Tires: tire load & speed rating, skoda octavia combi, octavia models

Question
QUESTION: I have just purchased a 2010 Skoda Octavia Combi (wagon), 1.6TDI. Is it safe to use a winter tire on this vehicle that has a size rating or 205/55/R16 and a Load rating of 89, Speed rating of "S"?

ANSWER: Dear Maurice,
Thank you for using AllExperts!
Although my data shows a fitment of 195/65R15 for your car model, it would be best for you to confirm to me the original tire size that came on your Skoda.
If indeed it was 195/65R15, an '89' load index would not be sufficient as the 195/65 would be either load index 91 (standard load), or 95 (reinforced load).  I don't have data that would show me the original speed rating of your tire.  Please confirm what you have. Downgrading of speed ratings from Summer type tyres to Winter type tyres is inevitable to some extent and is usually permitted.  Your Skoda owner's manual will have advice on this matter.
Speed rating downgrades are handled more casually in N. America (where I am) compared to the E.U., so after consulting your owner's manual I would suggest that you consult a local tyre fitter for advice as I do not have access to your local tyre regulations.


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Dear Expert,
Thank you for your response. You are correct on the tire size that came with the car (195/65R15), however it is a summer tire and I have 16" rims that fit perfectly and almost brand new winter tires, fitting these rims, with "89" Load rating and "S" speed rating. The owner manual only mentions speed rating, specifically for all the stock tires/wheel combinations that come with the various Octavia models; but the Load rating is missing from the owner's manual.
So for a 205/55R16 Tire, is the 89 Load rating enough for this Skoda Octavia?
According to my research, the 89 load rating is at 1279Lbs/580Kg per tire. How does one apply this data to a vehicle? Spread this across to the 4 tires and see if it meets/exceeds the vehicle's maximum load capacity?

Your knowledge and feedback is very much appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Maurice

Answer
Dear Maurice,
Since your 205/55R16 tires have a load rating (load index) of 89, they must be "P-metric" tyres -- a North American specification, and yes, their max load would be 1,279 lbs. (580.14 kg) @ 35 psi.  Look on the sidewall of your 195/65R15 original equipment (Skoda)tyres.  They should be marked after the size designation with either: 91 or 95 load index:
91 = max load 615 kg @ 250 kPa (36 psi)
95 = max load 690 kg @ 290 kPa (42 psi)
Consequently, I cannot recommend the 205/55R16 tires for the Skoda as they would represent a downgrading of the load index/load rating.

Let me know if you have any further questions.