--- In ev_update@..., "Wayne <wayneskid@m...>"
<wayneskid@m...> wrote:
I know this must have been covered here before but all this tire
talk
is making my brain ache. What I'm really looking for is comment
from
Az, Mike and any other tire gurus in the group, especially anyone
that's had experience with the tire I have in mind.
I'm far from a tire guru, but I have been learning a lot here
lately! For winter traction, I can't help you much. I did notice
that the Hakkapellita tires seem to be favorites of some of my
friends in Sweden, so that says something.
As load ratings go, this is pretty new to me. Motorcycle tires
aren't load rated... at least not in the US. Ok, it's a long story
and it really isn't applicable. But one thing I've learned about
load rating from tire engineers here lately is that the load rating
is based on several things... but the really interesting factor is
the speed rating! According to two tire engineers I've spoken with,
many high speed tires are safe above thier load ratings, as long as
speed is kept down! What this means for us EV folks is that we're
fighting a losing battle because VW specifies a tire that has a high
speed rating *and* a high load rating. We really don't need that
high a speed rating, and tires with a very high speed rating but a
relatively low load rating may actually be fine *at lower speeds*.
I'm still looking into this, but I'm running 98 rated tires on my
van right now, and I've hit many potholes, gotten airborne over
railroad tracks, and even managed a few 4 wheel drifts, (although
it's pretty hard to drift these things with the ESP on... even in
the rain) and the tires are holding up fine. Remember to check your
tire pressure frequently!
Now if you're not into taking chances, think I'm out of my mind, or
simply like doing what you're told, please stick to the OEM specs.
You really can't go wrong if you do.
Az
