The H or T written on tires refers to the speed ratings. An H-rated tire can withstand up to 130 mph, whereas a T-rated tire can support up to 118 mph. Hence, it is crucial to understand these markings and stay within the defined speed limits.
Which is better h or T rated tires?
“H” is better than “T” as it gives better mph. But more speed rating tires give far better mph than the “H.” What do H and T mean on tires? “H” and “T” mean the speed rating on a tire. “H” stands for 130mph, and “T” stands for 118mph. Is H speed rating higher than T?
What is h and T speed rating?
With a maximum speed of 118 mph, you usually find tires with speed rating “T” on family sedans and minivans. SPEED RATING H If you recall from earlier, the “H” speed rating doesn’t appear after “G” but between “U” and “V.”
What does h t mean on tires?
The “T” or “H” on tires pertain to their speed ratings. A T-rated tire can withstand top speeds of up to 118 mph (190 km/h), while an H-rated tire can support up to 130 mph (210 km/h). It will also provide our picks for the best H- and T-rated tires for 2021.
What are T rated tires?
T. 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. H. An H speed rating indicates the tire is approved for speeds up to 130 mph (210 km/h) under optimal conditions.
Can you mix T and H rated tires?
Just remember, never mix and match tires with different speed ratings on your vehicle. This will cause major problems with the handling of your vehicle. If tires of different speed ratings are mounted on a vehicle, the lower speed-rated tires should be placed on the front axle, regardless of which axle is driven.
What does t mean on tires?
Sometimes, letters precede the first number. A "P" stands for p-metric, which is a tire used primarily on passenger cars. An "LT" indicates a light-truck tire. A "T" means it's a temporary spare.
What does H and T stand for in tires?
H/T (Highway Terrain) Tires for Daily Commute and Highway Driving. Chances are your SUV, crossover, or light truck came standard with a set of H/T tires built for highway driving.
What does H tire rating mean?
130 mphSPEED RATING H If you recall from earlier, the “H” speed rating doesn't appear after “G” but between “U” and “V.” It represents a maximum speed of 130 mph (210 kph) and is commonly found on sports sedans and coupes.
What is a speed rating of T?
Q — Up to 99 mph. R — Up to 106 mph. S — Up to 112 mph. T — Up to 118 mph. H — Up to 130 mph.
What does H mean in wheels?
it means helicopter. like, you get 36 helicopter stickers.
What type of tire is best for highway driving?
Top 10 Best All Terrain Tires for Highway DrivingContinental TerrainContact A/T.Michelin LTX A/T 2.Bridgestone Dueler A/T Revo 3.Yokohama Geolandar A/T G015.Pirelli Scorpion All Terrain Plus.Goodyear Wrangler All-Terrain Adventure with Kevlar.BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO2.Falken Wildpeak AT3W.More items...•
What is the best tire speed rating?
An S speed rating indicates the tire has been approved for speeds up to 112 mph (180 km/h) under optimal conditions. Everyday passenger vehicle tires can be S speed rated, but S tires often prioritize specific performance or function.
What are Z rated tires?
While a Z-speed rating still often appears in the tire size of some tires, such as 225/50ZR16 91W, the Z in the size signifies a maximum speed capability in excess of 149 mph; the W in the service description indicates the tire's specific 168 mph maximum speed.
What Does T Mean On Tires?
Let us start with the letter T on the tire sidewall. You will find this letter mostly on passenger vehicles and light truck wheels. It conveys that the tire can manage a speed rating of up to 118 miles per hour or 190 kilometers per hour.
What Does H Mean On Tires?
On the other side of the discussion, we look at what does H means on tires. As earlier mentioned, the letter denotes the speed rating of the tire. H ranks higher than T in supported speed limits, with a value of 130 miles per hour or 210 kilometers per hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
When selecting between H vs T tires, there are several things you have to consider. If you have a standard sedan, like a family car, T tires are excellent. H tires are ideal for high-performance vehicles, such as SUVs, crossovers, and grand touring cars.
Decoding Tire Sidewall Markings
Since we are into the topic of understanding the service description of tires, we might as well decipher the entire sidewall markings found on them. Sidewall markings provide tons of useful information about your stock or aftermarket tires, which include the following:
Tire Service Description – Speed Ratings
Although the service description comes after the rim diameter information, I purposely reserved the topic for this section to better answer, “What does the T or H mean on tires?” Simply put, tire speed rating H vs T are just two of the 31-speed ratings currently used on tires.
Up Close – H vs T Tires
Out of all the speed ratings, tires with “H” and “T” markings are the most frequently used on sedans, family cars, and SUVs. Under optimal riding conditions, these specific tires can tolerate speeds ranging from 118 mph (190 km/h) to 130 mph (210 km/h).
Top Picks for 2021
Since we are on the topic of H/T tires, it would make sense to give you a list of highly recommended H- and T-rated tires. While there are tons of reputable tire brands in the market, these top picks are lauded by some of the most respectable automakers and automotive publications:
FAQs
Vehicle owners are discouraged from doing this, as using tires with different speed ratings can result in premature tire degradation. Furthermore, it goes against one of the best practices for improving grip on slippery surfaces: putting tires that have the most tread at the rear.
Why do you put speed ratings on tires?
Speed Ratings do vary for important reasons. Braking, cornering and performance are all great factors in decision making of new tires. Automotive designers put the ratings on the vehicle for a multitude of safety reasons. Please follow the vehicle sticker found on the door tire placard on most vehicles.
How fast can a T tire go?
Now everyone thinks they need tires rated to 140-150 mph to make it safely to the mall. How times have changed!
How fast should tires go to the mall?
Now everyone thinks they need tires rated to 140-150 mph to make it safely to the mall. How times have changed! The load range of a tire is completely separate from its speed rating, as is a tire’s wear rating and temperature range. All of these things should be taken into consideration when purchasing tires.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Tire Speed Rating – H vs. T
- You can get a quick idea about the T speed rating and H speed rating from the comparison chart above. Now, let’s figure out more to get the detailed specifications.
Considerations
Is H-Rating Better Than T-Rating?
How Do You Check Tire Speed Rating?
- Tires are an important part of any vehicle. They have a significant impact on its safety and control. When purchasing a new tire, it is important to consider the brand, the model of your vehicle, the size of the tire, etc. However, in addition to these factors, you must also consider the speed ratings mentioned on the sidewall of the tire. This information will help you choose the finest tir…
Tire Speed Rating - H and T
- It's possible that your actual speed capacity is lower than the tire's rating. The rating reflects a tire's performance in a lab setting rather than on the open road. Tire condition, inflation level, additional cargo, road surfaces, and weather conditions are all factors that influence the maximum safe speed of a tire. If your tires have different speed ratings, the lowest rated tire's li…
What Is The Significance of Speed Ratings?
- With a speed limit of 130 mph, H ranks higher than T while staying within the speed limits. Ultimately, the vehicles with an H-rated tire have higher horsepower, which also leads to higher speed. You will usually notice H-rated tires on high-end vehicles. H-rated tires are usually on the lower end of sports cars, according to automobile experts. We...