Great Article To Understand Why You Should Not Substitute Your Tire With A Lower Speed Rating (Load Too!)

Here's a great article from AGCO Automotive about Tire Speed Ratings. If you live in their area, give them a try! They are very knowledgeable and informative, two things that can't be beat in the automotive industry!


Can I Substitute A Lower Speed Rated Tire

Tire speed rating is extremely important to handling and braking, yet it may be one of the most misunderstood tire ratings.
For many, the first introduction to speed rating is in buying tires. The tire salesperson may ask, is that "H" or "V" rated? Unfortunately, many tire salespeople have little understanding of what the rating means other than one cost more than the other. It’s "just" the speed rating, is a very poor and incomplete answer.

When an engineer designs the suspension for a vehicle, the tires are a major consideration. Many factors are considered before a tire is specified. One major factor, relating to handling and braking is centrifugal distortion. This is the amount the tire distorts when subjected to speed, braking or handling. With more belting and the better quality, there is less distortion. This is important, as the design of the suspension and brakes partially determine the centrifugal load on the tires.

The method used to decide resistance to centrifugal distortion is a speed test, and the rating is known as a speed rating. Tires are tested by spinning them at speed, until they fail. The greater the speed of failure the higher the rating.

The lowest rated tires, usually used on automobiles, are "S" rated. This rating means the tire is safe for 112 MPH. The next rating is "T" and then "U" and so on. The better the tire is constructed, the higher the speed of failure. This is also the source of many misunderstandings. The speed rating does not imply how fast the vehicle will be driven; it expresses the characteristics of the tire.

Speed rating relates to distortion of the tire under a load and not just how fast the vehicle is driven

For instance, when the steering is turned, on a vehicle traveling at speed, centrifugal force distorts the tire, in the direction of travel. Friction of the contact patch determines control of the vehicle. The more belting in the tire, the less distortion and the better the vehicle will handle. Similar forces also act on tires during braking.

Under normal conditions, most tires can withstand loads placed on them by the suspension. In an emergency maneuver, the proper tire is necessary to withstand the increased load.

Handling and braking is extremely important to most people. Engineering that goes into the vehicle largely determines this. Engineers specify the speed rating required for good reason and place the information on the vehicle and in the owner’s manual.

Never install a tire, rated lower than the vehicle calls for

Placing a higher rated tire, than is required, is not necessary but will generally increase the handling and braking of many vehicles. Substituting an underrated tire, may save a few dollars. It may also cost the driver far more than can ever be saved.


Source: http://www.agcoauto.com/

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Toyo extends Extensa recall to Canada

Tire Business staff report
RICHMOND, British Columbia (Jan. 27, 2012) — Toyo Tire Canada Inc. is recalling approximately 1,884 Toyo Extensa A/S tires sold in Canada since September 2009 because of a possible manufacturing problem that could lead to cracks in the bead area and potentially to tire failure.
The recall is an extension of one disclosed earlier this week by Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. involving approximately 68,763 Extensa A/S tires sold in the U.S.
The tires being recalled are from Toyo’s plant in White, Ga., during a period starting in the 38th week of 2009 and lasting through the 44th week of 2010, Toyo said.
The tires are identified by the Tire Indentification Number (TIN) 3809 to 4410, molded into tire’s sidewall.
Toyo said it determined that a select number of these tires were produced with a kink in the bead area. Under certain circumstances, the tire maker said, the kink eventually could lead to a crack in the bead area, which if left undetected could cause the tire to fail.
The company stressed that Extensas made in Japan or China are not being recalled. Toyo’s White plant has the Department of Transportation identification code 73.
Toyo said there has been only one report of air loss in the U.S. and no reports of accidents related to this condition.
Richmond-based Toyo Tire Canada is offering consumers with the identified tires free replacements. Consumers can check a dedicated web page for more information, or call a toll-free hotline, 877-682-8696.
Toyo will notify all consumers directly who registered their tires.
The firm said the replacement offer is valid through May 31.

Source: http://www.tirebusiness.com/

Toyo recalling 68,763 Extensa A/S tires

Tire Business staff report
CYPRESS, Calif. (Jan. 25, 2012) — Toyo Tire U.S.A. Corp. is voluntarily recalling approximately 68,763 Toyo Extensa A/S tires because of a possible manufacturing problem that could lead to cracks in the bead area and potentially to tire failure.
The tires being recalled are size P225/60R16 97T made at Toyo’s plant in White, Ga., during a period starting in the 38th week of 2009 and lasting through the 44th week of 2010, Toyo said. The tires are identified by the Tire Indentification Number (TIN) 3809 to 4410, molded into tire’s sidewall. Toyo said it determined that a select number of these tires were produced with a kink in the bead area. Under certain circumstances, the tire maker said, the kink eventually could led to a crack in the bead area, which if left undetected could cause the tire to fail.
The company stressed that Extensas made in Japan or China are not being recalled. Toyo’s White plant has the Department of Transportation identification code 73.
Toyo said there has been only one report of air loss and no reports of accidents related to this condition.
Toyo is offering consumers with the identified tires free replacements. Consumers can check a dedicated web page for more information, or call a toll-free hotline, 800-442-8696.
Toyo will notify all consumers directly who registered their tires.
The firm said the replacement offer is valid through May 31.

Source: http://www.tirebusiness.com/