R indicates that the structure is RADIAL. So, VR indicates that the tyre has a RADIAL structure and a speed index equal to V. There is therefore no difference between a ZR or an R tyre with the same speed index.
What does VR mean on a tire sidewall?
Virtually all modern tires are of a radial design, save for tires designed for race track applications and other specialty purposes. Virtually all modern tires are rated "VR," so this is the most oft-seen letter string in tire sidewall specs.
What is the difference between H and VR16 tires?
For example, 225/50HR16 would be an H-rated tire and 225/50VR16 would be the same size tire except V-rated. The current standard for tire size and information looks like P215/60R15 89H, where the 89 is the tire load capacity and the H indicates the speed rating.
What is the difference between H and V rated tires?
History. V rating is the next step for speeds up to 240 kph. Z, W and Y are ratings for speeds over 240 kph. The rating is the speed the tire has been tested to for continuous safe driving. The English equivalent speed for H-rated tires is 130 mph and V-rated tires are good for up to 149 mph.
What does the R Mean on a tire size?
The R is for the the internal construction type. Here is what the R means: The R in the P225/50R16 91S size identifies that the tire has a Radial construction in which the tire's body plies "radiate" out from the imaginary center of the wheel.
What does VR mean on a tire?
If a listed speed rating contains two letters (such as VR), the first letter represents the speed rating and the second letter (R) indicates that it is a radial tire.
What does R mean on a tire?
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.
What is the difference between an R tire and a ZR tire?
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.
Are R tires good?
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....Tire Speed Rating Chart.SPEED SYMBOLSN14087P15094Q160100R17010625 more rows
What is R speed rating?
R speed rating Speed rating R allows for speeds up to 106 mph (170 km/h) under optimal conditions. Like Q speed rated tires, R rated tires generally prioritize a particular function or unique performance over maximum speed capability.
Does aspect ratio matter on tires?
Aspect ratio is an important sizing calculation in tire fitting, and should be considered with wheel diameter with the best tire and wheel combinations. Lower aspect ratio typically indicates a high performance tire, with better lateral stability.
Can I use R instead of ZR tires?
R indicates that the structure is RADIAL. So, VR indicates that the tyre has a RADIAL structure and a speed index equal to V. There is therefore no difference between a ZR or an R tyre with the same speed index.
What does Z and R mean in tire size?
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.
Are ZR tires good for winter?
NO, the rubber will be hard as a rock at low temp, and the rubber compound is hydrophobic, vs. hydrolphilic (I may have that reversed). Summer tires are crap in the winter, winter tires are crap in the summer, all season tires are crap all the time. great post.
What is R tractor tires?
R1 tires, also known as agricultural or ag tires, are the standard workaholic tires used for farm tractors. Their treads feature large, widely-spaced lugs designed to generate maximum traction over challenging terrain (including mud and snow) without slipping or clogged. R1 tires are narrower than other types of tires.
What does R mean on tractor tires?
The R-1 designation is the standard tread depth. The tread depth of an R-1W tire is at least 20 percent deeper than the same sized R-1 tire. In simple terms, R-1W tires have a taller bar height, but all the other dimensions, such as overall diameter and rated load capacity, are the same between the R-1 and R-1W tires.
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).
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.
What does a V rating on a tire mean?
In general, speed ratings of V or above mean that the tire has extra cap plies or even multiple steel belts to provide extra stability at very high speeds.
What is a tire speed rating?
A tire's speed rating is an indication, expressed as a letter code on the tire sidewall, of a speed the manufacturer expects the tire to be able to sustain over a long period of time without coming apart.
What is the lowest speed rating on a car?
The lowest speed rating you will probably ever see on a passenger car or truck tire is either S or T , which appear most often on dedicated snow tires.
Do you need V rated tires for a minivan?
Likewise, if you're looking to put inexpensive shoes on a minivan, you probably don't need V-rated tires, even if they were the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) choice. It's hard to understate the importance of knowing what the speed ratings really mean.
What is the difference between H rated and V rated tires?
H-rated tires will have rubber compounds and tread designs optimized for all weather performance and long tread life . Performance tires, including many V-rated models, are optimized for dry road traction and handling. A driver who likes to drive aggressively and test the performance levels of his car would be happier with V-rated tires. H-rated tires are suited for a driver looking for long tire life and a comfortable, safe ride.
How fast can a H rated tire go?
The rating is the speed the tire has been tested to for continuous safe driving. The English equivalent speed for H-rated tires is 130 mph and V-rated tires are good for up to 149 mph.
What does the letter H mean on a tire?
The letters "H" and "V" represent speed ratings. Speed ratings originated in Germany in the early 1980s to give consumers information on how fast they could safely use the tires on the autobahn. Passenger speed ratings are designated L, M, N, P, Q, R, S, T, U and H, stepping in rated speed from 120 kilometers per hour up to 210 kph. V rating is the next step for speeds up to 240 kph. Z, W and Y are ratings for speeds over 240 kph. The rating is the speed the tire has been tested to for continuous safe driving. The English equivalent speed for H-rated tires is 130 mph and V-rated tires are good for up to 149 mph.
What should be considered when selecting tires?
Car make and model, tire size, driving style and the local weather conditions should all be considered when selecting tires. Tires have information and ratings that assist the consumer in selecting the best-suited tires.
Why are tires important?
Tires are a critical component of your car. They have a tremendous effect on the safety and handling of a vehicle. When it is time to buy new tires, several factors need to be considered before making a selection.
Can you put lower speed tires on a car?
In many European countries, it is illegal to install lower speed-rated tires .
Can you switch from H rated tires to V rated tires?
Switching from H-rated tires to the higher speed V-rated ones may require the selection of a different size tire. There can also be a significant price difference between similar tires as the speed rating increases.
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!
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.