95W, 99Y or 99 XLs real world differences?

[nobrakes]

On an often fully laden E320cdi, will there be much real world difference using either 95W, 99Y or 99 XLs ?

245 x45 x 17 mostly at, cough, motorway speeds.

[TonyRPH]

In my experience the higher load ratings result in a noisier and rough ride.

But yet, all budget tyres seem to be 'extra load' for some reason.

[nobrakes]

Meant to add, they’d be Conti Sports Contact 5

[TonyRPH]

nobrakes said:

Meant to add, they’d be Conti Sports Contact 5

My original comment stands. It doesn't matter what brand the tyre is.

A higher load rating = a stiffer sidewall, which means a harsher ride (in my own experience spread across a variety of cars).

[nobrakes]

Ok, many thanks. Makes sense.

[Krikkit]

nobrakes said:

On an often fully laden E320cdi, will there be much real world difference using either 95W, 99Y or 99 XLs ?

245 x45 x 17 mostly at, cough, motorway speeds.

What are the OEM fit? They'll be specced for the maximum payload at full speed.

The difference between 95 and 97 load rating is about 40kg per tyre, 97 to 99 is about another 45kg

Edited by Krikkit on Wednesday 31st January 13:53

[S1MMA]

really, you should use what is load rated for your vehicle. So if it's rated for 99 you shouldn't really use 95.

Whilst yes the higher load ratings will give a stiffer sidewall, this isn't really a comfort choice - it's a safety choice. Going for higher load than required won't give any benefit and will worsen the ride, but you shouldn't really consider a lower load rating for any circumstance.

There is some evidence that insurers could also void your policy in case of an accident, if you have lower load rating tyres than as specified by the manufacturer. Read your policy wording for details of this.

[Loplop]

nobrakes said:

On an often fully laden E320cdi, will there be much real world difference using either 95W, 99Y or 99 XLs ?

245 x45 x 17 mostly at, cough, motorway speeds.

FWIW I've got 97Y XL Goodyear ASY 6s on the back of my E350 Estate and I don't find them overly noisey, they're actually quieter than the Asy 5s on the front.

[SuperPav]

1) Pick the smallest number that is equal to or above the manufacturer specification
2) Check the price of alternatives with higher load rating, as sometimes these can be much much cheaper (depending on what the brand/manufacturer makes), and reconsider point 1

If you're driving around with high loads, definitely fit the correct load rating of tyre - side wall failures (which is what would happen if it did happen to go) are not pleasant.

[MustangGT]

Krikkit said:

What are the OEM fit? They'll be specced for the maximum payload at full speed.

The difference between 95 and 97 load rating is about 40kg per tyre, 97 to 99 is about another 45kg

Edited by Krikkit on Wednesday 31st January 13:53

This, also make sure you are not exceeding the maximum weight for the car (GVW).

[nobrakes]

OEM is 95W

So either will be ok.

I understand the XL walls will be stiffer and present a harsher ride.

That was a great, tangible illustration of the additional capacity in terms of kg capacity.

I guess the stiffer wall should keep more vertical when the tyre wears.

[MustangGT]

nobrakes said:

OEM is 95W

So either will be ok.

I understand the XL walls will be stiffer and present a harsher ride.

That was a great, tangible illustration of the additional capacity in terms of kg capacity.

I guess the stiffer wall should keep more vertical when the tyre wears.

Only in terms of the tyres, not the car. The car's GVW must not be exceeded under any circumstances.

[E-bmw]

nobrakes said:

I guess the stiffer wall should keep more vertical when the tyre wears.

The tyre sidewall does not change as the tyre tread wears down, no matter how stiff.

[nobrakes]

Ok, I just figured that the stiffer wall (harsher ride) would wear better and be able to be a bit safer when the tread is worn down but it still needs to be ok for heavy loads at speed.

I’ve often got a full car in wine plus bikes on the roof plus a roof box on the roof so the effective weight on the rears will be large.

Am I just being too conservative and ordinary rated tyres will be perfectly adequate?

[E-bmw]

Unless you are overloading your car XL isn't required & if you are then XL still isn't the answer.