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. H An H speed rating indicates the tire is approved for speeds up to 130 mph (210 km/h) under optimal conditions.
Full Answer
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. ...
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.
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.
How important is it to match tire speed ratings?
What are the different speed ratings?
- L
- M & N. An M indicates the tire has been approved for speeds up to 87 mph (140 km/h) and an N is approved for speeds up to 81 mph ...
- P. A P indicates the tire has been approved for speeds up to 93 mph (150 km/h) under optimal conditions.
- Q. Q tires are approved for speeds up to 99 mph (160 km/h) under optimal conditions. ...
- R. ...
- S. ...
- T. ...
- H. ...
- W. ...
- V. ...
Which is better T or S speed rating?
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
Should I get H or V rated tires?
If you feel the need to drive at or above 130 mph then you should get a “V” speed rated set of tires. If you don't plan on driving that fast, then an “H” speed rated set is the better option.
What is speed rating S and H?
All these ratings cover speeds well above legal limits. The most popular, S, T, and H, are rated for 112, 118, and 130 mph, respectively. Traditionally, most family cars have used S- and T-rated tires, while tires rated H and higher have mostly been available only in sports cars or upscale sports sedans.
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.
Do higher speed rated tires wear faster?
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.
What are Z rated tires?
While a Z-speed rating still often appears in the tire size of some tires, such as 225/50ZR16 91W, the Z in the size signifies a maximum speed capability in excess of 149 mph; the W in the service description indicates the tire's specific 168 mph maximum speed.
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 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.
Is a higher load rating better?
The load rating can be located on the sidewall of all tyres and is represented by a numerical value. The higher the load rating number, the stronger the tyre. Tyres with a higher load rating can take a greater amount of air pressure, which means they can also carry heavier loads.
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.
What load index is Load Range E?
Light Truck TiresLT-Metric, LT-Flotation and LT-Numeric Light Truck TiresLoad RangePly RatingAbbreviatedC6CD8DE10E3 more rows
Does speed rating affect comfort?
Speed ratings affect more than just speed, they also contribute to ride comfort, wear, and cornering capabilities. In general, the higher the speed rating, the better the grip and stopping power, but the lower the tread life.
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 to find speed rating on tire?
The speed rating is usually simple to identify as it appears as the last item in the tire’s size code. Car manufacturers recommend specific speed ratings that are included in the car manual. Speed ratings can be found on other locations that bear tire size codes for the car, including the driver’s side door jamb, gas tank hatch or inside the glove door hatch. Speed ratings on tires are usually inscribed on the sidewall of the tire. For instance, for a tire coded as 225/70R16 85S, S represents the speed rating, with maximum speed capabilities of 112 mph.
What is a speed rating chart?
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. A rating corresponds to maximum performance speeds of 3 mph, and Z corresponds to speeds above 186 mph.
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 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 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 are the different types of tires?
There are three different tire constructions, namely radial (R), bias-ply/diagonal (D), or belted (B). Radial is the most common tire construction of the three and features cord plies oriented at 90 degrees to the direction of travel. Bias-ply tires have cords that extend diagonally at 30 or 40-degree angles.
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 is a 215 trailer tire?
Meanwhile, the ‘215’ refers to the section width (in millimeters) of the tire from the widest points of the inner and outer sidewalls. Remember that knowing the right trailer tire speed rating is essential, ...
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.
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 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.
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.
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 load index?
The TIRE LOAD INDEX is a numerical value assigned to a tire in relation to the its load bearing capability. The greater the load index number, the higher the load-bearing capability of the tire will be.
Does Milestar recommend a tire above the speed limit?
This is often matched to the vehicle’s speed and performance as well as the load-bearing capability based on its load index. Please note that Milestar does not recommend the use of any tire above the legal speed limit of the road the vehicle is operating on.