Difference Between H-Rated & V-Rated Tires
- Function. The letter designation on a tire rating is the maximum speed for which the tire is rated. ...
- Identification. H-rated tires are rated for a maximum speed of 130 mph. ...
- Considerations. To support running at higher speeds, V-rated tires will have a stiffer sidewall and slightly firmer ride than H-rated tires.
- History. ...
- Warning. ...
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. ...
Should I get h or V rated tires?
Which tire to choose? First piece of advice, depending on your budget: try to get the best possible tire ... For example, don't try to substitute V-speed rated tires (which are always more ...
What is the difference between H and V tires?
V Rated Tires
- History. The letters "H" and "V" represent speed ratings. ...
- Types. There are two ways the speed rating will be indicated on the tire sidewall. ...
- Considerations. Car manufacturers optimize the suspension and handling characteristics of a car for the type and size of tires originally installed.
- Benefits. ...
- Warning. ...
What is the highest speed rating for a tire?
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.
Can I use V tires instead of H?
A V-rated car requires a tire designed to operate to a maximum of 149 mph and can thus not be fitted with an H-rated tire. The speed rating system was developed to control the safe speeds at which tires must still perform as per the intended design.
What does speed rating V mean?
149 mphSPEED RATING V Once the highest speed rating a tire could have, “V” used to represent a maximum of 149 mph (240 kph) or more. Nowadays, it means 149 mph but no higher.
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.
Are H-rated tires good?
H-Rated Tires: This is a perfect, average tire for most sedans and commuter vehicles. It might not seem to fit in our chart, but the tire speed rating “H” is rated for up to 130 mph. T-Rated Tires: This tire is often recommended for family sedans and vans. It's rated for up to 118 mph.
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 does H stand for on Tyres?
Speed rating Each letter denotes the maximum speed a tyre can sustain under its recommended load capacity. In our example, “H” is equivalent to a maximum speed of 130 mph (209 kph).
What is the difference between 91h and 91v?
The letter is the speed rating. It indicates the maximum speed of the tyre. V tyres have a top speed of approximately 149 mph (240 km/h) and H tyres, approximately 130 mph (210 km/h).
What is the best tire speed rating?
As manufacturers developed bigger and better tires, it became necessary to regulate performance at standardized speeds to ensure safety. The "Limited V" category of 250 km/h (149 mph) was then created, and eventually the "Z" speed rating was added as the top speed rating.
Is a higher tire speed rating better?
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.
What is load range H?
From a G to an H Truck tires typically come in two load ratings: G and H. Load range G is a 14-ply configuration, while load range H tires have 16 plies. The heavier-rated tire will usually add between 700 pounds and 1,000 pounds more load-bearing capacity per tire (see "How Much is Too Much," next page).
What does t/h mean on Michelin tires?
Speed rating. This letter denotes the maximum sustainable speed and is found directly after the load index. For S-speed-rated tires, it's 112 mph; for T, 118 mph. Speed ratings for other tires include Q, 99 mph; H, 130 mph; and V , 149 mph.
How fast can a H rated tire go?
H-rated tires are rated for a maximum speed of 130 mph. The V rating is the next rating faster, and V-rated tires are good to 149 mph. Both H- and V-rated tires are considered to be performance-touring tires.
When were tire speed ratings invented?
Tire speed ratings were first established in Germany in the 1980s to help drivers pick the correct tires for the high speed autobahns. The speed ratings were initially in kilometers per hour, making the conversion to miles per hour somewhat odd for certain speed ratings like 149 mph for the V rating.
Why is it important to have a tire rating system?
The tire rating system makes it easier to compare different tires and pick the right ones.
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!
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.