FREEL2 Readers,


I wanted to share my decision to buy the a different tire size


Original specification

235 60 R18 107V


New size

235 65 R18 106V


The new tires are about 3% larger than the original so my speedometer will be a little lower than actual speed.

If 3% error makes your brain hurt then I would like to disclose that the original tires changed as they wore out by 2%.

I never noticed the 2% change I will likely never notice the 3% change.



The observant among you will also notice that I went from a load rating of 107 to 106


107V 2149 lbs. x 4 = 8596 lbs.

106V 2094 lbs. x 4 = 8376 lbs.


This is a 2.5% reduction in load capacity (220 lbs. or 100 Kilo's)

This may seem alarming until you realize that the Freel2's with 18" wheels came with a 107V or 103V Load rating

103V 1929 lbs. x 4 = 7716 lbs.

By that measure I upgraded my load rating by 880 lbs.


Why did I do this???

Price

235 65 $118 each

235 60 $217 each


I'm not paying nearly double for a 3% speedometer error.

Here is what I bought



Michelin
PREMIER LTX - SIZE: 235/65R18





Let me know what you think

Thanks

Paul

Last edited by p_gill on 19th Aug 2020 5:45 pm. Edited 2 times in total

Did you buy the 5th tyre, the spare, ........ and save even more money ????

You are going to love them and the vehicle will drive better IMO! Enjoy!

3landertwo wrote:

Did you buy the 5th tyre, the spare, ........ and save even more money ????

MotionInc wrote:

You are going to love them and the vehicle will drive better IMO! Enjoy!

In the UK using non-standard tyres is regarded as a modification and you are supposed to inform your insurer, who may or may not increase your premium as a result.

Is it the same in the USA ? Jules

I know that this is a question for Paul but I can also answer for Ontario, Canada............no that specific modification is not required for the insurance company but if it's say $3000 each per tire you will likely not be covered even with a receipt. I could also depend on the insurance co.

It would have to qualify as a "material" mod. Stock is so "blaza".............

jules wrote:

In the UK using non-standard tyres is regarded as a modification and you are supposed to inform your insurer, who may or may not increase your premium as a result.

Is it the same in the USA ?

Here is the best way to think about it.


California

Every year your vehicle must be checked for emissions.

In the past they even checked the emissions on a rolling road (Dyno)

They are very through. (emissions checking)


UK

Every year your vehicle must pass an extensive safety inspection.

If major faults are found then they must be corrected to drive on public roads.

The MOT is very strict.


California has no safety inspection requirement for cars, light trucks and SUV's.

Over here we only care if you are poisoning the air, we don't care if your vehicle is dangerously unsafe.


I watched an episode of wheeler dealer where ED got a Dyno brake torque check done.

I am very proactive with the maintenance on my FREEL2 and the brakes in the wet are amazing, the best of any car that I've owned or even driven. I would really like to test them on a proper dyno............but I live in California.

Take care

Paul

Just a thought, the speedo will be out, but would fitting another tyre size screw up the ECU/diff/gearbox etc with the amount of electronics on a modern car for a few extra ££ for the correct tyre size is it worth the risk ???

Jack,

That’s an excellent question

If the tires are different size side to side or front to rear then you are correct.

But this is also true for fitting a new Tire due to a puncture when the tire on the other side is very worn.



As long as all 4 tires are the same it won’t be a problem.


On my Audi Quattro the AWD is a mechanical center differential, if I use different size tires front to rear then the center differential will be working excessively

For the Haldex system the center differential is computer controlled and it operates like a front wheel drive vehicle at higher speed by opening the center differential. With the differential open the tire size front to rear won’t affect it.

However the front and rear differential will be operating like you are turning in a circle if the tire size is different left to right on the same axel.

As long as all four tires are the same size it won’t affect ABS, traction control, DSC etc.

If I get a puncture I will need to get another 235 65 18

Thanks

Paul

Freel2 Readers,

Its done!!!!

The Michelin's are on my Land Rover.

And they are so nice......

I couldn't be happier with my purchase


These are excellent touring tires.

I wouldn't be disappointed with this tire at it regular price but for almost 50% off the deal was amazing.


I will post some pictures later


Full list of the upgrade

- Michelin Premier LTX Tires X 4

- Continental (VDO) TPMS sensors X 4

- Volvo XC60 18" Zephyrus Wheels X 4

- Mount and Balance X 4


The Continental (VDO) sensors worked flawlessly.

I installed them myself before the tire store mounted the tires on the wheels.

The annoying TPMS light never came on.

Credit to Land Rover for making such a plug and play system.

The new sensors should be good for over 10 years (My original sensors are still working)

Now I have two sets of wheels and tires for my LR2


Take care

Paul

[quote="p_gill"]

jules wrote:

In the UK apparently what I did would not be allowed unless you disclose the change to the insurance company.

Steve,

You are 100% correct

And that was the point of this post.

We should be able to customize our vehicle in a very small way like this without breaking some law.

Thanks

Paul