The speed rating is typically the last letter listed on the sidewall (coming after the load index, which is a number). For example, if you see “M+S 235/45 R18 94V” on the side of the tire, the last letter, V, is your speed rating.
What does 94v mean on a tire?
The letter part of this is the speed rating - the maximum supported speed for the tire. Again, from Tire Rack: So a tire rated at "94V" can support 670kg at 240km/h.
What is the psi rating for a 93v tire?
94V - 1477lbs. (at 51 psi) 93V - 1433lbs. (at 44 psi) Keep in mind those look to be maximum PSI ratings by Michelin for those particular tires. Maximum psi should never be used in a street tire. Michelin lists the 93V as a tire usable on the Fusion V-6, so you could safely use a 93V rated tire.
How much weight can a 94 inch tire hold?
Note that “94” implies that the tire can hold about 1477 pounds (670 kg). Since you tend to have 4 tires, you can usually multiply that number by 4 to guestimate the maximum amount of weight that your car (including the weight of the car, passengers and cargo) can safely carry (well, at least the tires can hold, without failing).
How fast can you Drive on a V rated tire?
Here, the tire would have a speed rating of V. V-rated tires can be driven at 149 MPH. Tires having a maximum speed capability over 149 MPH may have “ZR” in the size designation. Tires with a maximum speed capability over 186 MPH are required to include “ZR” in the designation.
What speed rating is V?
149 mphSPEED RATING V Once the highest speed rating a tire could have, “V” used to represent a maximum of 149 mph (240 kph) or more. Nowadays, it means 149 mph but no higher.
Is speed rating H or V better?
An “H” rated tire is designed to operate at a maximum speed of 130 mph. A “V” rated tire on the other hand is designed to operate at a maximum speed of 149 mph, almost twenty miles an hour more than the “H” rated tire.
How fast can V tires go?
149 mphTIRE SPEED RATINGS SAFETYSpeed RatingMaximum SpeedUUp to 124 mphHUp to 130 mphVUp to 149 mphWUp to 168 mph19 more rows
What does V and W mean on tires?
H: 130mph. V: 149mph. Z: 150+ mph. W: 168mph.
Can you put V-rated tires instead of H?
A V-rated car requires a tire designed to operate to a maximum of 149 mph and can thus not be fitted with an H-rated tire. The speed rating system was developed to control the safe speeds at which tires must still perform as per the intended design.
Can you mix V and H-rated tyres?
We'd never recommended mixing tyres with different speed ratings on your vehicle. It's safest to fit the same size and type of tyre, with the same speed rating, on all your wheels.
What does 94 t mean on tires?
Speed ratings indicate the load capacity of tires, and they also measure how fast a tire can safely drive for at least 10 minutes. For instance, when you see 94T, this means that the load rating is 94 and the T indicated is the speed rating.
What does 91V mean on a tire?
Speed rating Speed rating corresponds to the maximum speed that a tire can sustain when it is carrying the recommended load capacity. The rating system uses letters from A to Z. Here, you can see that a tire with a 91V mark can them run at a maximum speed of 149 mph while carrying 615 kilograms or 1,356 pounds load.
What does 94w mean on a tire?
The letter W denotes the maximum speed rating, which translates 168 mph—not something intended for mom's minivan. See our list of speed ratings below, which range from a low of "L" (just 75 mph for some off-road tires) to a high of Y (186 mph).
What is 91v and 91h?
The letter is the speed rating. It indicates the maximum speed of the tyre. V tyres have a top speed of approximately 149 mph (240 km/h) and H tyres, approximately 130 mph (210 km/h).
What is 91W tire?
A Z speed rating still appears on some tires sizes (ex: 225/50ZR16 91W). In this case, “ZR” designates a maximum speed capability of more than 149 mph, while W indicates that the tire's maximum speed is 168 mph.
What is the best tire speed rating?
As manufacturers developed bigger and better tires, it became necessary to regulate performance at standardized speeds to ensure safety. The "Limited V" category of 250 km/h (149 mph) was then created, and eventually the "Z" speed rating was added as the top speed rating.
What Is Tire Speed Rating?
A tire’s speed rating indicates the optimal speed that the tire can safely maintain over time. In short, it’s the fastest speed a tire can handle b...
Why Were Tire Speed Ratings developed?
The speed rating system used today was developed in Europe in response to the need to control the safe performance of tires at standardized speeds....
Where Can I Find My Tire Speed Rating?
You can find your tire speed rating in a number of places, typically in the owner’s manual, driver’s side doorjamb, glove box door, and gas tank ha...
Where is the speed rating located on a tire?
You can find a tire’s speed rating on the sidewall, where one will typically see a string of numbers and letters. These are several important codes, such as radial construction, aspect ratio, tire load and speed rating. The speed rating is typically the last letter listed on the sidewall (coming after the load index, which is a number).
What do the letters mean?
Speed ratings go from A1 to Y, with A1 having the lowest rating and Y being the highest, but there are some anomalies. There are eight different A ratings. There are no X, O, or I ratings, and H rating is in the “wrong” place. Also, the ZR rating isn’t truly its own rating, but includes both W- and Y-rated tires.
Does tire speed rating matter?
Yes, it matters because your speed rating indicates how much heat a tire can handle safely. Not following those guidelines can lead to faster wear on the tread, decreased steering response, decreased stopping power and poor driving capabilities in colder conditions.
What are the most common tire speed ratings?
Most commuters and consumers will want either an H, S or T tire. Light trucks may need a tire between the N and T ratings. Sports cars may get better handling with a ZR tire.
What does 99 mean on a tire?
99 = 1,709 pounds. A tire with a higher load index than that of the Original Equipment tire indicates an increase in load capacity . A tire with a load index equal to that of the Original Equipment tire indicates an equivalent load capacity. A tire with a lower load index than the Original Equipment tire indicates the tire does not equal ...
What is speed rating?
SPEED RATINGS REFER TO MORE THAN JUST SPEED. Contrary to the name, speed ratings aren’t just about speed. They’re also about ride comfort, wear and cornering ability. Typically, the higher the speed rating, the better the grip and stopping power, but the lower the tread life. You can always increase the speed rating of the tires on your vehicle ...
What is the speed rating of a tire?
An H speed rating indicates the tire is approved for speeds up to 130 mph (210 km/h) under optimal conditions. An H speed rating is at the low end, or at the start of the performance tire speed ratings. H speed rated tires are ideal for sport and luxury coupes and sedans, but not typically considered full-fledged performance vehicles. H speed ratings are common in the grand touring all-season tire category.
What does a Y rating mean on a tire?
Y rated tires have been tested at speeds up to, and in excess of, 186 mph (300 km/h) under optimal conditions. If Y speed rating is indicated without parentheses (as normal), this means the tire is rated up to 186 mph. If the Y speed rating is indicated inside of parentheses, this means that particular tire size and specification has been tested at speeds in excess of 186 mph. A Y speed rating denotes maximum tire performance.
What is a T rating?
A T rating indicates the tire is approved for speeds up to 118 mph (190 km/h) under optimal conditions. T ratings are most associated with standard touring tires, and everyday passenger vehicles like family sedans and minivans.
How fast can a Q tire go?
Q tires are approved for speeds up to 99 mph (160 km/h) under optimal conditions. Tires toward the low end of the speed rating range often prioritize a particular function or unique performance over maximum speed rating. Some studdable and studless winter tires, for example, are Q speed rated.
What is an H speed rating?
An H speed rating is at the low end, or at the start of the performance tire speed ratings. H speed rated tires are ideal for sport and luxury coupes and sedans, but not typically considered full-fledged performance vehicles. H speed ratings are common in the grand touring all-season tire category. W.
What does a W mean on a car?
A W means the tire is approved for speeds up to 168 mph (270 km/h) under optimal conditions. W speed rated tires land firmly at the performance end of the speed rating spectrum. Ws are suitable for performance coupes and sedans, and even street driven exotic sports cars.
What Is Tire Speed Rating?
A tire’s speed rating indicates the optimal speed that the tire can safely maintain over time. In short, it’s the fastest speed a tire can handle before it no longer performs as designed. The higher the speed rating, the better control and handling you’ll have at higher speeds.
Why Were Tire Speed Ratings Developed?
The speed rating system used today was developed in Europe in response to the need to control the safe performance of tires at standardized speeds. When the rating system was originally developed, the "Unlimited V" category of over 210 km/h (130 mph) was the top speed rating possible.
Where Can I Find My Tire Speed Rating?
You can find your tire speed rating in a number of places, typically in the owner’s manual, driver’s side doorjamb, glove box door, and gas tank hatch. Recent standardization has changed so all ratings except "Unlimited ZR" incorporate the speed symbol and load index as part of every tire’s service description on the tire’s sidewall.
ZR Designation
Tires having a maximum speed capability over 149 MPH may have “ZR” in the size designation. Tires with a maximum speed capability over 186 MPH are required to include “ZR” in the designation. Below are examples of tire sizes with a “ZR” speed rating.
Tire Speed Rating Chart
For tires with a maximum speed capability higher than 240 km/h (149 mph), a "ZR" may appear in the size designation. Tires with a maximum speed capability higher than 300 km/h (186 mph), require a "ZR" in the size designation. Consult the tire manufacturer for maximum speed when there is no service description.
Turn to Tires Plus for Help
Need help understanding the speed rating on tires? Our technicians have got you covered. Bring your vehicle by your local Tires Plus and we’ll help you understand your tire numbers, tire size, and more!
What is tire speed rating?
Like the load index rating, a tire speed rating is another shorthand way to reference how fast a tire can go in ideal conditions. But rather than numbers, it uses letters in (mostly) alphabetical order. (More on that later.)
Why are tires with a lower load index rating more likely to overload?
Overloaded tires are more prone to damage, blowouts and premature wear. Read: How to Choose the Right Tires for Your Car.
Where to find load rating on car tires?
If your car doesn’t have its OE tires, you can find the manufacturer’s recommended load rating in the owner’s manual or the placard on the driver’s side doorjamb. Most tire installers will not sell or install a lower load-rated tire than the OE recommendation due to liability concerns. This is because if you install tires with a lower load index ...
Can tires go up to a certain speed?
Note: Just because your tires can go up to a certain speed does not mean that your vehicle can nor that it is safe to do so. Please follow all posted speed limits. As mentioned earlier, speed ratings are in mostly alphabetical order, but there are a few anomalies.
Is the maximum load capacity of tires normal?
Note: The maximum load capacity of the tires may not be their normal capacity. This is because load index ratings are based on the maximum fill pressure of the tire, not the manufacturer’s recommended air pressure level, which is lower. When replacing your tires, always choose tires with the same or higher load index rating than ...
HOW TO FIND YOUR TIRE SPEED RATING
If you’re wondering what tire speed rating your vehicle manufacturer recommends, simply look in the manual. You might also find it in the driver’s side door jamb, the gas tank hatch, or inside the glove box door – anywhere that lists the right tire code for your vehicle.
DETERMINING TIRE SPEED RATING
Speed ratings are the product of laboratory testing – with simulated speeds and loads. To receive any kind of rating, a tire must demonstrate that it’s capable of sustaining a particular speed. Industry standards govern the process of reaching and maintaining a given speed during a test.
TIRE SPEED RATING SYSTEM QUIRKS AND ANOMALIES
Today’s speed rating system uses letters A through Z. Each letter corresponds to a specific speed. In general, that speed goes up as the rating advances alphabetically. For example, a tire rated “L” is good for a lower maximum sustained speed than one rated “N.”
COMMON TIRE SPEED RATINGS CHART
The following speed ratings are those you’re most likely to encounter for ordinary vehicles. They begin with a maximum speed of 118 mph (190 kph) and increase from there.
Understanding Tire Speed Ratings And Load Indexes
The tire speed and load index ratings will tell you how fast a particular car model can go, but they’re not the only factor involved in determining what kind of driver is an excellent candidate for that specific type.
How Is Tire Speed Rating Established?
A tire’s speed rating is established under controlled testing where it can be verified as capable of safely running at up to the indicated miles per hour. Heavily worn, damaged, or punctured tires would all be considered suboptimal and no longer meet this standard for performance in a car due to being too dangerous.
Frequently Asked Questions
94V tires are performance radials. 94W tires are high-performance white letter, all-season radials. The letters represent the different traction levels these seasonal tires have to offer. V stands for very or superior traction.
How fast can a 94W tire go?
So the 94W tire is “safe” to drive for any distance up to about 168 MPH. Any faster than that, and the tire could begin to heat up faster than the tire can cool itself, eventually leading to deforming the tire, and, most likely, some kind of rupture of the tire (and at 168 MPH, it’s usually not good to get a blowout).
What is a 94 tire?
The 94 is the “Load index” of the tire. There’s a general feel for how much weight each tire can hold at reasonably high speeds without failing, and that number is supposed to imply what that is. Note that “94” implies that the tire can hold about 1477 pounds (670 kg).
Why do you need the same tires on all four wheels?
AWD cars, in particular, really want the same diameter tires on all four wheels to minimize drive train stresses. There is no practical reason to mix different tires except to replace individual problem tires so you likely would have different tread depths in addition to tread patterns, which is not good.
Why are tires wide?
On the dry roads, wide tires will give you extra grip in corners, you will have more confidence. In principle or theory, you could make your tires too wide, so that they loose grip in the dry as well , or do not warm up proper, but you will struggle to fit tires that wide on your car.
Do front wheel tires slow you down?
This is not typically done for front wheel tires, they loose grip to easy as they get “back heavy” under acceleration. However, once you are rolling, wide tires slow you down! Every car in the world runs most economical on thin tires, record cars run on tires as thick as bicycle tires, they know why.
Do wide tires give you more grip?
Despite what some people wrote here, wider tires will always give you more grip, on a dry road, no matter the weight of your car. On a wet road, or in snow, your wide tires have less grip than thinner tires, if your car it too light for the width of your tire (or your tires are too wide, which ever way you look at it).
Do tires die before tread wears out?
Age matters with tires. Tires can die of “old age” before the tread is worn out. You don’t want to be running any really old tires especially if you live in a hot sunny climate (lots of UV (sunlight)) which accelerates aging. You really are best served by rotating your tires and replacing them all at one time.