Most modern passenger tires bear a tire speed rating, a designation indicating the tire’s designed speed capability. In other words, it’s the fastest speed a tire can handle before it does not perform as designed. Tire speed ratings do not imply that the vehicle may safely be driven at the maximum speed for which the tire is capable, particularly under adverse weather or road conditions.
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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.
Speed rating is easy to locate because it’s usually the last item in the character sequence in the tire’s size code. For example in this tire code: “P205/60R16 82S,” S is the speed rating. To view the tire size code for your current tires, just look at the sidewall. Does the speed rating on each tire match what the manufacturer recommends? It should!
Also remember that the tire speed rating isn’t the same thing as a recommended travel speed. The rating will nearly always exceed maximum highway speed limits, but no tire or vehicle manufacturer advises driving faster than the law allows.
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.
However, it’s important to remember that the lab can’t simulate every conceivable condition. Think of your tire’s speed rating as an indicator of the product’s capability under controlled conditions (i.e. fully inflated, vehicle running properly, good weather conditions). Your tires’ actual speed capability may be less than its rated speed, since it is affected by factors such as inflation, wear, vehicle condition (including alignment), driving conditions and the duration at which speed is maintained.
Speed ratings do not apply to tires that have been damaged, altered, under-inflated, overloaded or repaired.
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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.”
But the tire speed rating system isn’t without its quirks. For instance, the system’s European roots give it unusual mile per hour maximums. Another such quirk is that the letter “H” is out of place. Instead of appearing after “G,” it falls between “U” and “V” as does the speed to which it corresponds.
Additional speed rating “anomalies” include the following:
“I,” “O,” and “X” speed ratings don’t exist. Likewise, some speed rating charts don’t include the “P” rating.
Tires with the lowest speed ratings are usually listed as “A” followed by a number– for example, “A1,” “A2, “A3,” and so on.
Some tires carry “W” or “Y” speed ratings. Manufacturers may also insert “Z” into the size description (in the tire code data between aspect ratio and diameter) for these kinds of tires.
When the speed rating system was first developed, the highest speed rating was the unlimited “V” rating. This was for tires whose maximum sustained speed was 149 mph (240 kph) or more. Then, as more manufacturers came out with tires that could handle speeds in excess of 149 mph but still hit a maximum speed at some point, “V” became limited (149 mph instead of 149+ mph) and “W” and “Y” speed ratings were added to the chart.
Many tire speed rating charts also list the “Z” rating as anything over 149 mph. Some manufacturers will insert a “Z” in the middle of the tire size description (right after the aspect ratio) when the tire is rated at “W” or “Y.” And if a tire is rated in excess of 186 mph (300 kph), manufacturer’s usually will list a “Z” within the size description, per industry standards.
EXPLORE PERFORMANCE TIRESThe 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.
Indicated by a letter, each rating corresponds to a specific speed.
With a maximum speed of 118 mph, you usually find tires with speed rating “T” on family sedans and minivans.
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. In earlier incarnations of the speed rating system, “H” stood for “high performance,” which is why it maintains an unusual position in the speed rating spectrum today.
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.
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).
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). Which of those speeds it refers to will depend on the specific tire. Contact the manufacturer to get details on any Z-rated tires. Sports car owners are more likely to encounter this speed rating than owners of typical family sedans.
Always choose the speed rating that corresponds to your vehicle manufacturer’s specifications, and be sure all four tires have the same rating. Speed ratings are based on laboratory tests under specific, controlled conditions. While these tests relate to performance on the road under those conditions, remember that real-life driving is rarely identical to test conditions.
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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.
The speed rating system was developed to help control the safe performance of tires at standardized speeds. A tire’s certified speed rating is given a letter from A to Z, ranging from 5km/h (3mph) to above 300 km/h (186 mph).
This rating system (see below) shows the top speed for which a tire is certified. It does not indicate the total performance capability of a tire.
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.
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. (Always consult the manufacturer for the maximum speed of Unlimited Z tires.)
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. If you’re reading your tire sidewall, the speed rating will be the last item in the character sequence in the tire’s size code. Below is an example of a the description on a tire’s sidewall: 2015/60R15 91V. Here, the tire would have a speed rating of V. V-rated tires can be driven at 149 MPH.
TIRE DESCRIPTION
| 205/60R15 91V | |
|---|---|
| 205 = Section Width in Millimeters | |
| 60 = Aspect Ration | |
| R = Radial Construction | |
| 15 = Rim diameter in Inches | |
| 91 = Load Index | Service Description |
| V = Speed Symbol | |
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.
ZR DESIGNATION
| EXAMPLES | |
|---|---|
| Tire Designation | Maximum Speed |
| P275/40ZR17 93W | 270 km/h (168 mph) |
| P275/40ZR17 93Y | 300 km/h (186 mph) |
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.
TIRE SPEED CAPABILITIES
| SPEED SYMBOLS | ||
|---|---|---|
| Symbol Speed | Speed (km/h) | Speed (mph) |
| A1 | 5 | 3 |
| A2 | 10 | 6 |
| A3 | 15 | 9 |
| A4 | 20 | 12 |
| A5 | 25 | 16 |
| A6 | 30 | 19 |
| A8 | 40 | 25 |
| B | 50 | 31 |
| C | 60 | 37 |
| D | 65 | 40 |
| E | 70 | 43 |
| F | 80 | 50 |
| G | 90 | 56 |
| J | 100 | 62 |
| K | 110 | 68 |
| L | 120 | 75 |
| M | 130 | 81 |
| N | 140 | 87 |
| P | 150 | 94 |
| Q | 160 | 100 |
| R | 170 | 106 |
| S | 180 | 112 |
| T | 190 | 118 |
| U | 200 | 124 |
| H | 210 | 130 |
| V | 240 | 149 |
| W | 270 | 168 |
| Y | 300 | 186 |
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!
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The sidewall of a tire has all the information you need to know about it. Below you will find a small guide to deciphering all these numbers and letters.
Tire width from side to side in mm.
Ratio of the section height of a tire to its width, expressed as a percentage. For example, a profile height of 65 means that the height of the tire is 65% of its width
Wheel diameter (height) in inches.
The maximum load per tire (in kg) depends on the load index. The load index value is printed on the sidewall of the tire to the right of the diameter value.
For example, for a tire with a load index of 91, the maximum load is 615 kg.
When buying new tires, consider the load and speed indexes in combination. In addition, you should always follow the recommendations of your vehicle manufacturer.
The Speed Index is the maximum allowable speed at which a properly inflated tire can be driven under load. The speed index, indicated by a letter, is located after the load index on the sidewall of the tire. For example, for a tire with a speed index of V, the maximum speed is 240 km/h.
When buying new tires, it is important to consider that their speed rating matches the vehicle's speed capabilities.
Your vehicle may be compatible with tires with load and speed ratings that differ from those specified in the manufacturer's documentation.
However, it is always worth checking first whether the vehicle manufacturer allows the installation of such tires and whether their operation is permitted by the current legislation.
Always comply with all legal requirements in your country regarding the characteristics of the tires used, and also take into account the recommendations of the vehicle manufacturer regarding speed and load. If necessary, consult your dealer before purchasing or installing tires.
Is it possible to use tires with higher speed ratings than those recommended by the car manufacturer?
Yes, you can. However, it is always worth checking first whether the vehicle manufacturer allows the installation of such tires.
Can tires with higher load indexes be used than those recommended by the car manufacturer?
Yes, you can. However, it is always worth checking first whether the vehicle manufacturer allows the installation of such tires.
Can tires with higher speed and load ratings be used than recommended by the car manufacturer?
Yes, you can. However, it is always worth checking first whether the vehicle manufacturer allows the installation of such tires.
Can tires with lower speed ratings be used than those recommended by the car manufacturer?
Yes, it is possible. These can be all-season or winter (M+S) tires with a lower speed index, if: a) a sticker indicating the maximum speed limit is in the driver's field of vision; b) the driver does not exceed the specified maximum speed limit. However, it is always worth checking first whether the vehicle manufacturer allows the installation of such tires and whether their operation is permitted by the current legislation.
Can tires with higher load indexes and lower speed indexes be used than recommended by the car manufacturer?
Yes, it is possible. These can be all-season or winter (M+S) tires with a lower speed index, if:
a) a sticker indicating the maximum speed limit is in the driver's field of vision;
b) the driver does not exceed the specified maximum speed limit. However, it is always worth checking first whether the vehicle manufacturer allows the installation of such tires and whether their operation is permitted by the current legislation.
Refer to the vehicle owner's manual for load limits. Overloading a vehicle puts unnecessary stress on its tires and other structural elements. This can lead to poor handling, increased fuel consumption and tire damage. Tires may develop large cracks, defects or tears.
The presence of the letter "P" or the absence of letters indicates that this is a tire for a passenger car.
The letter "R" stands for radial construction. Most tires manufactured today are radial.
This mark indicates that the tire meets the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) standards for pneumatic tyres.
This is the maximum pressure for your tire. Check your vehicle's owner's manual for recommended tire pressures, which affect your vehicle's handling, cornering and braking behavior, and fuel consumption.
The letters "TWI" indicate the location of the tire tread wear indicators.
You should regularly pay attention to them in order to monitor the degree of tread wear. In most European and Customs Union countries, the minimum permitted tread depth is 1.6mm.
The four-digit code indicates the week and year of manufacture of the tire.
Each tire in its marking, in addition to geometric parameters characterizing the width of the tire, its sidewall size and landing diameter, has load and speed indices that reflect some technical features of the tire.
The load index for passenger tires is usually expressed as a two- or three-digit number, which comes immediately after the bore diameter in the marking. It can also be called the “tire load capacity index” and means the maximum load capacity for which the tire is designed during operation.
Each size for a passenger car, according to ETRTO (European Tire and Rim Technical Organization) standards, can have two load indexes assigned to it - standard and enlarged .
So, for example, a size 205/55R16 might have a load index of 91, which allows one tire to carry a load of 615 kg, or 94, which equals 670 kg per tire.
Increased load index in the tire marking must be accompanied by an additional designation - XL, extraload or reinforced.
This additional marking of increased load capacity is often interpreted by drivers as an increased strength index of the tire, i.e. a tire marked XL (extraload, reinforced) has a stronger sidewall. However, this is just a common misconception and an increased load index does nothing to protect the tire from sidewall tear or tread damage in service.
It should be noted that ETRTO fixes tire parameters for the European market. For North America, there are other standards, they are similar in many respects, but North American ones have some features.
For example, the Latin letter "P" (the initial letter in the word "passenger" - passenger) can be added to the beginning of the marking, which can mean that the tire uses a load index less than the standard one:
P265 / 65 R17 110H (load - 1060 kg per tyre)
265/65 R17 112H (load - 1120 kg per tyre)
it to use this reduced load index .
In addition, now you can find another designation that complements the load index and came from the North American market - LT ("lighttruck" - a light truck or pickup truck). It is also added to the beginning of the size and indicates that this size has an increased load index, expressed as a double number.
Example: LT265/65 R17 120/117S.
This special marking of the dual load index means that for vehicles with four wheels on two axles, the tire load is calculated using the first, highest index. And if the car has six wheels with two axles (double tires for the rear axle), then you need to take the second, smallest index.
Example:
For a standard car with tire size LT265/65 R17 120/117S, you need to take the index 120 - this is 1400 kg per tire, and the maximum weight that such a car can carry will be 1400 x 4 = 5600 kg.
For a car with dual tires on the rear axle and tire size LT265/65 R17120/117S, you need to take the index 117 already - this is 1285 kg per tire, the maximum weight is 1285 x 6 = 7710.
Thus, a car with twin tires on the rear axle will be able to carry more weight even using the smaller of the indexes in the tire size.
A similar use of dual load index sizes is found in the ETRTO standards for tire sizes intended for use on vans or light trucks (up to 6 tons). But in this case, it is accompanied by the Latin letter "C" (commercial - commercial) and looks like this: 225/60 R16C105 / 103T.
Speed Index (or speed category) is a conditional indicator that indicates the maximum speed that a tire can withstand. Speed indices are indicated in Latin letters from A (minimum, A1 = 5 km/h) to Y (maximum, 300 km/h). For passenger cars, the following common speed indices can be distinguished:
Standard: T(190 km/h), N(210 km/h)
High speed: V (240 km/h), W (270 km/h), Y (300 km/h)
Off-road and commercial tires tend to have lower speed ratings: Q (160 km/h), R (170 km/h), S (180 km/h).
Depending on the type, winter tires can have both a low speed index Q (160 km/h, for studded tires) and a rather high W index (270 km/h, for non-studded winter tires of the Central European type).
Some high speed tires have a speed rating even higher than the tire size rating. For example, the size 325/25 ZR20 (101Y), where the speed index looks like this - ZR (Y), allows you to reach speeds of over 300 km / h.
Sometimes you can find tires where speed index is not specified . A similar situation has occurred in the past, but with the latest changes in technical standards, tires without a speed index (and, as a rule, without a load index) are banned from sale in the Russian Federation.
Why were tires like this made in the past?
Some sports cars received specially prepared tires that could be installed exclusively on this sports car.
In this case, already at the development stage, tire engineers calculated and included in the tire the maximum mass of a sports car, and the speed index was limited only by the maximum speed of the corresponding car. And there was no need to indicate the speed and load indices, since the formula “special tire - only for one special car” worked. With the development of the sports car segment, such a “uniqueness” disappeared and could mislead a potential buyer. Therefore, it was decided to provide each tire size with a corresponding speed and load index.
Taking into account that the load index is “attached” to the size, the user automatically receives the required load index by selecting the tire size allowed for installation. In some cases, you need to check in the technical documentation for the car if a size with an increased load capacity (XL, extraload, reinforced) is required or immediately opt for the allowed sizes with a large load index.
