The son of a coworker bought an 82 Z28 and he failed inspection at a couple of shops. Both shops failed him because he had smaller tires in front than in rear. The rears are 215/65R15's, and the fronts are narrower and a lower profile, thus making their diameter significantly smaller than the rears. The Mass RMV website has no info on what the criteria is that they are judging the tires. I was hoping someone here can enlighten me.....

Thanks.
Joe

 

he should just borrow someones rims and go get inspoected then switch back. As far as i know you are alowed 2 inches different from stock. Not sure if width has anything to do with that though.

 

if the tire size is different then it messes up your abs system. thats probably why they wont pass you because they know you wont be able to stop the car as fast as you should

 

It's an 82 no abs there.

 

An 82 does not require the smog test and can only be inspected for safety issues. Having larger rear tires does not pose a safety issue seeing as a 82 Z28 does not have ABS.

I have a 79 Malibu that I just bought new 15" wheels and tires for. The front tires are a smaller diameter and narrower than the rears. Come inspection time, I'm just gonna use my stock rally wheels. The tires are of equal size all around.

That does seem kinda strange though. Some of these shops get a hard on over nothing. I think that they tell you that there is something wrong in hopes that you will have your car "fixed" there.

I am gonna have the Malibu inspected within the next week or so, then the real wheels are being put on. If you need a set to borrow for inspection purposes you are welcome to use mine. They are stock 14x7 Rally's with good BFG rubber all around. Just let me know if you need them.

Joe

 

had no idea abs didn't come on the car

 

no biggie everyone makes mistake hell i make more then most

 

Joe,

Thanks for the offer. Actually he is looking to buy 2 new tires but maybe wants a little more width - that's why I was wondering what the exact rule was. If I find out anything more I'll let you guys know.

Joe

 

Have you called the state to see if they have a website with the inspection rules? In Maine there is a law about tires needing to be within a certain percentage size of stock. They passed the law because of the truckers that were all trying to look like bigfoot.

 

You can't be failed simply for having a different size tire on the front than the back. Tire size issues only relate to same axle; ex 235/60r15 on left side and 255/60r15 on the right. Also there is a rule regarding mixing of bias and radial tire but that is generally a non issue with virtually every car/truck now.
There is a contact number on the Regustry's site regarding just these types of inspection issues. This one and the person from Plymouth (if memory serves me correctly) should contact the state and report these issues.
Not trying to get guys to just report anyone who fails them, but in instances like this the shop in question is abusing the process and needs to be turned in, who knows the inspector there may have simply interpreted the rule incorrectly and just needs a phone call to clarify. That other situation where the person was repeatedly turned away for different safety issues has a very valid complaint as in any inspection the safety portion is to be conducted IN FULL at that time and not one portion at a time each visit.

 

I passed a few weeks ago no problem with my stock rims on the front and HUGE snow tires on the back, it all depends on the place you go I've had my car torn apart, and I've had just the old sticker scraped off and a new one put on, and I had one place tell me my 2 month old clutch was no good because he couldn't drive a stick.