Van and light commercial vehicle tyres are fundamentally different from car tyres — they carry heavier loads, work harder and are subject to different regulations. Using car tyres on a van is not only ineffective but can be dangerous and may invalidate your insurance.
Understanding Commercial Tyre Ratings
Van tyres are designated with a C suffix (e.g. 195/70 R15C) and carry a much higher load index than equivalent car tyre sizes. Load index for van tyres typically starts around 104 (900kg per tyre) and goes significantly higher for larger vehicles. Speed rating is also critical — check your van's documentation for the required minimum. Fitting a tyre with an insufficient load or speed rating is both dangerous and potentially illegal for commercial use.
Choosing the Right Tyre for Your Van
For high-mileage delivery vans, tyre longevity and low rolling resistance are priorities — look at Michelin Agilis or Continental VanContact ranges. For mixed-use vans doing city and motorway work, durability and traction matter equally. Single rear wheel vans (most Ford Transits, Mercedes Sprinters) need different consideration from dual rear wheel configurations. Tell our technician your payload and use case and we will recommend the right option.
Key Takeaways
- Never fit car tyres to a van — the load rating will be dangerously insufficient
- Check van tyre pressure with load — most vans need higher pressure when laden
- Van tyres wear faster than car tyres due to heavier loads — inspect more frequently
- Multi Mobile Tyres carries a full range of van and commercial tyres for same-day fitting
Keeping your van tyres correct and in good condition protects your cargo, your schedule and your legal compliance. Call Multi Mobile Tyres for commercial vehicle tyre advice and immediate fitting.
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