Tyre speed rating

BrendanP · « **on:** September 12, 2016, 18:15:02 »

I've just bought a nearly-new i30 with less than 3000 miles. As you can imagine, the tyres are all in excellent condition, so must be what was fitted in the factory, but the speed rating is only T rating. The owners handbook, and the label on the door pillar states H-rated tyres. My previous generation i30 had H-rated tyres from new? Does anyone think I have a reasonable argument for asking Hyundai to change the tyres?

Jon · « **Reply #1 on:** September 13, 2016, 10:22:38 »

If H rated is the certified type approval as a minimum for the car then that is what is required. Consumer protection laws are on your side. It's worth asking.

Are they winter tyres that have been fitted? Look for M+S or a mountain symbol on the sidewall. Many winter tyres are only available in the lower speed ratings.

BrendanP · « **Reply #2 on:** September 13, 2016, 22:56:05 »

Not winter tyres, just the Michelin energy saver. My colleague has a Kia Ceed with the same tyres, but at least his are H rated. Am awaiting response from Hyundai UK

Jon · « **Reply #3 on:** September 14, 2016, 09:33:59 »

I know some cars have had their tyres changed prior to delivery to the dealer. The original tyre is swapped for an energy saver one. It's part of a CO2 reduction program and helps Hyundai UK reach its target for the year.

BrendanP · « **Reply #4 on:** September 14, 2016, 22:34:35 »

You'd think if they were going to the trouble and expense of taking new tyres off a car and replace with another set of new tyres, they'd fit the right ones. After all, the difference in cost between T and H rated is negligible in comparison.

Ruperts Trooper · « **Reply #5 on:** September 15, 2016, 06:47:18 »

The H-rated may be more expensive, due to lower volumes - it's not unusual to find the V-rated version cheaper than the H-rated simply on volumes, not that "ordinary" cars need V-rated anyway and many cars are electronically limited to 112mph in North America so can use a T-rated tyre (or tire even)

BrendanP · « **Reply #6 on:** September 19, 2016, 18:38:28 »

I have received a response from Hyundai UK, which reads as follows

'..As part of the CO2 reduction that Hyundai implemented last year one of the changes was to fit various vehicles with low rolling resistance tyres to reduce emissions. This vehicle is one of those to have those tyres fitted.The T rated tyre is acceptable for this vehicle, and is an approved tyre for this model as specified within its Homologation data from the EC Certificate of Conformity..'

Ruperts Trooper · « **Reply #7 on:** September 19, 2016, 21:01:03 »

"T" rated tyres are good for 118 mph - just acceptable for 1.4 100PS and 1.6 CRDi 110PS - but not for 1.6 120PS, 1.6 CRDi 136PS or 1.6 GDI 186PS as their top speeds exceed 118.