Receiving Helpdesk

94v vs 98w

by Dr. Travon O'Keefe Published 4 years ago Updated 2 years ago

GIven that 94W equates to a load of 670kg, and speed rating of 168mph, and 98V equates to a load of 750kg, and a speed of 149mph, both of which are well within my vehicles official top speed of 122mph, what, if any, would be the adverse affects of fitting the lower speed rated, but higher load rated tyre to my vehicle? Many thanks, Fin

Full Answer

What is the difference between a 94 and a V?

The 94 is the tire’s Load Carrying Capacity, expressed as a Load Index. The V is the tire’s speed capacity, expressed as a Speed Symbol. (Any tire manufacturers data book will provide you with the exact details). The 94 indicates the maximum weight that tyre (Australian spelling ) can carry.

What is the difference between 98v and 16V tires?

V is the speed rating and R means this as a radial tire. And finally, 16 is the wheel diameter in inches. The 98V is load index (capacity) and speed rating: The 98 says the tire can safely carry — when properly inflated — 1,653 pounds.

What is the difference between 94W and 98v tyres?

GIven that 94W equates to a load of 670kg, and speed rating of 168mph, and 98V equates to a load of 750kg, and a speed of 149mph, both of which are well within my vehicles official top speed of 122mph, what, if any, would be the adverse affects of fitting the lower speed rated, but higher load rated tyre to my vehicle?

How much weight can a 98v tire hold?

The 98V is load index (capacity) and speed rating: The 98 says the tire can safely carry — when properly inflated — 1,653 pounds. This code ranges from 60 (551 pounds) to 114 (2,601 pounds).

What does 94V and 94w mean on tires?

Example: P225/60/R16 94V. The load index and speed rating, or service description, are the numbers that follow the tire size. In the example above, the first two digits (94) represent the tire's load index and the single letter (V) identifies the tire's speed rating.

What does 94V mean on tires?

A 94 will support 1,477 pounds. V is a speed rating, or the maximum speed tires are designed to be driven for extended periods. Any V-rated tire will perform well while traveling at 149 miles per hour for an extended time — certainly fast enough for this writer.

What does 94w mean on tires?

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 98w tire rating?

The 98V is load index (capacity) and speed rating: The 98 says the tire can safely carry — when properly inflated — 1,653 pounds. This code ranges from 60 (551 pounds) to 114 (2,601 pounds). The speed rating (sometimes listed twice — in front of the R and always here) ranges from M (81 mph) to Z (149+ mph).

What speed rating is 94V?

149Is there a tire speed symbol or code?Speed RatingMiles/ HourKM/ HourV149240W168270Y186300Z149+240+9 more rows

What is V rated tire?

SPEED 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.

What is the difference between 94w and 98w tires?

One important factor to consider is the sidewall strength. The 94 load index tyre will have a weaker sidewall when compared to a 98 index tyre. That means on the same car with all conditions being equal the 94 index tyre will flex more and it's contact patch may also vary.

Can I use W rated tires instead of V?

V means that vehicles can safely use the tire with a top speed higher than 149mph. The rating W shows that the tire is safe to use for a vehicle with a top speed of 168mph.

Can I mix V and W rated tyres?

Mixing tyre speed ratings isn't recommended. If you are in a situation where you must mix tyre speed ratings (after an emergency puncture, for example) then make sure the lower-rated tyres are on the front axle to prevent turning more sharply than you intended (oversteering).

What does 98w XL mean on a tire?

Some vehicles are equipped with "XL" tires. It doesn't mean that they're extra large, but it does mean that they are extra-load tires. The load index on these tires is much higher than a standard-load tire, which is why it is important to replace an XL tire with another XL tire.

Is a higher load rating better?

The load rating can be located on the sidewall of all tyres and is represented by a numerical value. The higher the load rating number, the stronger the tyre. Tyres with a higher load rating can take a greater amount of air pressure, which means they can also carry heavier loads.

Are Kumho tires any good?

Kumho is best for high-performance and all-season models. The tire manufacturer delivers fuel-efficient, technologically advanced designs without sacrificing affordability. It may not be the best for winter or all-terrain tire buyers, but Kumho is a reputable tire company otherwise.

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 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.

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.

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