Do i need to have the 87h last numbers on a tire for a scion tc 2005?

(2011-12-20 15:15:11)

1. Maria Says: The tire has the following numbers 215/45/1787h. Can I replace the tire with one that does not show the last 2 numbers and letter?

2. Grandpa Jack Says: Yes you can replace the tires with tires having a different last 3 numbers/letter than "87H"

The 87 is the load rating of the tire. The H is the speed rating. As long as you replace the tires with suitable load and speed rated tires for your car you'll be fine. It's pretty much impossible to buy tires that WON'T meet the load and speed rating needs of the average driver in a typical car in the USA because speed limits are lower than the lowest speed ratings of any tires you can buy any tire you can buy today can handle far more load per tire than they'll ever be subjected to unless you try and fill your entire Scion with gravel etc.,

Websites like Tirerack.com or Discounttire.com explain the load ratings and speed ratings further if you want to know more.

3. JBF Says: The last two numbers and the letter are carried on all tires using the current standard tire sizing systems that have been in use for more than 20 years. They are the Service Index and indicate the tires load carrying capacity (the 87) and speed rating (the H).

For reasons I can not figure out of the some 1,800 different tire sizes currently in use this one is about the only one that can still be commonly found in some brands and models using the old sizing system from the 1980's that does not include the Service Index. Instead of 215/45R17 87H it would be represented as 215/45HR17 or sometimes as a mix of the two systems - 215/45HR17 87H. Again, why with this particular tire size and not others I don't know but it makes no difference since the load rating is the same whether the 87 is there or not.