Tires: Proper load rating for 2003 Odyssey, Tires, Load Index

Question
Barry,

My 2003 Odyssey has had problems with its Goodyear Triple Treds.  The "bead" has now failed on the 2nd front end tire after only 42K miles.  My tire dealer says it might be caused from the Goodyear tire being rated a 97T while Honda's spec calls for a 98T.

Back in January you addressed this issue by saying there is an "exception" to the weight rating that makes it OK to put a 97T in place of a 98T.

Does this exception mean I will not have a claim against the dealer that sold me these tires?

If the 97T is really OK, why are the tires failing after having been properly maintained and not excessively loaded (other than the heavy odyssey itself)?

Thanks,
Jack

Answer
Jack,

For practical purposes, if the tires are same size, the load index difference doesn't matter.   Here's a long explanation why:

http://www.geocities.com/barrystiretech/loadtables.html

So you can't fault the tire dealer for putting on "incorrect tires".  

But if tires are failing, then you have a claim against the tire manufacturer, and the dealer should be equipped to handle it.  The only exception to that would be if the failure is the result of a road hazard or some sort of misuse.  For example, a "bead" failure caused by hitting a curb would not be covered by warranty.

I can't tell if the reason the tires are failing is due to the loading issue without looking at the tires.  But it is extremely unlikely.

So go back to the selling dealer, sow the tires to him, and see what he does.