Does a higher speed rating mean a better tire?
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 for improved performance, but can never decrease it without reducing the vehicle top speed to that of the lower speed rating selected.
How do I choose a tire speed rating?
What Type of Tire Do You Need?
- All-season tires come in S- and T-speed ratings. ...
- Performance all-season tires come in H- and V-speed rating on many newer cars, especially those with enthusiast appeal or upgraded wheels. ...
- Ultra-high-performance all-season and summer tires typically come in ZR-, W-, and Y-speed ratings for sports cars and performance sedans. ...
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. ...
How does speed rating affect my tire choice?
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.
What is T speed rating?
Q — Up to 99 mph. R — Up to 106 mph. S — Up to 112 mph. T — Up to 118 mph. H — Up to 130 mph.
Which speed rating is better S or T?
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 SYMBOLSS180112T190118U200124H21013025 more rows
What does the T or V mean on tires?
S – Up to 112 mph. T – Up to 118 mph. H – Up to 130 mph. V – Up to 149 mph. W – Up to 168 mph.
How fast is speed rating T on tires?
118 mphWith a maximum speed of 118 mph, you usually find tires with speed rating “T” on family sedans and minivans.
Which is better H or T-rated tires?
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). It is important to note these markings and stay within those speed limits.
What is Load Range E?
Therefore load range simply tells how tough the tire is and the allowable PSI. For example, an “E” load range indicates that a tire is equivalent to a 10-ply construction tire. In realitly, this tire is not built with 10 plies, but rather one or two plies of equivalent strength.
Can you mix H and T rated tyres?
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 94 t mean on tires?
Speed ratings indicate the load capacity of tires, and they also measure how fast a tire can safely drive for at least 10 minutes. For instance, when you see 94T, this means that the load rating is 94 and the T indicated is the speed rating.
Can I use W rated tires instead of V?
V means that vehicles can safely use the tire with a top speed higher than 149mph. The rating W shows that the tire is safe to use for a vehicle with a top speed of 168mph.
What ply is a load range F tire?
12-plyTire Ply-Ratings So of course a Load Range F does correspond to a 12-ply rating.
What are the advantages of all terrain tires?
Advantages of All-Terrain With the open tread design, all-terrain tires offer improved traction on off-road conditions, and proper handling on standard roads. Reinforced Sidewalls. These sidewalls can give your vehicle a greater load-carrying capacity and can endure hard, off-road use. Year-Round Usability.
What is a good load index for tires?
The higher the tire's load index number, the greater its load carrying capacity. Choosing a tire with a lower load index than the original equipment specifications means that the tire will not carry the load capacity of the original. Most passenger-car tire load indexes range from 75 to 100, but some are higher.
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...
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 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.
How to determine tire speed rating?
How are Speed Ratings Determined? 1 For the ECE test, the tire is properly inflated and mounted on a wheel attached to a testing machine in a room that’s heated to 77 degrees F. 2 The tire is pressed against a metal drum with enough pressure to simulate a realistic load. 3 Starting at a speed 40 km/h lower than the proposed rating level, the tire is spun for 10-minute increments at higher and higher speeds, until it reaches the target speed. 4 The tire spins for 10 minutes at the target speed. 5 It’s then removed from the machine and inspected for any failures, like separation of tread components. If it’s intact, it passes the speed rating. 6 Sometimes an SUS (step-up speed) test will be added after the tire performs at the target speed rating. Speed is increased until the tire fails. 7 If the tire is being tested at the SAE standard, it’s required to run for an hour at target speed in a room heated to 100 degrees.
What does each letter in a tire speed rating mean?
Each letter in the speed rating represents a maximum speed based on a standard chart. The main things to know: Generally, the higher in the alphabet a tire is rated, the better it will manage heat and faster speeds. There’s an exception for the H rating; read on for why.
Why put lower speed tires on front?
When mounting differently rated tires , techs prefer to put the lower-speed-rated ones on the front to prevent oversteering. This can conflict with the best practice of putting the tires with the most tread on the rear, which is important for wet traction. Get tires with the same speed rating.
How long does a tire run at target speed?
Speed is increased until the tire fails. If the tire is being tested at the SAE standard, it’s required to run for an hour at target speed in a room heated to 100 degrees.
What does the H rating mean on a tire?
Your actual speed capacity may be less than a tire’s rating. The rating indicates a new tire’s performance in tightly controlled lab settings, not the open road. Tire condition, inflation level, extra cargo, road surfaces and weather are everyday limits that play into a tire’s maximum safe ...
When were tire speed ratings first developed?
When tire speed ratings were first developed in Europe in the 1960s, there were only three ratings: S, H and V. As tire technology developed and new speed classes were introduced, the ratings table expanded to include the full alphabet. But the letter H kept its original speed rating of 130 mph, so it sits later in the chart.
Can you use a tire rating as a guideline?
Don’t use the rating as a guideline for the top speed you can drive. If you’re carrying a heavy load, have a tire that’s been patched after a puncture, or low on air, your tire’s speed capacity will be much reduced.
In-depth discussion – Tire Speed Rating T vs. H
You can get a quick idea about the T speed rating and H speed rating from the comparison chart above. Now, let’s figure out more to get the detailed specifications.
Tire Speed Rating T or H – Which one to choose?
In the discussion, we saw that “H” is better than the “T.” But the “T” rating is also necessary for tires. Especially on a vehicle which is not meant to be driven so fast. So, choosing one between the above speed rating tires is totally up to your choice.
Final Words
We have come to the end of the discussion of Tire Speed Rating T vs. H discussion. Hope that you have gathered the knowledge about different speed ratings now. While buying the tire, make sure you specify the vehicle. It is best if you use the speed rating tire determined in the car owner’s manual.
What is the speed rating of a tire?
An H speed rating indicates the tire is approved for speeds up to 130 mph (210 km/h) under optimal conditions. An H speed rating is at the low end, or at the start of the performance tire speed ratings. H speed rated tires are ideal for sport and luxury coupes and sedans, but not typically considered full-fledged performance vehicles. H speed ratings are common in the grand touring all-season tire category.
What is a T rating?
A T rating indicates the tire is approved for speeds up to 118 mph (190 km/h) under optimal conditions. T ratings are most associated with standard touring tires, and everyday passenger vehicles like family sedans and minivans.
What does a Y rating 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. If the Y speed rating is indicated inside of parentheses, this means that particular tire size and specification has been tested at speeds in excess of 186 mph. A Y speed rating denotes maximum tire performance.
How fast can a Q tire go?
Q tires are approved for speeds up to 99 mph (160 km/h) under optimal conditions. Tires toward the low end of the speed rating range often prioritize a particular function or unique performance over maximum speed rating. Some studdable and studless winter tires, for example, are Q speed rated.
What is an H speed rating?
An H speed rating is at the low end, or at the start of the performance tire speed ratings. H speed rated tires are ideal for sport and luxury coupes and sedans, but not typically considered full-fledged performance vehicles. H speed ratings are common in the grand touring all-season tire category. W.
What does a W mean on a car?
A W means the tire is approved for speeds up to 168 mph (270 km/h) under optimal conditions. W speed rated tires land firmly at the performance end of the speed rating spectrum. Ws are suitable for performance coupes and sedans, and even street driven exotic sports cars.
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 ...
Decoding Tire Sidewall Markings
Since we are into the topic of understanding the service description of tires, we might as well decipher the entire sidewall markings found on them. Sidewall markings provide tons of useful information about your stock or aftermarket tires, which include the following:
Tire Service Description – Speed Ratings
Although the service description comes after the rim diameter information, I purposely reserved the topic for this section to better answer, “What does the T or H mean on tires?” Simply put, tire speed rating H vs T are just two of the 31-speed ratings currently used on tires.
Up Close – H vs T Tires
Out of all the speed ratings, tires with “H” and “T” markings are the most frequently used on sedans, family cars, and SUVs. Under optimal riding conditions, these specific tires can tolerate speeds ranging from 118 mph (190 km/h) to 130 mph (210 km/h).
Top Picks for 2021
Since we are on the topic of H/T tires, it would make sense to give you a list of highly recommended H- and T-rated tires. While there are tons of reputable tire brands in the market, these top picks are lauded by some of the most respectable automakers and automotive publications:
FAQs
Vehicle owners are discouraged from doing this, as using tires with different speed ratings can result in premature tire degradation. Furthermore, it goes against one of the best practices for improving grip on slippery surfaces: putting tires that have the most tread at the rear.
What Does T Mean On Tires?
Let us start with the letter T on the tire sidewall. You will find this letter mostly on passenger vehicles and light truck wheels. It conveys that the tire can manage a speed rating of up to 118 miles per hour or 190 kilometers per hour.
What Does H Mean On Tires?
On the other side of the discussion, we look at what does H means on tires. As earlier mentioned, the letter denotes the speed rating of the tire. H ranks higher than T in supported speed limits, with a value of 130 miles per hour or 210 kilometers per hour.
Frequently Asked Questions
When selecting between H vs T tires, there are several things you have to consider. If you have a standard sedan, like a family car, T tires are excellent. H tires are ideal for high-performance vehicles, such as SUVs, crossovers, and grand touring cars.
In-Depth Discussion – Tire Speed Rating T vs. H
- You can get a quick idea about the T speed rating and H speed rating from the comparison chart above. Now, let’s figure out more to get the detailed specifications.
Tire Speed Rating T Or H – Which One to Choose?
- In the discussion, we saw that “H” is better than the “T.” But the “T” rating is also necessary for tires. Especially on a vehicle which is not meant to be driven so fast. So, choosing one between the above speed rating tires is totally up to your choice. Suppose you can’t still figure out which one to take. We can suggest if you are driving a high-maintenance car and need more speed, the…
FAQs
- Which is the better T or H speed rating? “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? Yes. The H speed rating is higher than T....
Final Words
- We have come to the end of the discussion of Tire Speed Rating T vs. H discussion. Hope that you have gathered the knowledge about different speed ratings now. While buying the tire, make sure you specify the vehicle. It is best if you use the speed rating tire determined in the car owner’s manual. Also, make sure you regularly clean your tires. It will increase the lifespan of the tire an…