Can 94v and 98w be used interchangeably?
3 Answers
94v and 98w cannot be used interchangeably. They are tires with different load indexes. Using tires with different load indexes on the same vehicle can cause inconsistent deformation during high-speed rotation, leading to issues such as vehicle vibration. Additionally, tires with different load indexes have different material compositions, which can accelerate tire wear and pose significant safety risks. Below is some relevant information about tires: 1. Tire lifespan: The wear lifespan of a tire is typically 30,000 to 50,000 kilometers. If a tire has not reached the wear limit or mileage but has been in use for 5 years or has developed numerous cracks on the sidewall, it should be replaced. 2. Tire material: The main component of a tire is rubber. The maximum storage and anti-aging period for rubber, from natural latex to ethylene-propylene and nitrile, does not exceed 10 years. The average service life of various rubber products in use is 3-5 years.
I remember when I helped a friend with a tire issue last time, he was curious whether 94V and 98W tires could be mixed. Actually, tire specifications are like shoe sizes—mixing them is quite risky. The 94V has a maximum load capacity of 670 kg and a top speed rating of 240 km/h, while the 98W can handle 750 kg and 270 km/h. If you mix them on the same car, the difference in load capacity between the tires at high speeds can make the car feel unstable and prone to skidding during turns. I've seen cases where mixing tires caused the tire pressure warning light to flash constantly, so it's safer to replace all tires with the same specification.
With twenty years in auto repair, I've dismantled countless cars with mixed tires. The sidewall thickness and rubber compound of 94V and 98W tires are completely different – mixing them directly causes steering pull. Last time, a car had 98W on the left front and 94V on the right front; during highway braking, it wobbled drunkenly and nearly hit the guardrail. An 80kg load index difference sounds minor, but under full load, the weaker tire can bulge or even blow out in minutes. Trying to save money on tires often leads to higher repair costs.
