what size tyres for my 17's?

[se3454]

hi ive only had my bongo a couple of weeks but have picked up a set of seventeen inch alloys for it, they are 17 x 7, two have tyres on but not sure if they are the right size or not an are worn so i am looking at getting four new ones, the tyres that are on them are 215/45/17 87w. can any one please help as to what size, load rating etc i need to buy. i dont have a kitchen or anything in my car just the seats dont know if that affects what load rating i need,

thanks a lot

[francophile1947]

Scrap those tyres - the load index is much too low .
The nearest size to the normal wheels is 215/55x17. You need a minimum load rating of 92 for the front tyres and 96 for the rears.
You can compare tyre sizes etc here http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

[Morag]

I use 225/55/17 tyres which have a load index of 101 on them. Mine are Federal Formozas which I got from mytyres for about £77 a wheel. I've not had any problems with them and as a bonus they make my speedo more accurate.

[mikeonb4c]

I use 225/55/17 tyres which have a load index of 101 on them. Mine are Federal Formozas which I got from mytyres for about £77 a wheel. I've not had any problems with them and as a bonus they make my speedo more accurate.

Ditto - I think mine at 225s. They are superb to drive on (55 depth or more is good I think for keeping ride harshness down) and the speedo is 100% accurate with them on.

[mister munkey]

You can get away with 91's on the front & 95's on the back as the load difference is only 20 kilos - but 87's will split around the inside tyre wall amazingly quickly resulting in double blow outs - No thanks!!

Get rid as soon as poss.

[madmile]

I say it every time, but Mazda specify 92 front 96 rear for a reason and anything less could lead you open to an insurance claim being rejected. Not to mention the saftey issues as MisterMonkey says... lesser rated tyers are prone to splitting. Also if you are putting a lower profile tyre on then the side wall will have less give / bounce and the tyre will take more of a pounding.
If your putting the same size all round try and get 98XL tyres that way you have plenty of margin.

[missfixit70]

I got 98xl accelera's, they've got a protective rim on the side wall too for your rims Just over £50 a corner, not worth skimping on the load or speed rating.