The main things to know:
- Generally, the higher in the alphabet a tire is rated, the better it will manage heat and faster speeds. ...
- Your actual speed capacity may be less than a tire’s rating. ...
- If you have tires with different speed ratings, the limit of the lowest rated tire is the fastest you can drive and stay within your tires’ capability.
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?
How to read tire speed rating and load index?
What are the different speed ratings?
- L
- M & N. An M indicates the tire has been approved for speeds up to 87 mph (140 km/h) and an N is approved for speeds up to 81 mph ...
- P. A P indicates the tire has been approved for speeds up to 93 mph (150 km/h) under optimal conditions.
- Q. Q tires are approved for speeds up to 99 mph (160 km/h) under optimal conditions. ...
- R. ...
- S. ...
- T. ...
- H. ...
- W. ...
- V. ...
What does tire speed rating mean?
What Does the Speed Rating Influence?
- Heat build-up. Tires with lower ratings flex harder under pressure, which causes heat build-up. ...
- Braking. Low-rated tires will stop for a longer amount of time, as they change shape and squirm during hard braking. ...
- Cornering grip. Just as a low-rated tire will deform when braking, it will when cornering. ...
- Steering responsiveness. ...
What is the speed rating of a truck tire?
With most on-highway truck tires now rated for 75 mph (speed rating L for the ISO LI/SSY rating), 75 should be a safe speed for tires if the correct pressure is maintained. Speeds above 75 may require additional pressure or reducing the load on the tire.
Does tire speed rating really matter?
One of the most important aspects of any tire is its speed rating. The wrong tires with a less-than-adequate speed rating for your vehicle can cause safety issues, including tire failure and a loss in fuel efficiency.
Which is better S or H speed rating?
All these ratings cover speeds well above legal limits. The most popular, S, T, and H, are rated for 112, 118, and 130 mph, respectively. Traditionally, most family cars have used S- and T-rated tires, while tires rated H and higher have mostly been available only in sports cars or upscale sports sedans.
Do higher speed rated tires wear faster?
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.
Should I get H or V rated tires?
If you feel the need to drive at or above 130 mph then you should get a “V” speed rated set of tires. If you don't plan on driving that fast, then an “H” speed rated set is the better option.
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...
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 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 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 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 the Speed Rating on My Tires?
To find out what speed rating your tires have you first need to look at your tires themselves. A tire’s speed rating is always moulded on the sidewall of the tire. It will include either a letter or two or a letter and a number. Typically, you can find this letter right beside the load index number.
What Speed Rating Should I Be Looking For?
When it comes to choosing a tire based on its speed rating there are a couple of things to look out for.
Does Speed Rating Matter for Better Handling?
Although tires with the highest possible speed rating might seem like the best choice there are advantages and disadvantages to take into account.
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.
How fast does a low rated tire go?
Take two tires with the speed ratings S and V and ride them at 100 km/h. As the V tire comes to a full stop, the S tire still goes at about 25 km/h.
What is a speed rating?
A speed rating is a letter or a combination of a letter and a number which implies to what extent the tire successfully dissipates heat. Exceeding that speed will make the tire performance differ from the initial specifications.
Why do tires have heat build up?
Heat build-up. Tires with lower ratings flex harder under pressure, which causes heat build-up . It may cause a wide range of issues, from premature aging to tire failure and immediate blowouts. Tires with higher ratings have special compounds and reinforcements that help avoid excess heat build-up.
What is the rating of snow tires?
Winter/snow tires are of the “Q” rating and higher. Performance winter tires are of the “H” rating and higher. Truck winter tires are usually of the “S” rating. Temporary spare tires are usually of the “M” rating.
How fast does a tire rotate?
It then rotates the tested tire, increasing speeds by 6.2 mph every 10 minutes. As the rotation reaches the estimated maximum speed for the tire, the specialist checks whether the tire keeps its integrity.
What is the owner's manual for tires?
The owner’s manual has all the information you need about the recommended tires for your vehicle. Information placards on the door jamb, glove box door, and gas tank hatch are for the cases when you need a quick recommendation while on the go.
Do you see the speed rating on tires?
As for the tire codes, there you will see a speed rating for the particular tire. There will be no vehicle-related recommendations, so it would be wise to consult both the vehicle manufacturer’s suggestions and the markings on the tires.