Wheels and Tyres

[Dad&Andy]

Just sent my son's VL 3.0 in for a NSW pink slip. The mechanic phoned back to say that he will not pass the car with the 18" rims and low profile tyres that are fitted. He said I would need an engineers certificate to pass them. I have downloaded the RTA's ruling and it clearly says "vehicles 1201kg and over: 51mm wider rim above the widest optional wheel available". I don't believe the wheel/tyre combination has a larger rolling diameter (wheel is larger but tyre lower profile) than the original.

Would a HDT wheel of the time (1987) be considered an optional wheel for a base model? Also the wheel track must not vary by more than 25mm. This is where I believe the mechanic thinks the problem is. Has anyone on here had their car passed with bigger wheels/tyres?

PS. My son got pulled over (older sister supervising)the other day after losing an L plate (Magnetic. Ouch $197) and the police didn't care about the wheels. Just the ride height.

[Dad&Andy]

Just spoke to the mechanic doing the pink slip and he wont accept 15" wheels. He wants 14" only. Didn't explain why other than he doesn't want to lose his license. Wasn't prepared to even consider anything else.

[Nanos]

you could always go to your local tyre shop get them to pull out the book on rim and tyre sizes. they will be able to tell you what the standard rolling diameter is and what the rolling diameter of the your 18's are.

is different laws in vic but they may help you convince your mechanic to pass it if it meets all laws. maybe even take a copy of the laws to the mechanic with a copy of the rolling diameters and show the mechanic that its all legal.

otherwise just go to another mechanic.

[Dad&Andy]

Thanks for the reply Nanos. Did an online calc between standard spare (14" with 75 series) and the 18" with 40 series tyre. Only a tiny difference in rolling diameter(1.9kmph at 100kmph). I had a copy of the 6 page rta document but he wouldn't even listen to me. I have used this bloke for my pink slips for the past 20 years but this will be the last time. I will attempt to drive into town tomorrow with standard VR wheels fitted and ask around until I get it passed.
Cheers

[Scooter79]

Just take the car to another place to get a pink slip done. It's not like he's taken possession of the car has he?

[Dad&Andy]

Spoke to another authorised inspector and he said the e-check had to be completed by the person who started it (already logged in the rta system). Once they've got you on the database, they might as well own the car. Any way I drove the car too the original mechanic and he accepted the 15" wheels and tyres (after I pointed out that Calais came with 15's standard. Took photos with digital camera). I'll know who to avoid next time. Have pink slip. Happy.

[detox_nath83]

why is there 2 threads about the same thing fellas?