r tyre rating

Full Answer

What is a tyre rating?

This rating determines the load capacity or maximum weight a tyre can carry. This is the Speed Rating. This rating determines the maximum speed tolerance of the tyre. Why are tyre ratings important?

What is the difference between US and EU tyre ratings?

In the case of the US, these newer rating schemes have become known as The Uniform Tyre Quality Grade, (UTQG), ratings. These US ratings are for Treadwear, Traction and Temperature Resistance, while in Europe there is another set of ratings. ‘The Tyre and Rim Association’, (TRA), is the US trade organization that standardizes tyres across the US.

What happens if a tyre speed rating is too low?

If a tyre’s speed rating is too low, then it will risk tyre failure and loss of control at fast speeds. So, for both your own safety and the safety of other motorists, it is vital to have suitable tyres fitted. As well as safety reasons, having the correct speed rating is important from a legal perspective.

What does y mean on a tire speed rating?

If Y speed rating is indicated without parentheses (as normal), this means the tire is rated up to 186 mph. What is the best speed rating for Tyres? Does Zr mean run flat?

What speed rating is R?

106 mph 170 km/hTire Speed Rating ChartSpeed Rating SymbolSpeed (mph)Speed (km/h)R106 mph170 km/hS112 mph180 km/hT118 mph190 km/hU124 mph200 km/h20 more rows•Sep 25, 2020

What does R and Zr mean on tires?

The Z in ZR corresponds to an old label used by manufacturers to indicate that the speed index is higher than V, i.e. 150 mph. Thus, a ZR tyre has a speed index of V, W, or Y. R indicates that the structure is RADIAL.

What is the difference between V and R on tyres?

V, Z, W, Y and (Y) are for sports cars. L rated tyres are primarily for off-road and light trucks. Q is primarily for winter 4x4s. R is primarily for heavy-duty light trucks.

What does R mean on tires?

radial tire“R” stands for the construction method of the tire indicating the tire is a radial tire. The following two numbers (16) indicate the diameter of the wheel rim in inches. The next two or three numbers (94) indicate the load index of the tire. In the example, 94 means the tire can carry 670kg.

Are R and ZR tires the same?

ZR tires were historically known as “performance-rated tires” with a speed rating of more than 149 mph while the letter R on a tire represents both the fact that it is built with a radial construction in mind and the fact that it is speed rated for 106mph.

What are Z rated tires?

A “Z” rating can mean different things. While it nearly always means a high performance tire for high-performing sports cars, “Z” may actually appear in the middle of a tire's size information. When it does, it represents either a maximum speed of more than 149 mph (240 kph) or 186 mph (300 kph).

Are higher speed rated tires better?

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.

What is the best speed rating for tires?

Everyday passenger vehicle tires can be S speed rated, but S tires often prioritize specific performance or function. An M speed rating indicates the tire has been approved for speeds up to 87 mph (140 km/h) and an N is approved for speeds up to just 81 mph (130 km/h) under optimal conditions.

Are ZR tires run flat?

All ZRtyres locations carry a massive range of Run-flat tyres in stock for all popular makes and model of cars, as well as having the correct tyre fitting and balancing equipment to fit these specialist tyres correctly without damage.

Do I need ZR tires?

above 186 mph, a ZR must appear in the size designation, including a Y speed symbol in brackets. *For tires having a maximum speed capability above 149 mph, a ZR may appear in the size designation... above 186 mph, a ZR must appear in the size designation, including a Y speed symbol in brackets.

What does ZR stand for?

AcronymDefinitionZRZirconiumZRZone Rating (baseball statistic; used to measure fielding ability)ZRZettai Ryouiki (anime)ZRFreezing Rain (Weather Symbol)7 more rows

What does R mean on rims?

R indicates the construction used within the tires casing. R stands for radial construction. B means belted bias and D stands for diagonal bias construction. 17 The last dimension listed in the size is the diameter of the wheel rim, which is most often measured in inches. LOAD INDEX AND 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...

What does a tyre rating tell you?

Tyre ratings can tell us how fast a tyre can go, how much ...

How to check tyre ratings?

1. Check your tyre sidewall for details on your current tyre; take a pic of the numbers too for future reference. 2. If you have a second-hand car, make sure that the existing tyres installed are within the legal limits. 3. Input the numbers or the Tyre ratings found on your tyre's sidewall here: Select my tyres.

How to choose a new tyre?

1. Check your tyre sidewall for details on your current tyre; take a pic of the numbers too for future reference. 2.

What is UtQG rating?

In the USA, tyre rating standards are known as The Uniform Tyre Quality Grade (UTQG), ratings. They include ratings for Treadwear, Traction and Temperature Resistance. The Tyre and Rim Association (TRA), is the US trade organization that determines and administers tyre standards across the country.

What is a slash on a tyre?

So, it is not just the width of the footprint of the tyre. A slash (/) appears to separate the second measurement from the third.

What is the diameter of a truck wheel?

The size of the wheel diameter is not strictly restricted to whole inch measurements either, as there are standard truck wheel diameters of 22.5 inches.

Where is the tire code on a car?

You can find it in your vehicle's manual as well as in your car itself, on a plate or sticker on the door jamb or frame on the driver's side.

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!

Why are tyres needed at high speeds?

At high speeds, car wheels will turn faster, generating more friction and therefore more heat. If a tyre’s speed rating is too low, then it will risk tyre failure and loss of control at fast speeds. So, for both your own safety and the safety of other motorists, it is vital to have suitable tyres fitted. As well as safety reasons, having the ...

Why is it important to know your speed rating?

For both safety and legal reasons, it is crucial to ensure that your tyres are suitable for the speeds you will be travelling at. Being aware of your tyre speed rating will help you to ensure that your vehicle is safe for use and road legal.

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 Difference Between ZR And R Tires?

The letter R written on the side of a tire means that the tire utilizes a radial construction while the letters Z and R together refer to the speed rating of the tire.

How To Know If I Am Looking At The Speed Rating R Symbol Or the Radial Construction R Symbol?

As mentioned, the letter R stands for both radial construction and the speed rating of 106mph. This can create somewhat of a confusion, especially when you realize that more than 90% of all passenger car tires are made out of radial construction and thus place the letter R on the tire.

Conclusion

ZR tires were historically known as “performance-rated tires” with a speed rating of more than 149 mph while the letter R on a tire represents both the fact that it is built with a radial construction in mind and the fact that it is speed rated for 106mph.

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.

Can I use ZR tires instead of R?

91Y is the load rating, ZR is the speed rating, do not use a R rated tyre.

Do I need ZR tires?

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.

What does ZR on a TYRE mean?

ZR shown on the sidewall of your tire is a reference to the tire’s speed rating.. Historically, the speed rating ZR on a tire meant that the construction of the tire could reach of 150 miles or 240 kilometers per hour.

Does tire speed rating matter?

The speed rating tells you the speed the tire can safely maintain over time. A higher speed rating usually means you will have better control and handling at higher speeds — and that the tire can take the extra heat. As a general rule, tires with higher speed ratings also handle better at slower speeds.

Should I get H or T rated tires?

Tires with higher speed ratings generally have better steering response and cornering grip than lower-speed rated tires, in addition to being capable of higher speeds. So if your car originally came with H – rated tires, that’s what you should replace them with. Sticking with H – rated tires comes at a cost.

What does Y 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.

Does Zr mean run flat?

The following letter (s) describe the construction: R is for radial; ZR stands for a Z-rated radial (see service description); and ZRF means Z-rated run – flat (rare). The last two-digit number is the diameter of the applicable wheel, in inches.

What is the tire code?

Tire code. Automotive tires are described by an alphanumeric tire code (in North American English) or tyre code (in Commonwealth English ), which is generally molded into the sidewall of the tire. This code specifies the dimensions of the tire, and some of its key limitations, such as load-bearing ability, and maximum speed.

What does the speed symbol mean on a tire?

It indicates the maximum speed at which the tire can carry a load corresponding to its load index. The testing method consists of pressing the tire against a large diameter metal drum to reflect its appropriate load, and run at ever increasing speeds in 10 km/h (6.2 mph) steps in 10 minute increments until the tire's required speed has been met.

What is the DOT code on a tire?

DOT code. The DOT code is an alphanumeric character sequence molded into the sidewall of the tire and allows the identification of the tire and its age. The code is mandated by the U.S. Department of Transportation but is used worldwide. The DOT code is also useful in identifying tires subject to product recall or at end of life due to age.

What is the E mark on a tire?

All tires sold for road use in Europe after July 1997 must carry an E-mark. The mark itself is either an upper case "E" or lower case "e" – followed by a number in a circle or rectangle, followed by a further number. An (upper case) "E" indicates that the tire is certified to comply with the dimensional, performance and marking requirements of ECE regulation 30. A (lower case) "e" indicates that the tire is certified to comply with the dimensional, performance and marking requirements of Directive 92/23/EEC. The number in the circle or rectangle denotes the country code of the government that granted the type approval. The last number outside the circle or rectangle is the number of the type approval certificate issued for that particular tire size and type.

What is the tire and rim association?

The Tire and Rim Association, formerly known as The Tire and Rim Association of America, Inc., is an American trade organization which standardizes technical standards.

What is the width of a 195/55R16 tire?

To take a common example, 195/55R16 would mean that the nominal width of the tire is approximately 195 mm at the widest point, the height of the side-wall of the tire is 55% of the width (107 mm in this example) and that the tire fits 16-inch-diameter (410 mm) wheels.

What is load index on a car tire?

The load index on a passenger-car tire is a numerical code stipulating the maximum load (mass, or weight) each tire can carry. For load range "B" tires, ETRTO (ISO-Metric) standards specify the load index rating at an inflation pressure of 36 psi (250 kPa) (table below), while P-Metric standards measure the load capacity at an inflation pressure of 35 psi (240 kPa). The two standards vary slightly with the capacity required for different inflation pressures.