Can 84t and 84h be used interchangeably?
3 Answers
84t and 84h tires cannot be used interchangeably. More information about tires is as follows: 1. The only difference between 84h and 84t tires: H and T represent different speed ratings of the tires, meaning the maximum speed the tires can withstand differs. 2. For safe driving, the same brand, tread pattern, specification, load index, and speed rating must be installed on the same axle. 3. When replacing tires, the tire specifications must meet the vehicle manufacturer's requirements and recommendations, meaning the load index of the replacement tire must be equal to or greater than that of the original tire, and the speed rating of the replacement tire must be equal to or greater than that of the original tire.
I noticed many friends are debating whether 84T and 84H tires can be mixed. The key actually lies in the specific usage scenario. The 84 represents the load index, and both have a capacity of 500 kg, which is exactly the same. However, the speed ratings for T and H are different: H-rated tires can withstand up to 210 km/h, while T-rated tires max out at 190 km/h. If you usually drive around 100 km/h for commuting, occasional mixing might not be a big issue. But if you frequently drive on highways or enjoy aggressive driving, tires with different speed ratings will have varying grip and heat dissipation performance, making the car feel unstable during cornering. The safest approach is to use the same specification for all four tires, especially ensuring consistency on the same axle, otherwise, it might cause issues during annual inspections.
Last time I helped my neighbor uncle check his car, I encountered a similar situation. He had 84H tires on the front wheels, but 84T on the rear wheels, and it was noticeably obvious that the rear tires heated up faster during driving. Although both types of tires have the same load capacity, their rubber compounds and internal structures differ. H-rated tires offer better high-speed stability, while T-rated ones are relatively weaker. Mixing them could extend the braking distance by 1-2 meters, especially noticeable in rainy conditions. If you must mix them, it's advisable to place the higher speed-rated tires on the drive wheels and check the tire pressure regularly. However, in the long run, it's recommended to replace the entire set. After all, the price difference for four tires is just a few hundred bucks, much cheaper than repairing the suspension.
