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The original tires of my car are Michelin tires with a load index/speed rating code of 88S. For reasons that I don't understand, I'm having a hard time finding Michelin tires with the same or higher load/speed ratings in the local area. A few local tire dealers don't seem to think that matching the load rating is critical. They would offer to sell me tires with a load index of 86 (and there are many brands and models available, although I have a preference for Michelin). Only 1 technician recommended against substituting tires of a lower load index for the original ones.
My question is: In practice, how important is it to use tires with the same or higher load index than specified by the car manufacturer? (I checked placard on the car. A pair of 86-rated tires should be able to bear the weight of the front axle (the heavier of the two) at GVWR, and do so with some safety margin.)