Bemis00

Okay... first off sorry for the tire thread, but the FAQ doesn't really address this issure fully. Neither do any tire mfg websites that I've been able to find.

I need to replace the tires on a 2000 SE with 17x7 stock rims after a run in with a piece of metal. What a barrel of monkey Nissan created with this rim size. I think I've gotten to a decision.

Continental ContiExtremeContact ( http://forums.maxima.org/misc.php?action=getsmilies
http://forums.maxima.org/images/smilies/gay.gif Name BTW) 225 x 45 x 17 90W SL

Here's the question.

THe load rating is 90 = 1323lbs

Stock 16" tires LR is 91 = 1356lbs
Stock 17" tires LR is 93 = 1433lbs

It seems to me that a very slightly lower load rating is somewhat less of a risk that say putting a 235/45/17 on a 7" rim.
I'm not looking to haul anything, and I'm usually alone in the car.

I can't find anything about how one would calculate a load rating requirement for a car. Could anyone shed some light on this subject.

Also feel free to enlighten me with other tire suggestions. This doughnut sux.

Thanks all

Bemis

limsandy

iTrader: (1)

First of all, this thread belongs here: http://forums.maxima.org/forumdisplay.php?forumid=71

If you are alone in the car, then your tires should be able to hold all the weight. If you're hauling like 4 of your friends with heavy bags in the trunk, then it might be dangerous because your tires could explode in the highway due to the extra weight.


~limsandy

Bulldawg

iTrader: (1)

I just bought that exact tire....and here is my reasoning...try to follow me. the load rating is 1323 lbs. the 2k2 has a maxima capacity of 4295 lbs. the car is weighted at 61/39(fr/r).... so 4295*.61=2169.95lbs on the front tires. divide by two which equals 1309.97 lbs which is 13.03 lbs under the rating. so i figured that it would be ok...because i hope that i never have that much stuff in my car.

Bemis00

It seems like they'd be okay. I did the same calculation. In the end I ordered a set of 225/50/17 Falken 512's. I hate having any doubt, althought it's probably only in my head. I would guess that load ratings also figure in a sizeable margin of error. Post a review of the contis if you get a chance.

Cheers

FuPeg

I looked around at various sizes and tires also, and decided to go with the Falkens in 225/50/17. I'll probably get them in the next month or two. I've got 36k on the OEM Potenzas and I don't want to go thru the fall/winter with them. I almost went with Yokohama Avid V4's in the 215/50/17 size, as that looked like a close fit on the stock rims and the load rating on that is 93, same as stock. I then talked with someone who knew tires and he said NEVER go down in size, it would be like going from roller skates to roller blades. Anyhow, I'll probably get the Falkens at Sears, they match price on an advertised/posted (including Internet) price with a 10% discount. Let us know how the Falkens work out.