V6 2.5 - That age old debate about Tyre Sizes

[fargo]

Hello fellow bongoers,

I was happily about to change the rear tyres on my bongo when I noticed that all four tyres are 215/85 R15. I read on the fact sheet that the correct size is 215/65 R15 - what do you think I should do - put the front tyres (215/85 R15) on the rear and two 215/65 R15 on the front or just get two more 215/85 R15? Any help gratefully received as all the local tyres centres and garages are proving a bit clueless!

Matt.

[francophile1947]

I've just tried two online tyre suppliers and they don't even list 215/85x15 tyres Can your local firms actually supply them and how do the prices compare with 216/65?
As yours is a 2WD, you could put 215/65 on the front and replace the 85s when needed, but bear in mind that, unless the existing 85 tyres are fairly new, new tyres are usually fitted to the rear, to stop the back end skidding and overtaking you (especially in this weather) Personally, I'd bite the bullet and fit 65s all round.

[fargo]

Sorry I misread the size! the actual size fitted is 215/70 R15 - the 85 was the load rating!

215/70 work out about £20 more expensive than 215/65. Or just get the whole lot done in 215/65 for sanity!

Matt.

[francophile1947]

Sorry I misread the size! the actual size fitted is 215/70 R15 - the 85 was the load rating!

215/70 work out about £20 more expensive than 215/65. Or just get the whole lot done in 215/65 for sanity!

Matt.

Well, whatever you do, make sure that the load rating is correct i.e a minimum of 92 front and 96 rear - those tyres you've got, at the moment, are seriously underrated and invalidate your insurance You really need to change all four.

[fargo]

Thats interesting as the current tyres were sold with the bongo, I never thought to check that they were the right ones, you do just assume that a bongo dealer would have that sort of thing sorted out!

Thanks for the info.

[francophile1947]

you do just assume that a bongo dealer would have that sort of thing sorted out!

Indeed you do Mine had 225/50x17 tyres fitted when I went to look at it, with a load rating of 82 - they changed them when I pointed out that they were totally unsuitable The Japs don't seem to bother too much, as long as they look good