Tyre load index?

[vtecstu]

Firstly, sorry for posting something that I'm sure has been asked hundreds of times, but the search function has been down for 24 hours and I need this sorted!

Are there any implications (performance, wear etc) on fitting tyres with a higher load index than the OEM?

My Civic Type-R has Bridgestone Potenza RE050 225/40Y18 Load Index 88. My local stockist has the same in stock but only with a load index of 92. This (from Googling) means that they can carry more weight, so I assume have stiffer sidewalls, but they're also about £20 a corner cheaper (stockist could get some 88's in next week sometime).

Is there any downside to saving myself £40 (both fronts) and going with the Load Index 92? I guess the ride may be a little harder with the stiffer sidewalls, but to be honest it's not exactly smooth as it is...!

[alfa pint]

I honestly doubt if you'll notice any difference. They're the same tyres, so they'll feel almost exactly the same grip wise, wet or dry and the difference in wear rate will be insignificant if you're not carrying loads.

[subsea99]

hi load index 88 is up to 560kg and 92 is 630kg so not too much off a diff..i have 92 on front and 96 on the back of my car

hope this helps

[vtecstu]

Cheers guys. Sounds like I'm saving myself £40 then! Still not sure I understand why they're cheaper though... Guess it may just be down to the volumes of each that are produced.

Thanks again!

[subsea99]

i got 4 new tyres for the db9 and cheapest by £250 was kwik fit ....figure that out 4 tyres for £661..mite be worth trying them as they had specials on potenzas as thats whats on mine

[HellDiver]

vtecstu said:

Still not sure I understand why they're cheaper though... Guess it may just be down to the volumes of each that are produced.

This.

[jon-]

You'll be hard pressed to notice any difference.

On a side note, there's better tyres for the CTR than the RE050

[vtecstu]

Cheers all. New ones are being fitted currently! Now what can I spend my savings on...? Was about £70 under what Kwik Fit quoted for two.

Maybe time to wander briefly into the Watches forum...!