Tires: Mismatch on the tire load index, acura intergra, sensitive drivers

Question
Hi Barry,

I have a 1997 acura intergra GS. The tire is 195/55R15 85V. I find continental ContiProContact tires with 195/55R15 89V. The only difference is the load index. When I tried to purchase it online, it gives me the warning "The following tire you have selected has a higher load rating than the vehicle's Original Equipment (O.E.) tires. This typically results in increased ride harshness, which some customers may find undesirable." I am just wondering if it really matters and how it is gonna feel with a higher load index.

Thank you.
steven

Answer
Steven,

What is really going on is the difference between Standard Load (SL) type tires and Extra Load (XL) type tires.

XL tires are identical to SL except that they are slightly stronger in order to be able to be inflated to higher pressures in order to carry more load.  This additional strength usually means a heavier gauge of both steel and polyester cords - and that can sometimes be felt by sensititive drivers as increased ride harshness - the operative word here is "sensitive drivers".  Some do not notice any change at all.

But XL's can be used in place of SL's at the same pressure with otherwise no ill effects.  But the online store was doing you (and them) a service by warning you about a potential problem area.  Now you can make a more informed decision.