Have always had Michelin Pilot Sport A/S Plus 96Y tires and loved them. Bought brand new Pirelli P Zero Nero 98W tires for my brand new Jaguar Caravela rims.

The Jag dealer roadforce balanced them and said the rims were slightly out of round but within factory specification, they also said the tires were out of round with flat spots.

Was told they were balanced but may feel vibration.

I have driven 500 miles and they vibrate enough to be very annoying on long drives.

I noticed the brand new XJs have Pirelli P Zero Nero 102H.

Pirelli says my XJ calls for Y rated tires and I should not go below the W rating, but someone suggested the 102H might be more comfortable and since Jaguar is now using them, what do you know?

Thanks.

 

I don't think the load rating has anything to do with your problem, if that's what your asking.

I get the wheels repaired and go from there.

Cheers
DD

 

Thank you for the response Doug. Sorry my question was not clear. The rims are new from Jaguar and in spec according to the dealer. I can get another set and they may or may not be in round.

My question was which tire would be the best choice to perhaps make for a smoother ride, higher speed rating lower load heavier tire or lower speed rating higher load 3 pounds lighter tire that is now OE on the new XJ? Perhaps the reason Jaguar went from a Y rating to an H?

 

Lots of variables from one brand to another, or from one model to another within the same brand. But broadly speaking the lower speed rated tires ("H" in this case....130mph) have a softer sidewall and give a smoother ride.

The 102 load rating seem seriously over-specified to me and, yes, I think the heavier construction might deteriorate ride quality. I wonder why Jaguar went so high? Oh well.

I think the reason Jaguar went to the "H" rating on some models was due to tread life. Many of the V-W-Y rated tires have a short tread life and resulted in complaints. I guess they decided, probably correctly, that most owners would rather have longer tread life instead of "high performance" characteristics.

Of course there shouldn't be vibration regardless of the speed or load rating. But some stiff tires tranmsit every road imperfection thru the car...even if there isn't an actual wheel/tire vibration.

Cheers
DD