Tires

[DevilDog]

Looking at these: https://www.pirelli.com/tires/en-us/car ... asons-plus

[NigelW]

I don't think those tyres will be any good for you, the are not the correct profile. They are also too lower speed rating for an S Type as they are only rated to 118 mph. In the UK if you had an accident with those on your insurance company could well refuse to pay out. S Types require a rating of at least 130 mph even if you never plan to go that fast.

[DevilDog]

Confused....I thought you and Rob preferred the P205/70R15 95T?
Help...

[DevilDog]

I concur with Stan and Nigel. 185/70s will be too small and will not fit the wheel arches as well as the 185/80/15s. I am now running thanks to Nigel 205/70/15s and they look fine.

Nigel...see Rob's post. Help

[NigelW]

Just had a look at the web site again and see they do a 205/70 15. These would fit OK. I was thinking you were going to fit the standerd size 185 tyres. Just check the load rating for the US as they might not be the same as here in the UK.

[cass3958]

Joe, Nigel is referring to the speed rating which each tyre has not the size which we both agree on.
The speed ratings are
N: 87mph
P: 93mph
Q: 99mph
R: 106mph
S: 112mph
T: 118mph
U: 124mph
H: 130mph
V: 149mph
Z: 150+ mph
W: 168mph
Y: 186mph
At the back of the 205/70/15 number there will be a letter which relates to the above. As the S Type has a top speed of about 125 mph then it has to have a tyre that is capable of achieving that speed without ripping itself off the rim. The S Type would need a rating of H or V to comply with British law not that we would ever dream of even getting close to those speeds.

[DevilDog]

Now, I understand. The Pirelli 205/70 R15 95T are OK?????????
We don't have the same British law. The "T" is rated for 118mph and my book says that the S-Type top speed is 120. I believe the MKII was 125 mph. Close enough.......

[NigelW]

Joe I'm still not convinced these tyres are correct for S Types. I mentioned load rating in previous posts as well as speed rating, have a look at a UK tyre site that has a chart for load rating.

https://www.blackcircles.com/helpcentre ... oad-rating

Those tyres are for vans. I have used a van tyre when I was in the states with the S Type and had a blowout in Kingman AZ and could only get a Chevy van size 205/15 to continue the trip to LA, comparing with the Avon's that I had on it had a very slightly smaller diameter and a lower load rating.

[DevilDog]

Nigel,
1388# per tire = 5552#. Car is about 3500#. ???? What load rating would you suggest or what tire? Just looked up the Vredestein Sprint Classic 185HR15 and they are 91, which is lower than the 95 of the Pirelli's. Even the Michelin's are 93. ????????????????????? https://www.amazon.com/Vredestein-Sprin ... B072M39RW4
Thanks,
Joe

[NigelW]

Good point. The only thing I can think of is using van tyres might give a hard ride due to stiffer side walls. Personally I wouldn't use van tyres and nothing less than an HR speed rated tyre on an S Type or VR on an XJ. I'm no expert on tyres just what I've experienced over the years and having driven many vans in the course of my previous job and discussions with the fleet transport workshop tec managers when trying to find a cheaper alternative to regular Jaguar tyres. It might be a good idea to talk to a few US tyre distributors to see what they recommend as there might be a difference between US and European tyre construction and compounds that have been tailored to local markets.