A speed rating chart is used to indicate the standard maximum speed capacities for different types and sizes of tires under optimal operating conditions. Speed ratings are designated using alphabetic symbols, A to Z, with the exclusion of I, O, and U.
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How are speed ratings calculated?
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What is the best tire speed rating?
You can glean a bit of info from the tires by reading this rating:
- 500 - The durability rating of a tire, compared to a control tire with a treadlife of 100. ...
- A - This is the Traction rating of a tire, which indicates how well a tire stops in wet conditions. ...
- A - The second letter in the UTQG is the Temperature rating, which indicates how well a tire holds up to extreme heat. ...
What is the difference between 95T and 95h tires?
What does 95T on a tire mean? Tire speed ratings, L thru Y and (Y), indicate the maximum speed the tire should be driven. L is for off road vehicles and indicates a maximum speed of 75 mph. The 95H tire has a higher speed rating compared to the 95T tire. The load index rating, 95, is identical.
What is the best tire for money?
Pirelli Tires: Best tire brand for high-end cars
- A respectable name in tires
- Great for sports cars
- Not the cheapest tires
- Read our full Pirelli Tires review
Which is better T or H speed rating?
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).
What is H or V rating on tires?
The most common ratings are S and T (sedans, minivans, light trucks); H (some passenger cars, sports cars, coupes, some light trucks); N, P, Q and R (light trucks); and V, W and Y (high-performance and some electric vehicles). Most winter tires have Q, S or T speed ratings.
What is the order of speed ratings?
TIRE SPEED RATINGS SAFETYSpeed RatingMaximum SpeedVUp to 149 mphWUp to 168 mphYUp to 186 mphZ149 mph and over19 more rows
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).
Can I mix H and V 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 H mean on a tire?
speed rating“H” represents the speed rating, which is how fast the tires can go based on their load capacity. This rating ranges from A – Z. “H” indicates a speed rating of up to 130 mph.
What does XL mean on a tire?
extra loadXL (or Reinforced) tyres are 'extra load' tyres – they indicate that a tyre is reinforced to be able to withstand a higher load than other tyres of the same size.
What does 112t mean on tires?
Though not an absolute, the general rule is: The higher the speed rating, the better the tires will corner and stop, the faster they'll wear out, and the more they'll cost. Common speed ratings on tires are as follows: R=106 (mph) S = 112, T = 118, H = 130, V = 149, W = 169 and Y = 186.
Do H or V-rated tires last longer?
Sticking with H-rated tires comes at a cost. While we found prices are similar to S- and T-rated tires, H-rated tires didn't last as long in our treadwear test--an average of 49,180 miles, versus 61,080 for our S- and T-rated tires. V-rated tires had an even shorter tread life of 48,260 miles.
Are V-rated tires good in snow?
A: For the winter, there should not be any problem in moving from a V-rating to an H-rating. Most winter tires are Q- and T-rated, even further down the speed chain. The higher speed ratings are really a measure of a tire's ability to dissipate heat and a measure of its stiffness.
What is the difference between 94h and 94V tires?
The H speed rating means good up to 130 MPH (for 10 minutes without damage). The V speed rating is good up to 149 MPH . The OEM tires that come on a TCH are rated 94V (the 94 means load up to 1477 pounds).
What does H mean on tires?
“H” represents the speed rating, which is how fast the tires can go based on their load capacity. This rating ranges from A – Z. “H” indicates a speed rating of up to 130 mph.
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 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 does speed rating mean on tires?
What Does Tire Speed Rating Mean on Tires? The durability of a tire varies depending on the tire’s speed rating, which refers to the maximum speed a tire can safely carry the vehicle’s weight and payload in ideal conditions. Tire speed ratings come in the form of a letter that follows the load index value of the tire.
How is a tire speed rating determined?
A tire’s speed rating is determined by putting the tire through a series of tests using a specifically designed machine. The goal is to meet or surpass the Economic Commission for Europe (ECE) standards. Some tires even undergo more rigorous tests to comply with the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE).
What is the difference between 65 and 17?
Using the same example above, 65 is the aspect ratio of the tire while 17 is the tire diameter (in inches). Aspect ratio, also known as the tire profile measurement, indicates the thickness of the sidewall from the rim to the outside tread of the tire. The 65 value means the tire has 65% of the section width.
What temperature do tires need to be inflated?
Tests are performed inside a room that is heated to a temperature of 77 degrees Fahrenheit.
What does 65 mean on a tire?
The 65 value means the tire has 65% of the section width. Tire or wheel diameter is the overall measurement of the tire from two opposing outer tread points. The letter in between the aspect ratio and tire diameter refers to the internal construction of your tire.
What does the P215 mean?
The ‘P’ stands for “passenger vehicle,” which means the tire can fit sedans, hatchbacks, minivans, and light-duty pickup trucks.
The Science Behind Your Drive
Learn more about important specifications like speed rating and load index.
Speed Rating
Tire speed rating tells you the maximum service speed for a tire. A speed rating isn't, however, a recommendation to exceed speed limits, and doesn't indicate how well a tire handles or corners.
Load Index
Tire load index is an assigned number that corresponds to the maximum weight that a tire can support when properly inflated. The higher the tire's load index number, the greater its load carrying capacity.
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 ...
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.
When did the speed rating system start?
Tire speed ratings first originated in Europe in the 1960s, as a way to make sure increasingly faster vehicles were equipped with appropriate safe tires. These early speed ratings set the foundation for the current speed rating system used by the DOT and tire manufacturers. During laboratory testing, a technician places a properly inflated tire ...
How does speed rating affect driving?
Speed ratings can affect the way you drive. To maintain your vehicle's original speed capability, you need to equip it with tires that meet or exceed the original equipment tire's speed rating. Mixing tires of different speed ratings can reduce your maximum safe speed. If you equip your vehicle with tires of different speed ratings, the lowest speed rating will determine your vehicle's maximum speed of which the tires can safely handle. Be aware of your original equipment tire's speed rating to avoid this reduction.
Why is a tire speed rating important?
So, what is a tire speed rating, and why is it so important? Given in letters, your tire’s rating determines its maximum safe operating speed. In short, speed ratings directly impact how fast you can drive.
What does the lowest speed rating mean on a tire?
If you equip your vehicle with tires of different speed ratings, the lowest speed rating will determine your vehicle's maximum speed of which the tires can safely handle. Be aware of your original equipment tire's speed rating to avoid this reduction. Look for a tire's speed rating by checking the end of its size code.
What is the Z rating on a tire?
The "Z" rating may appear on any tire rated above 149 MPH. Tires with "Z" ratings were originally thought to be to the highest rated tires a vehicle would require. However, the development of faster vehicles led to the production of two new speed ratings, "W" and "Y." These two ratings provide a better indicator of the tire's capacity for speeds higher than 149 MPH. The "Z," "W," and "Y," ratings appear on tires for sports cars, exotics, or other vehicles engineered for ultra-high speeds.
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.