handle then a chunk out of a rim (my g/f drives the car :? ). I have driven this car fairly hard since buying it (still under new car warranty so why not) and it has handled exceptionally. Except for a little bodyroll which I will remedy soon with new sway bars. They tyres handle beautifully. NRMA AND GIO said to me when organising insurance for this car. "So long as you fit within the legal limits of tyre and wheel size, we have no problem." That to me says providing my mags aren't any bigger then they are now. And I don't try and put 245 40 17 on my rims ........ I am fine.

Now the load rating for tyres is how much weight should be distributed over a tyre. 95 = 690kg PER TYRE. My tyres are rated 93 which = 650kg PER TYRE. Now I ain't all that smart but I'm thinking I have 4 tyres ...... and 4 x 650kg = 2600kg. My magna advance only weighs 1392kg. I could be wrong but my way of working that out says I am ok. Correct me if I'm wrong cause I am just running of what I think this is meaning.

Legally your tyres and rims are ok - except the load rating. I know what you mean, but law is law, and if they nab you, you're the one who suffers. We all know it's petty - but there are petty law enforcement officer who like to catch us. I don't wanna give such person a chance....
Besides, under heavy cornering, wide tyres like yours put a helluva lot of weight on to that tyre, hence it will be more than 1392/4 on that corner, not perhaps 650 kg but still.
Law vs common sense - never mixe'm. 8)


I have 17x7 wheels on a TJ Magna advance. On these wheels are fitted Federal (made by bridgestone) 235 45 17.
My tyres are rated 93 which = 650kg PER TYRE. Now I ain't all that smart but I'm thinking I have 4 tyres ...... and 4 x 650kg = 2600kg. My magna advance only weighs 1392kg. I could be wrong but my way of working that out says I am ok. Correct me if I'm wrong cause I am just running of what I think this is meaning.

I think ultimatly we should all be asking the tyre retailers WHY they continue to put potentially illegal tyres on our cars. How many people here knew about load ratings before now? I know I didn't. I just take my car to a retailer. I ask for tyres, he fits them and I drive away. NO ONE EVER in my 9 years of being a driver has said "You need these tyres cause of load ratings".

THERE is a legal requirement for a Retailer to provide you with SAFE AND MERCHANTABLE QUALITY goods. And there is also a legal requirement and a duty of care for him to ensure he is not endangering you.

I can sense a class action coming on!!

I think ultimatly we should all be asking the tyre retailers WHY they continue to put potentially illegal tyres on our cars. How many people here knew about load ratings before now?

There's obviously been instances of that occuring however Mitsubishi are the ones who have given it a high rating and it's not just limited to Magnas. From what I understand, a Commodore is 93 and they are heavier. Can someone confirm it's rating? Mitsu also have high numbers on Lancers and Pajeros.

Queensland Transport stipulate that a tyre can be no more than 1.3 times the width of the widest option which obviously means that 235's aren't an issue but they also say they shuold be fitted to rims in accordance width "Tyre and Rim Standards Manual published by the Tyre and Rim Association of Australia. Reputable tyre retailers should have this information and be able to advise on the correct combinations."

I guess I'll have to check with NRMA on that. It's sad because with 235/45 I can easily get a tyre with a load rating of 97. :evil:


Did you have any garlic sauce in it? And a dash of chilli.

Nah, it was a jumbo combo, (lamb and chicken), with BBQ sauce, tomato, cheese, lettuice and mushrooms. I don't get onions or garlic for obvious reasons and I'm scared of their halepinos though. Haven't had their sweet chilli sauce yet, might give it a burn - so to speak. :lol:

Now the load rating for tyres is how much weight should be distributed over a tyre. 95 = 690kg PER TYRE. My tyres are rated 93 which = 650kg PER TYRE. Now I ain't all that smart but I'm thinking I have 4 tyres ...... and 4 x 650kg = 2600kg. My magna advance only weighs 1392kg. I could be wrong but my way of working that out says I am ok. Correct me if I'm wrong cause I am just running of what I think this is meaning.

i am not really that knowlageable on that tyre load ratio but isnt it that the car company checks the car with max weight it can hadle in an ideal condition. i.e 5 adults ( 5 x 90 kg) + full Boot (500kg aprox) and then pulling a 1200-1500kg trailer. and then recomends the tyre size which will handle best/above average in extreem conditions i.e. hot/cold.

Hey, how dodgy is 235 tyres on a 7 inch wide rim? I've been told that the sidewall won't be vertical like 225's would be on a 7' or like 235's on a 7.5' rim.

Interesting; I just checked the tyre/wheel sticker on my 01 TJ and it says (actualy it is printed ;) ) load rating 94 and 1670Kg
Maybe Mitsubishi changed the sticker info at some stage.
Want to buy my sticker. ha ha ha ha. How much money you got. :lol: :lol: :lol:

C'mon, you can tell us the truth about ABT. :)

Victim 1 - Aust Best sold and fitted tyres marked on sidewall "not for mounting on 7 inch wheels", for 7 inch wheels.

Victim 2 – Aust Best sold and fitted wheels that had significantly wrong offset to victim number 2, suspected to have caused premature suspension wear.

Victim 3 – Aust Best sold and fitted wheels with a PCD of 112mm to a vehicle with a PCD of 114.3mm.



i am not really that knowlageable on that tyre load ratio but isnt it that the car company checks the car with max weight it can hadle in an ideal condition. i.e 5 adults ( 5 x 90 kg) + full Boot (500kg aprox) and then pulling a 1200-1500kg trailer. and then recomends the tyre size which will handle best/above average in extreem conditions i.e. hot/cold.

The problem is that Mitsubishi’s load rating of 95 is over rated. Most Executives are rated at 95 – the VRX (17” version), GTVi, and RalliArt are rated at 94. Stupid! :evil:



Hey, how dodgy is 235 tyres on a 7 inch wide rim? I've been told that the sidewall won't be vertical like 225's would be on a 7' or like 235's on a 7.5' rim.

I’ve been told under extreme conditions there is a higher possibility that the tyre might roll off the rim.


There’s an engineers place in Sydney that I saw at Auto Salon. Check out this picture at http://www.autosalon.org/photos/fb0334.jpg (don’t worry about the Holden, it’s the poster behind to look at). I don’t know anything about these guys and don’t endorse them, just providing it for information.

I have 235/45s on my 17x7s and they fit perfect. Nice and square walls. Obviously wouldnt dare go any wider though!

What's the make and model of the tyres? As far as comfort and grip went, what did you notice compared to what you had? What did you have before?

As I've said before I have 17x7's and have 235/45 fitted to them. They aren't square on the rim and if you have one's that are chances are you have 7.5 inch wide rims. It offers some rubber outside the edge of the rim for protection. As for rolling off the rim ............ I'd hate to think of the speed required to do that.

This sounds like a huge mess that mitsu are contributing too. But my big question is raised at the retailers who hold themselves out to be professionals in the field of tyres and they're selling us illegal tyres.

Might sell this story to Today Tonight for a few K. :lol:

i have 7" wide rims, I'm 100% sure. And also have 235s, i am 100% sure. When i say that are square, i mean flat. They do hang over the edge of the rim slightly.

I have GT Radials. I had 225 Falkens on 16" rims before and they dont compare to the GT Radials at all. The GTs are excellent IMO

Who makes GT Radials?

This is starting to look like Today Tonight or CA stuff, ain't it. Just so damn ridiculous how those the tyre workshops conduct their business. :evil:

Anyway - I had a Cortina before with 5" rims and 205/60 tyres on them. The sidewalls portruded a lot past the rim. The engine was 4.1 L huge cast iron donk, weighing over 200 kg. And I drove it seriously bad. Never had problems with the tyres "falling off". Not even with the crappy Dunlop LeMans A 4s..... 8)
So, what I'm trying to say is that the Cortina was so much front-heavier and unbalanced tank compared to Magna, that if the tyre didn't suffer on that, it will not suffer in a Magna if we use 235 on 7 instead of 7.5 rim.
Is there a law for this - like there is for the total width and so on? Don't think so.

What's for lunch today? I'm having rice and duck. No - D, Duck!

Ahh.. it's fun and games. I've sent an email to NRMA askign questions and offering solutions. I guess we'll see. Regardless of their responce, I'm putting the wheels on within the week. Hopefully their response will dictate which tyres to get.

If not, would it better to get the wider tyres that match or exceed the load rating or the thinner tyres that match the rim better?

Hmm... lunch. You won't believe this but I've already asked that myself. Actually, I got out of bed and wondered what time dinner would be. Kebabs are probably consumed twice a week but hopefully today it will be a salad sandwhich. Lettuice, tomato, swiss cheese, ham, mayonaise, salt and pepper on buttered white bread. Dunno, might end up getting Subway :)

Ok, keep us posted.

Hmm - I presume there is no regs re fitting tyre on to rim where the tyre is actually bit too wide. What I have seen on RTA regs mainly concerns the other bit. The tyre-to-rim question seems to be mainly set by the tyre manufacturers recommendations to maintain the correct performance. If one stuffs that up, it might void tyre warranty etc. But no RTA regs I believe. Anyone correct me if I"m wrong.

I would get the wider tyre to the "too narrow" rim. As long as you keep the pressures high enough, it is ok. But don't travel down here to slaughter me if it all goes wrong.... :oops:
Found the tyres yet? Toyo has some 97s. Check their website. (www.toyo.com.au)

Geess - and I thought I was difficult with my food..... ;)


I've sent an email to NRMA askign questions and offering solutions.
If not, would it better to get the wider tyres that match or exceed the load rating or the thinner tyres that match the rim better?
Hmm... lunch.:)

Okay, NRMA spoke to their underwriters and it must be 95H or higher. Means the 235 tyres will be cheeper, just have to make sure they will fit no probs and have the load rating. :(

A email from www.tyres.com





From: "ABTS" <mail@tyres.com>
To: <Barton.Kohler@defence.gov.au>

Bart,
I have been doublechecking the Grid III's. Your Magna requires tyres with a 95 load rating. The Grid III is only rated to 91. I suggest you use top of
the line Falken ST115 tyres which have a load rating of 95. We would leave
the package price the same as previously advised. Sorry I can't help you
with the pictures though.
Regards,
Braydon Cobb
Australia's Best Tyre Service

From: <Barton.Kohler@defence.gov.au>
To: "ABTS" &lt;mail@tyres.com&gt;

Any chance of some photos from different angles and on cars if possible to
get an idea of their looks? Have seen some on cars online but very few.
18x??. Obviously the GRID III come in sizes to fit, but there have been
some discussions as to the load rating of tyres vs that on the compliance
plate of the cars. Any information on that one?

Regards,
LT Bart Kohler

From: "ABTS" &lt;mail@tyres.com&gt;
To: <Barton.Kohler@defence.gov.au>

Barton,
Many thanks for your email. A set of four (4) 18" Avantek Titanium Gold
Chrome wheels fitted with new Grid III tyres to suit your Magna will cost
$****. This includes GST, fitting, computerised wheel balancing, and
supply of valves, nuts, and caps.
Regards,
Braydon Cobb
Australia's Best Tyre Service

From: <Barton.Kohler@defence.gov.au>
To: "ABTS" &lt;mail@tyres.com&gt;

Make and model of your car: 2003 Mitsubishi Magna
Wheels you are interested in: Make - Avantek
Style- Titanium
Size - 18 x ??
Finish - Gold Crome

Wheels and tyres package price Y/N: yes
Wheels only price Y/N: yes
Tyres you are interested in: Brand - GRID III
Size - to match
[/quote:1f1459d3a1][/b]

Is yours rated for 95 though?

Most 235/45 17 tyres can't be fitted to a 7" wide rim. The Michelin Pilot Preceda (94 rating) is the only tyre of this size I've found that can be fitted to a 7" rim)

Next time you're at a tyre shop, ask to see their Wheel & Tyre association fitment guideline (or something like that - can't remember the name of the publication). It lists the sizes of tyres that can be legally fitted to rims in Australia.

If you fit something outside the parameters given in this book (actually, the tyre places aren't allowed to do that) then your insurance company can technically knock back a claim. I'm sure you could try to fight it, and get them to prove that the tyres contributed to the claim, but I wouldn't like to be in that position.

Got mine booked in for 2 new Dunlop LM702's thia afternoon (only 94 rating though. That's good enough for my TH)
95 load rating on Magnas? Yeh, that sounds pretty dumb to me as well.

Shit I just checked my 18s
There rated at 615kgs and the placard states
no less than 670kgs or 94!
what does all this mean?
does 615 equate to 91?
should I get back to Jax and get up them even
though the tyres have been pretty good so far.

tyre placard are usually placed in the glovebox arent they?
i swear i have seen mine there, i just checked though and its not there :?:

actually its all good, i will just steal the tyre placard off Dads TJ. Its a company car and he gets a new one at the end of the year.
Thats good cos my 17 x 8" rims are wrapped around 235/45/17's with a load rating of 670kg (94) :D

The only tyre placard that's valid is the one the car is manufactured with. It's found inside the drivers door. If you're under the limit and have an accident, your insurance mob are able to with hold a payout.

Some 235's fit fine but I think none are approved for 7' wide. This would also mean no payout but whether they check that one I don't knoe. I asked NRMA about tyre width and they said as long as they fit. I think that's a poor answer but an answer none the less. Unfortunately it's not in writing which probably means I've got nothing.

Just to qualify my statement about fitting 235 tyres on a 7" rim: Most 235 tyres can physically be fitted to a 7" rim, but the tyre manufacturer specifies a minimum of 7.5" rim. The Michelin is the only 235 tyre that I've seen with a recommended minimum rim size of 7" (in the manufacturer's specifications).

I guess this would be seen as ok according to the authorities, apart from the blanket statement in the wheel & tyre fitment guideline saying that the minimum width rim for any 235/45R17 tyre is 7.5".

Confusing?

You bet!!

Not wrong there...
I've been researching this via RTA and could not find any regs re tyre width vs rim width as such. Naturally it has to be reasonable (no 235 on 4" rim :o )
It appears this recommendation is from manufacturers. Check Toyo, it specifies rim sizes for their top range sports rubber, but nothing about the "lesser" models.
But what comes to the duty of care and resposibility with tyre shops is different game - they only sell....


Confusing? You bet!!

So I contacted RTA via e-mail re tyre width vs rim width and the reply was abit as I have speculated.

Unfortunately, the RTA has no jurisdiction over the size of tyres suitable for a particular rim size.
Regulations indicate that a tyre must be of asuitable size for a rim.
As you could well imagine, there are so many rim size and tyre sizes available.
Different tyre & rim manufacturers have a wide range of sizes which can be fitted together.
We can only go by the size of tyres listed on a vehicle manufacturers tyre & rim placard.

I notice that Pirelli do a few 235/50 x 17 tyres that are 96 rated. Again, we have the dilemma of whether the tyre can be fitted to a 7" rim (not stated on their website, but I think more likely than a 45 series tyre).

No idea of the price, but at least there may be a solution to the load rating dilemma. Being 235/50, the tyre might be outside the legal diameter range, although IIRC, the 225/50 was almost spot on compared to the standard TH Sports 16" tyres. Don't know how this would translate to a Standard TE size (were they 205/65 R15?)

One example of the 235/50 Pirelli is here (http://www.au.pirelli.com/en_AU/tyres/catalog/tyre_product.jhtml?selected=size&catid=AU_HP&productid=3126)

The tyre placard on my Ralliart states that the car should have a load index of not less than 94 and a speed rating of not less than "V".

The Pirelli P6000 that came with the car have this rating but cost $530 each!! Tyre size is 225/50/17

I put new tyres on last week (Bridgestone Potenzas GIII) and they have the same rating. They are also 225/50/17

A tyre supplier has a legal obligation to supply a legal tyre. Ask for a written quote (back of their biz card is sufficient) better still, ask for a quote via email and they email you back. Now that it's in writing, if there's any grief with insurance it becomes their problem. That's what businesses have legal liability insurance for.