Greetings,

Can any tell me the real difference between the following two designations:

215/45ZR-17 87W VSB
215/45ZR-17 91Y VSB

There is approximately $7.00 difference between the two in cost.

What's the diff ? ? ?

Best Regards,
Ron
'03 MCS

 

Here's all you want to know: http://www.goodyeartires.com/kyt/readingATire/

 

The bottom line is the Y rated tire is built for more demanding performance driving than the W rated tire and that is reflected in the prices.
http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=EZ3&url=/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=35&currentpage=48

Talk to Alex@tirerack if you want more details. Y rated tires are built to withstand greater heat along with the higher speeds (not that your MINI will be going that fast anytime soon). And in this case Y rated also has a higher load rating (could be due to side wall materials/construction).

If you do only street driving at normal street speeds then the W rated tire will be fine.
If you do driving school events regularly, or drive and corner hard on a regular basis then the Y rated tire would be a good choice.

 

What I want to know is why the same size tire has different load ratings-must be some difference in construction. One may be OEM for some car out there.

All else being equal, it is easier to engineer a lower speed rated tire to handle/ride better because of the lesser requirements for limited heat generation (softer rubber "squishes" more and generates more heat) and radial strength. But the marketing reality is that most people equate speed rating=quality and are willing to pay more for a higher rating, so the most expensive tires are the highest speed rated models.

Really, do you need tires rated at 168MPH or 186MPH on a Mini, especially when such a high rating compromises low-speed performance? Well the tire makers give you no choice in the matter. If you want "max performance" you have to suffer worse ride/handling/rolling resistance than you otherwise would. It's all in the marketing.

 

I would say W rating is enough for street. (even v-rating if those ultra
high perf tires came in that rating).

 

Greetings,

Thanks for the insight. I appreciate the info as I'm ready to order a set and the option between the two was confusing

Best Rregards,
Ron

 

Here's another interesting article from tirerack.com
http://www.tirerack.com/a.jsp?a=EZ3&url=/tires/tiretech/techpage.jsp?techid=72&currentpage=62

Essentially your tires don't do as well as tire temperature and speed increases. Tires with a higher load rating might offer more safety.

The higher the temps and speeds the lower the load capacity falls under use.

Therefore a tire that has a marginal load rating for the MINI at ambient temperature could have less than needed load under maximal use as on the track.

So tires like 205/40-17 with a load rating of 80 as in the case of a Bridgestone Potenza S-03 would be not a good choice for track tires on a long course.

For an autocross with one person and with runs that are short and don't heat up the tires much, it could work.

 

Ron,

How are your tires performing? I happened to put 205/50ZR-16 87Y on my 2002 Cooper and was extremely pleased with the initial performance. However, I have been in a battle recently between Discount Tire (where I special ordered the tires) and Mini North Scottsdale (The dealer). After about 3K miles on the tires, my Mini has developed a severe pull to the right (changes two lanes in under 4 seconds when I let go of the wheel). Right now the dealer is saying it is a problem with the car, and the dealer is saying it is a problem with the tires. I did have an independent auto service do an alignment test, and the alignment is not off. The dealer did take the wheels & tires from a brand new Mini, put on my car, and the problem went away. So that should isolate everything but the tires & rims. Looks like I'm still in search of a solution. Anyone have any other ideas?

 

Hi pmccammon,

I have not ordered my tires yet. I was going to order 215/45ZR17 91Y's from Discount Tire as they offer free shipping ( UPS Ground) and a $75.00 rebate if I order by 8-06-05.
Please contact Goodyear as they should offer a manufacturers warranty, especially on tires with only 3K miles on them. Let me know how you make out !!

Best Regards,
Ron

PS: No disrespect to Alex or Tirerack - but that is $113 savings !!