Tyre Size Question

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caveywavey

New Member
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7
Hi,
I live in France and have a defender 110 300tdi which I brought here from Blighty.

The tyres I have are 4 Bf Goodrich all-terrain radials, 120/116s, LT 265/75 R16. Load Range D. They are all in pretty good condition.

The problem I have is a tiny puncture in the sidewall of one of them. I believe that I am right in thinking that I cannot repair this hole as auguring it will significantly reduce the strength of the sidewall.

I have been led to believe that my only option is to replace this tyre. However, that could be tricky given the price involved and I HAVE to pass the French MOT (controle technique) soon as I am already late for it.

My boss, luckily, is one of the very few people in France with some second hand 4x4 tyres. They are however unfortunately a different size..
They are BF goodrich all terrain radials as well but... 20 x 9.50 R15 LT Load Range C.

Could anyone enlighten me if it is problematic to put 2 of these tyres on the front or the back? Thereby have different size tyres on different axles?
 
caveywavey said:
Hi,
I live in France and have a defender 110 300tdi which I brought here from Blighty.

The tyres I have are 4 Bf Goodrich all-terrain radials, 120/116s, LT 265/75 R16. Load Range D. They are all in pretty good condition.

The problem I have is a tiny puncture in the sidewall of one of them. I believe that I am right in thinking that I cannot repair this hole as auguring it will significantly reduce the strength of the sidewall.

I have been led to believe that my only option is to replace this tyre. However, that could be tricky given the price involved and I HAVE to pass the French MOT (controle technique) soon as I am already late for it.

My boss, luckily, is one of the very few people in France with some second hand 4x4 tyres. They are however unfortunately a different size..
They are BF goodrich all terrain radials as well but... 20 x 9.50 R15 LT Load Range C.

Could anyone enlighten me if it is problematic to put 2 of these tyres on the front or the back? Thereby have different size tyres on different axles?
Click to expand...


2 different sizes don't work. Will wak out your drive train. the ciccumference isn't the same, never same a 15" fit a 16" rim yet:doh:
 
I had a puncture in a bfg all terrain and the tyre place put an innertube in it. £20, been fine for 25k
 
"but Waz's inner tube idea is inspired"

And illegal I think.

(In france anyway. It's times like these that I'm missing some anglo-saxon flexibility.)
 
I presumed it was legal as it was a good established tyre mot and exhaust place that certainly has a good reputation in Kent. Didnt see a reason to check for legality. But as you said, not sure about France.
 
You really shouldn't skimp on what is the most important parts of your vehicle.... if that cocked up tyre fails at speed it could cost a lot more than £100.
Unless your rims are designed to be used with tubes then your insurance will be invalid.
 
Well then I would have a strong case for negligence against the tyre company. If I'm still alive. Research needed I think
 
Had a fish around - what seemed like a smart solution appears to have some potential serious drawbacks.

Only in the case of an emergency (puncture etc.), may it be okay to fit a tube inside a tubeless tyre for very short-term use - I once had an unrepairable puncture whilst on holiday and couldn't find a supplier with the right size tyre in stock, so fitting a tube was a '1 day get me home' solution.

Apparently tubeless tyres are constructed differently from tube-type tyres, and may not necessarily be able to handle the additional friction from the tube on the inside of the tyre.

A radial tyre creates lots of heat, and putting a tube inside, the tube rubs on the tyre, creating friction resulting in more heat which could cause tube failure and loss of pressure.

There is also the added issue of whether the hole for the valve lines up with the valve on the tube.

Top advice from Mr JC - don't skimp on tyres, no matter how much paying for them hurts:(
 
I spoke to the tyre company today regarding this, it is very much decided on an individual basis, tyre size, type of puncture and wheel. And it is legal for them to do that and insurance wont be invalid They are not a bodgit company and I trust what they say. Here's to another 20k from that tyre,
 
I am not 100% convinced Waz.... If a vehicle is fitted with tyres less than the manufacturers recomendations in the handbook then it can invalidate your insurance. Illegal or bald tyres can do the same. Have a Google... better still, give your insurance company a call and ask them... is it a change or modification from the standard factory equipment?

Is yours a non repairable tubless tyre ie scrap? If its okay with the insurance company then happy days :)
 
I can obviously see the issues with tubes in tubeless, and has got me thinking obviously. I dont want to be driving around with a blowout on countdown. You obviously put your trust in these garages and there advise, well, most of them. I will contact my insurance co. and post an update. (if its the news I want to hear or maybe out earning a bit extra to buy a new tyre!) It was a BF Goodrich all terrain 235/85 with about 500 miles on it, the puncture was very small.
 
Last edited:
Well, finally spoke to insurance company today and after explaing in detail the issue, the underwriters said that it would not invalidate my insurance cover, so happy days :) Whilst its a far cheaper option than replacing an expensive tyre not many tyre companies keep the right size tube and probably worth checking with insurance companies beforehand.
 
That does make sense, I've got to replace the front 2 soon so will replace that one as well, for 100% piece of mind. Even though its lasted 2 yrs and a trip to mid France it has got me thinking. After researching it on the web it's not recommended, even though I trust the tyre shop.
As has been said, a good short term fix.
 
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