Before the rise of Electric Vehicle, some Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) drivers are concern with the tyre model if it supports SUV weight. They want the tyre model showing “SUV” on the tyre sidewall as they are concerned that normal tyre model can’t handle the weight and gravity shift of SUV.
Even if they don’t choose SUV specific tyre model, they want “SUV” these three letters to appear on the tyre sidewall to specify that it can support SUV.
What is SUV tyre?
Stated from tyre manufacturer, SUV tyre is a model that specifically designed for SUV. Their tyre size only available for SUV in the market. You won’t find a sedan or saloon vehicle size in SUV tyre.
Is it necessary to use SUV specific tyre?
A short answer: no.
Just like Electric Vehicle owners concern whether a normal tyre can support the weight of the EV, all tyres are designed with more than sufficient loading such that it suits every vehicle in the market.
Take an example of Tesla Model Y SUV, with tyre size – 255/45 R19
| Pilot Sport 4 SUV | Pilot Sport 5 | |
| Tyre size available | 255/45 R19 100V | 255/45 ZR19 (104Y) |
| Loading index | 100 | 104 |
| Weight Support | 800kg *4 = 3200 kg | 900kg *4 = 3600kg |
Apparently Pilot Sport 5 has a even higher loading index than Pilot Sport 4 SUV. Furthermore, Pilot Sport 5 does not have “SUV” imprinted on the tyre sidewall. Does it mean Pilot Sport 5 cannot be installed on a SUV like Tesla Model Y?
If a sedan or saloon vehicle size cannot be found in SUV tyre. What about SUV tyre size found in passenger vehicle tyre category? Take another example of Kumho tyre models.
| Kumho HP91 | Kumho PS71 | Kumho PS72 | |
| Kia Sorento Tyre Size 235/55 R19 | 235/55 R19 101V 235/55 ZR19 105W | 235/55 ZR19 101Y (with “SUV” on side wall) | Not available |
In the past years, lots of passenger vehicle tyre models will imprint “SUV” on the sidewall to state that the tyre also suitable for SUV (SUV suitable). Tyres such as Michelin Primacy 4, Goodyear F1A6 and Falken FK510 with sizes that show as Primacy 4 SUV, F1A6 SUV, and FK510 SUV simply shows that it’s suitable for SUV as well (just like EV suitable tyres). In fact, SUV tyre sizes won’t even appear in sedan and saloon vehicle, vice versa.
However, latest models like Falken FK520L, Michelin Primacy 5, Dunlop Sport Maxx 060+ no longer add “SUV” on the sidewall. It’s just simply, one for all.
Should you choose SUV specific tyre?
When it comes to longer mileage, SUV specific tyre wins. Comparing a normal tyre, SUV tyre provides a better control for your SUV in the same tyre category (high performance or touring).
Small market like Hong Kong does not offer a myraid of SUV tyre models unlike oversea market. Some SUV specific tyre model that you may still find e.g.
Nevertheless, normal tyre is an option especially if you prefer an ultra high performance tyre but that particular model is out of stock.
Do Electric Vehicle SUV owners ever asked if the EV tyre is also a SUV tyre?
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Other related articles:
-> EV tyre is a must for Electric Vehicle?
-> Types of tyre explained – summer , all season, all weather, winter
-> Learn tyre categories -high performance vs touring
-> Understand tyre tread pattern – symmetric, asymmetric, directional
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-> Tyre related information
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-> Vehicle maintenance and DIY
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