QuestionHi Barry - I have 17" aftermarket Konig rims with new "Ultra HPR" 205/40R17
80H tires on my 1997 VW Golf (Trek edition 4 door 2.0L), and I'm curious to
know what pressure I should have them inflated to - I've read many of your
posted answers and I cannot find the placard on my car at all (not in the door
well, nor the glove box, and I have no manual for the car). Any help gratefully
received . . . thanks!
AnswerCharles,
On every vehicle sold in the US, there is a sticker – commonly called the tire placard - that lists the original tire size and the proper pressure for that size. The placard is usually located on a doorpost or in the glove box – but sometimes it is located in the trunk or on the fuel filler door.
The first step is to check the placard and record both the size and the pressure, because what I am about to write is dependent on that information being correct.
Tire Guides say a 1997 VW Golf originally came with 195/60R14 86H inflated to 31 front 29 rear. Please check this as my book has been wrong before and it is critical this information be correct.
I hate to tell you this but 205/40R17 80H's are too small for your vehicle. You need at least an 82 Load Index. Another way to state this is that your current tires are Standard Load (SL) and you need Extra Load (XL). The XL tires are designed to carry more load.
If you've just purchased the tires, then see if you can exchange them for XL's. When you have XL tires, you would need to use 37 psi front, and 35 psi rear.
But if you can't make an exchange, run the pressures indicated and at the first sign of trouble, remove them. You will have to pay close attention to the pressures and drive gently,and stay keenly aware of any changes in the way the vehicle drives. A vibration my be an indicator of an impending separation.
Also, whne you get XL tires, it might be a good idea to use 3 to 5 psi more to protect the rims from impact dmage. 40 series tires do not have a lot of sidewall and large pot holes can deflect the tire enough to dent the rim.
