Tire Speed Rating Chart
| Speed Rating Symbol | Speed (mph) | Speed (km/h) |
| A1-A8 | <25 mph | <40 km/h |
| B | 31 mph | 50 km/h |
| C | 37 mph | 60 km/h |
| D | 40 mph | 65 km/h |
Does a higher speed rating mean a better tire?
30 rows · The speed rating system was developed to help control the safe performance of tires at ...
What is the best tire speed rating?
Jan 20, 2019 · Definition of Tire Speed Ratings . 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. This is good information to have for a number of reasons, some of which actually include the likelihood of you ever being able to …
How do I choose a tire speed rating?
Apr 01, 2021 · SPEED 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. SPEED RATING W. A relatively new addition to the speed rating chart, tires with speed rating “W” can achieve a maximum sustained speed of 168 mph (270 kph). SPEED RATING Z
Why your tires should have the same speed rating?
Feb 23, 2022 · What is a Tire Speed Rating? A tire speed rating shows the maximum speed that a tire can withstand over time. To be precise, it is the fastest speed a tire can maintain before it weakens. Therefore, a higher speed rating provides better handling and control at high speeds. The speed rating of a tire is done using a tire rating system.
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). It is important to note these markings and stay within those speed limits.
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 a good speed rating for tires?
A Y-speed rating on the tire is an indication that it is safe to use the tire for a vehicle with a top speed of 186mph, while (Y)-speed rating specifies that the tire is perfect for a vehicle with a top speed of 186mph.
What speed rating is H?
130 mphSPEED RATING H If you recall from earlier, the “H” speed rating doesn't appear after “G” but between “U” and “V.” It represents a maximum speed of 130 mph (210 kph) and is commonly found on sports sedans and coupes.
Can you 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.
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 happens if you exceed tire speed rating?
What happens if you exceed your tire's speed rating? If you drive faster than the rated speed for your tires you are risking damage to the tires that could cause safety and performance problems down the road.
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.
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 does t mean on tires?
Sometimes, letters precede the first number. A "P" stands for p-metric, which is a tire used primarily on passenger cars. An "LT" indicates a light-truck tire. A "T" means it's a temporary spare.
What is the difference between 94V or 94h?
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 is the difference between V and W rated tires?
This means that a tire with a V-rating, for example, can be driven at 149 miles per hour until it wears out! Less frequently seen ratings are Q 99 mph and R 106 mph- used in some light truck tires. The W rating replaced what was once Z, which was anything above 149 at the time, and is now limited to 168 mph.
What does 94V mean on a tire?
A 94 will support 1,477 pounds. V is a speed rating, or the maximum speed tires are designed to be driven for extended periods. Any V-rated tire will perform well while traveling at 149 miles per hour for an extended time — certainly fast enough for this writer.
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 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 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 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.
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 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.
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.
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 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, ...
How fast can a tire go in a C rating?
A “C” rating is given if a tire can withstand a test that runs it on a machine against a steel roller at 50 mph for two hours, 75 mph for half an hour, 80 for half an hour and then 85 for yet another half-hour. The test was devised in 1968.
What is the load rating of a tire?
The load rating is the most difficult to understand. Every tire is rated for the amount of weight it can support, but the rating is based on an index rather than the actual weight. For example, a load rating of 92 on a typical tire for a full-size sedan corresponds to 635 kilograms (not quite 1,400 pounds).
How fast can a tire go?
With an S tire, the lowest rated in common use, motorists should be able to go 112 mph safely-or at least be confident that the tire will not fail at that speed. A T rating certifies the tire to 118 mph, H to 130 mph and Z to 149 mph and higher, according to industry manuals.
What is a standard 109 tire?
Standard 109 requirements. Every tire must meet tests for temperature, traction and tread life under Standard 109. And every tire is rated for speed, load and dimension under industry standards set in this country by the Tire and Rim Assn.
What does B rating mean?
Achieving a “B” temperature rating should mean that every tire of a particular model should meet the minimum specification for that rating. But variances in the manufacturing process will mean that a tire designed to just meet that rating will leave a certain percentage below the specification.
What is tread wear rating?
The tread-wear rating is supposed to tell you how long the rubber tread will last. It is based on actual driving over a set number of miles and then extrapolated to determine the life of the tire. The number is indexed to a baseline of 100.
Is it easy to get a grip on tire ratings?
Getting a grip on tire ratings is no easy task. The arcane-seeming letter rating system means little to the average consumer. Tire industry experts say that American motorists are generally far too complacent about tire quality—that when buying tires, they seldom take into consideration easily obtainable information about important design ...