Wheels/Tyres: - Which Load index

Gazdok · Apr 27th, 2010, 21:53

What load index should I use / do I have to use on a V70 D5 AWD using 225/45-17 tyres. At the moment I have Continental Sport Contact 2 with a load index of 94 on all wheels. A colleague is using 91 although it is "just" a V70 2,4D.
Is there a legal requirement for a certain LI?

boggymarsh · Apr 27th, 2010, 23:24

It is all to do with maximum permissable axle weights. Have a look at the plate under the bonnet to find out the permissable weights for your vehicle. You should find the plate has 4 separate weights listed, the 1st is the gross vehicle weight, the 2nd the train weight (car plus trailer), the 3rd front axle and 4th rear axle. The 3rd and 4th weight are the ones you need.

So for example if your rear axle gross weight is 1300kg then the load index should be atleast 93 (1300 divided by 2 = 650). This figure comes from a load index table easily found on the net.
90 600
91 615
92 630
93 650 } KG
94 670
95 690
96 710
Hope this helps.

Gazdok · May 1st, 2010, 19:12

Thank you for this answer boggymarsh.
Now my LI is 1170 for the rear and that would even get me into the LI 90 tyre group. Why would Volvo decide to put tyres with a MUCH higher LI on? Surely these tyres have stiffer carcasses to take higher weights and that would make the ride much harder.
Is there any advantage in having a higher Loadindex tyre on your car?

Symes · May 1st, 2010, 21:37

I've just put tyres with an LI of 94 on my V70 D5 (replacing 91s) - the ride is slightly harsher, but the turn in seems faster and more precise.

Georgey dee · May 1st, 2010, 23:18

Every day is a school day

Apr 27th, 2010, 21:53	#1
Gazdok Master Member Last Online: Dec 31st, 2023 11:17 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Wigston	Which Load index What load index should I use / do I have to use on a V70 D5 AWD using 225/45-17 tyres. At the moment I have Continental Sport Contact 2 with a load index of 94 on all wheels. A colleague is using 91 although it is "just" a V70 2,4D. Is there a legal requirement for a certain LI?

May 1st, 2010, 23:18	#5
Georgey dee Premier Member Last Online: Feb 14th, 2024 18:36 Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Norwich View Photos By: Georgey dee	Every day is a school day __________________ HAD; 440 GLT(Loved it), 850 GLT auto(Loved it), S70 2.5T(Nothing but problems!), 850R auto(Loved it!!), S60 D5 SE (Nothing but problems!) GOT; S60 D5 SE Lux Auto RAF Marham Track Day Co-Ord'

Apr 27th, 2010, 23:24	#2
boggymarsh XC70 2008 D5 SE Last Online: Mar 10th, 2024 17:38 Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Kent	It is all to do with maximum permissable axle weights. Have a look at the plate under the bonnet to find out the permissable weights for your vehicle. You should find the plate has 4 separate weights listed, the 1st is the gross vehicle weight, the 2nd the train weight (car plus trailer), the 3rd front axle and 4th rear axle. The 3rd and 4th weight are the ones you need. So for example if your rear axle gross weight is 1300kg then the load index should be atleast 93 (1300 divided by 2 = 650). This figure comes from a load index table easily found on the net. 90 600 91 615 92 630 93 650 } KG 94 670 95 690 96 710 Hope this helps.

May 1st, 2010, 19:12	#3
Gazdok Master Member Last Online: Dec 31st, 2023 11:17 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Wigston	Thank you for this answer boggymarsh. Now my LI is 1170 for the rear and that would even get me into the LI 90 tyre group. Why would Volvo decide to put tyres with a MUCH higher LI on? Surely these tyres have stiffer carcasses to take higher weights and that would make the ride much harder. Is there any advantage in having a higher Loadindex tyre on your car?

May 1st, 2010, 21:37	#4
Symes Master Member Last Online: Apr 10th, 2024 03:33 Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Andover, Hants	I've just put tyres with an LI of 94 on my V70 D5 (replacing 91s) - the ride is slightly harsher, but the turn in seems faster and more precise.

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