Tire Service Description
11-29-2008, 07:06 PM
#1
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Tire Service Description
Question:
Does a higher Service Description/Load Rating on a tire of a given size imply a stronger/firmer sidewall?
For Example: 235/45R17's. One tire has a Service Description of 93 (1433 lbs Load) and one has a Service Description of 95 (1521 lbs load). Will the tire with the higher service rating have a stiffer sidewall?
Follow Up Question:
In general, how does a stiffer sidewall effect handling performance - Improved, Neutral, Decreased?
TIA
Does a higher Service Description/Load Rating on a tire of a given size imply a stronger/firmer sidewall?
For Example: 235/45R17's. One tire has a Service Description of 93 (1433 lbs Load) and one has a Service Description of 95 (1521 lbs load). Will the tire with the higher service rating have a stiffer sidewall?
Follow Up Question:
In general, how does a stiffer sidewall effect handling performance - Improved, Neutral, Decreased?
TIA
11-30-2008, 06:34 AM
#2
My take-Example 235/45-17
As the service rating is based on load capacity, the higher the index, the stronger the tire construction. A 93 rated tire can carry 1433 lbs, while a 97-1609 lbs. Having said that, there is another component that will make the tire construction much stiffer, and that is the speed rating. You can find both the 93 and 97 service indexes in both an H and W speed rating.
If you were to take an unmounted 93H and stand it upright, you would have no problem pushing the tread inward, but if you tried this on a 97Y or W, you'll be hard pressed to move the tread because of the "heavier" construction to keep the tread flat at higher speeds. If you check a specific manufacturer and size, you'll also find that the higher speed rated/load service tire will weigh more.
As one can see, the 93H rated will afford a much smoother ride, but handling will be much improved with the 93W, sacrificing the cushy ride. Roll will be greater with the H, but its all dependant on a driver's likes or dislikes.
As the service rating is based on load capacity, the higher the index, the stronger the tire construction. A 93 rated tire can carry 1433 lbs, while a 97-1609 lbs. Having said that, there is another component that will make the tire construction much stiffer, and that is the speed rating. You can find both the 93 and 97 service indexes in both an H and W speed rating.
If you were to take an unmounted 93H and stand it upright, you would have no problem pushing the tread inward, but if you tried this on a 97Y or W, you'll be hard pressed to move the tread because of the "heavier" construction to keep the tread flat at higher speeds. If you check a specific manufacturer and size, you'll also find that the higher speed rated/load service tire will weigh more.
As one can see, the 93H rated will afford a much smoother ride, but handling will be much improved with the 93W, sacrificing the cushy ride. Roll will be greater with the H, but its all dependant on a driver's likes or dislikes.
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