high tyre pressures (VERY HIGH)

[andy pen]

Hi, all finally got all the jobs done on our 55 plate sharan 130 se. So though lets just check the tyre pressures as the last job.Found the sticker in the fill flap and it says 48 p.s.i. front and 44p.s.i. rear for 205/55 R16. Now that seams high even though it is a heavy car. BUT on the side of the tyre itself it says not to exceed 40 p.s.i.
So the question is do I need to buy van tyres or is there a secific type of tyre recomended.I've got michelins on it now and they are 7mm tread on all of them and I don't want to change them really as they are so new.
Anyone throw any light on this for me ????

[Crasher]

Half load is 3.3 bar front and 3 bar rear so those pressures are correct, your vehicle has car tyres and if involved in an accident your insurance will be invalid. The tyres spec should be 205/55 R 16 C 98/96H.

[andy pen]

Thanks for that CRASHER I thought something was amiss hence the post.My tyres are 205/55 r16 91v.This is obviously incorrect and will be sorted.Glad I got this one for a chunk under book value, means it won't be cheap now but will be fully sorted.Thanks again for the info, I presume thats a difference in the side wall construction (thought to self look it up).
Love this forum always get the right info Thanks again and if we meet a beer or two is in order

[andy pen]

Well when you do a bit of digging its obviouse why it has the wrong tyres on it £50 - £80 for the wrong 91 load index and £90 - £160 for the proper ones.
So some cheap skate and a dodgy tyre outlet have had a play and gone for the cheap option.
just a point # all the buy your tyres on the web sites I've just been on recomend 215/55/16 91 so not to convinced about thier info if VW say it's 96/98 load thats like 135 Kg wieght difference and that is a lot!!!!

[matthewgdavies]

The correct tyre spec is on the same sticker as the tyre pressures. If they are 205s (would have thought an SE would have come with 215s - the Alhambra SE130 does) then it's certain (as Crasher says) they are 205/55R16C load rated 98/96H. Last time I needed some only Bridgestone made them and they are not cheap - cheapest place was Kwik Fit £127, buy and pay on line and book fitting appointment for next day - £20 cheaper (each)than just walking in. You need the ER30C tyre. (C for commercial).As you say the tyre websites give wrong rating but they won't care as it's your responsibility not theirs. Incorrect load rating should trigger an MOT warning, invalidates your insurance and if police stop you technically 4 x 3 points!! Don't really understand why it's not an MOT fail.

[Team Green]

I have Dunlop Sport 2020 E on mine and they were very reasonable. Free in fact as the car came from a VW dealer with non reinforced tyres plus it also passed an MOT by them with NON reinforced tyres! When I spotted this to their credit they replaced them all, how I would have stood in the case of an accident I really don't know but don't trust websites as they MUST be reinforced.

[andy pen]

Thanks for the replies and info . guys,all taken on board and being a bit of a stickler for the detail have spent a bit of time searching and it seams the SHARAN can use 215 / 55/ R16 97 's and these are in the hand book and on the car itself.
The bonus is they are lots cheaper than the smaller 205's and only 1.74% larger rolling radius so that if my maths is any good at all under 2% + on the speedo so no real issue there. So going to do the ring around tomorrow for prices locally. Already done a net search and saving up to £100 per tyre for a decent make.So its a bit of a no brainer really 215's it shall be bit more rubber on road and correct load index :-)

[andy pen]

Well got all the quotes in amd think I'm going to go for falken from my local independant all four for £356.Just checked the spare and it is correct type and load rating ?? So its been had by a bunch of un edeficated cheap skates ( the dealer any way as he said he'd done the tyres himself so going to have a word at the weekend)

[andy pen]

Well its all dne and on the road,running lovely. The tyres have made a huge difference to the feel of the car and with new brakes and full cambelt service and fluids hoping its as good and reliable as my @98 AFN passat was.So thinking I'll look at a gearbox oil change and full clean up of the under sides I'll be really happy with it. Just hope nobody drives into this one like my wifes last car !!!