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Question: Is it safe to replace the oem tires with a lower load index?

(Posted by: grahamc15 on 2008-10-31 14:14:44)

Is it safe to replace the OEM tires on my wife's 2005 Hyundai Tucson that have a tire load of 99 with new tires that have a load rating of 97 or will this make it unsafe, more tire blowouts, etc...? Thanks in advance for the help

Posted by: krazybob613 on 2008-10-31, 15:49:42

Most OEM tires are substantially over rated for the vehicle that they are installed on. If you have any doubts, get the vehicle weighed on a per axle basis and verify that way that the rating of the tires is adequate for the actual load you are placing on them.

Posted by: golden rider on 2008-10-31, 14:40:03

No, not unless you are planning to haul something extremely heavy in it.

Posted by: Robert F on 2008-10-31, 15:55:41

The design engineers figure what is needed for safety and handling with a safe margin of error.. I doubt 2 points will make that much difference

Posted by: UCANTCME on 2008-11-01, 06:52:28

No.....this is very unsafe and you should always follow the manufacturers ratings....