TYRE SIZE TROUBLE

Submitted: Wednesday, Jun 04, 2008 at 22:45
ThreadID: 58393 Views:5015 Replies:7 FollowUps:8
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Hi all.
Where do i start. I have changed my stock tyres to AT's. I opted for the larger size 265/75-R16 from guidance and advice from my 4x4 mechanic and tyre manufacturer/rep. Standard size was 255/70-R16. This was done because a light truck tyre was not available in the 255/70-R16.
This has increased the diameter by 40mm. Big deal - I thought...

Now, I was not aware of all the implications this brings. Having read many 4x4 mags, every 3rd photo you see has monster wheels. I think it de-sensitised me and probably many people.
There are Vic road laws stating maximum tyre size change of + or - 15mm.
I read a post from somebody yesterday saying they have an engineers certificate certifying the tyre change. Where do you get this?
I spoke to my insurer and they requested this but they did not know where to get it done. My mechanic has never heard of this being asked by anybody.
Another expert said, just don't worry about it as they would have to prove the tyres were the cause of the accident.( I think I would have to prove they did not cause the accident at my expense)
Anybody had this done in Victoria before? Anybody heard of this being done before in Vic?
And finaly - if so where? I am in Melbourne.

Thanks
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Reply By: Shaker - Wednesday, Jun 04, 2008 at 22:59

Wednesday, Jun 04, 2008 at 22:59
If your tyre manufacturer/rep has advised you to make this change, you would be well within your rights to ask for the tyres to be exchanged for 'legal' size tyres.
He does have a duty of care when offering advice, he also has no right to recommend any tyre that doesn't comply with your vehicle maufacturer's tyre placard, & would also be jointly liable for any damage or loss caused.

AnswerID: 307812

Follow Up By: WorkingNavara - Thursday, Jun 05, 2008 at 19:52

Thursday, Jun 05, 2008 at 19:52
Good if it was in writing. This was done 3 months ago (verbal advice) and I only became aware of the problem when reading some of these forum posts, then researching the facts.
I think they SHOULD have at least advised of the legal implications. They are the experts. I know now!
This could be one of those things where you burn a pile of money because you did not know.
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FollowupID: 573770

Reply By: ozwasp - Thursday, Jun 05, 2008 at 01:13

Thursday, Jun 05, 2008 at 01:13
Hi Mate,

It doesn't sound like a big deal to me anyway, as I put 31 inch tyres on my Hilux, which was up from the original 29.5inch and it hasn't been of any concern.

Bigger tyres may scrape on the guards on wheel lock and alter your speedo very slighty, but they will wear down to almost the same rolling diameter of the originals anyway.

I've had my Hilux over the pits and they didn't bat an eyelid at the tyres.
As for your insurer, I think you'll only be creating problems by mentioning it. I've had friends involved in accidents with oversized tyres and the issues was apparently never raised.

To be honest though, I'm surprised you didn't think of any consequences first?

Will.
AnswerID: 307823

Follow Up By: Member - Warfer (VIC) - Thursday, Jun 05, 2008 at 03:56

Thursday, Jun 05, 2008 at 03:56
***As for your insurer, I think you'll only be creating problems by mentioning it.****


Hiya Will

No disrespect mate but thats not good advice especially when Insurance Companies make bleep loads of money by picking out stuff like this so they can deny a claim,and believe me its usually the tyres they look at first..Unroadworthy 4wd they'll love it...

You HAVE to KEEP your Insurance Company HAPPY...

I find it abhorrent that the tyre guys did not know this..

Cheers
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FollowupID: 573671

Follow Up By: Member - Brad G (QLD) - Thursday, Jun 05, 2008 at 05:53

Thursday, Jun 05, 2008 at 05:53
Here Here Warfer,

The best way to create problems with insurers is to 'not mention' something. These problems usually surface after an accident and claim. Have a look at your policy and see how many times it mentions 'disclosure' and 'your responsibilitiy to disclose' etc etc. There will be a line somewhere that says 'Failure to disclose may affect your coverage'. The fact is you may be currently uninsured, which may include your CTP, which is pretty scary stuff.

I believe (in QLD) you can get mods like these engineered. Look up an auto engineer, they should be able to help or point you in the right direction.

In the mean time - drive VERY carefully!

Cheers
Brad
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FollowupID: 573674

Follow Up By: Member - Royce- Thursday, Jun 05, 2008 at 11:15

Thursday, Jun 05, 2008 at 11:15
Insurance is a form of gambling. They gamble that you will not have an accident... and your bet that you will.

Similarly, they gamble that they will find a reason not to pay out and you gamble that you will get away with non standard changes.

Really, it's all about risk. Boring life if you don't take a risk now and then.
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FollowupID: 573700

Reply By: Member- Tony C - Thursday, Jun 05, 2008 at 06:55

Thursday, Jun 05, 2008 at 06:55
I went through this tyre selection process for a new Triton i purchased recently and decided to stick to a size with a similar diameter to standard which is about 750mm.I thought of going to a 215/85/16 which with a diameter of 770mm was the largest diameter my tyre dealer said was legal for the Triton with 6" rims.I decided against this size because they are so rare.
I also considered 750x16 for the increased ground clearance and good availability, they would have had the same diameter as your 265/75/16.Two local tyre dealers strongly advised against this because of two bigger jump up in size by 40mm and its effect on gearing ,braking and legal issues.
BF Goodrich list their AT with load carrying of 1215Kg in a 255/70/16 I am not sure what that equates to in load rating index but would think it would be a LT tyre.
Cheers
Tony
AnswerID: 307828

Follow Up By: Member- Tony C - Thursday, Jun 05, 2008 at 07:09

Thursday, Jun 05, 2008 at 07:09
Sorry i made a mistake.
"Two local tyre dealers advised against 750x16 because of 40mm increase in size from standard" Should have been 57mm.
Tony
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FollowupID: 573676

Reply By: Member - Oldplodder (QLD) - Thursday, Jun 05, 2008 at 07:39

Thursday, Jun 05, 2008 at 07:39
Have you tried ringing Vic Roads and asking about a list of qualified certifiers for modifications?
AnswerID: 307833

Follow Up By: WorkingNavara - Thursday, Jun 05, 2008 at 19:45

Thursday, Jun 05, 2008 at 19:45
Logical.... Will ask them.. I will report this back.
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FollowupID: 573768

Reply By: Member - Phil G (SA) - Thursday, Jun 05, 2008 at 08:32

Thursday, Jun 05, 2008 at 08:32
245/75R16 is the size you need. Can get every LT truck tyre including muddies, and with a high load index.
AnswerID: 307841

Reply By: wicket - Thursday, Jun 05, 2008 at 10:37

Thursday, Jun 05, 2008 at 10:37
A guy at the hilux site has been right through this tyre issue and he has a written reply from vic roads to state that they are legal.

http://www.newhilux.net/forum/viewtopic.php?id=1903
AnswerID: 307856

Follow Up By: WorkingNavara - Thursday, Jun 05, 2008 at 19:47

Thursday, Jun 05, 2008 at 19:47
Thanks for this. I have joined the site and waiting for the reply to log on. I have not heard this one before.
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FollowupID: 573769

Follow Up By: WorkingNavara - Sunday, Jun 08, 2008 at 12:37

Sunday, Jun 08, 2008 at 12:37
Hi wicket,
Have tried to join site but it has locked me out. ( must know i drive a nissan)
Can you cut and paste this article at all and mail on this site or my e-mail - freform@aunix.com.au

Many thanks if you can do this...
Marco
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FollowupID: 574470

Reply By: wicket - Thursday, Jun 05, 2008 at 10:40

Thursday, Jun 05, 2008 at 10:40
A guy at the hilux site has been right through this tyre issue and he has a written reply from vic roads to state that they are legal up to 50mm.

http://www.newhilux.net/forum/viewtopic.php?id=1903
AnswerID: 307857

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