What do 94V and 98W mean on tires?

[ZaneMarie]

Tire 94V indicates a maximum load capacity of 670 kg per tire and a maximum speed of 240 km/h under specified load conditions, while 98W indicates a maximum load capacity of 750 kg per tire and a maximum speed of 270 km/h under specified load conditions. Clearly, the 98W tire is superior to the 94V. Tire speed rating: Depending on the maximum speed of the tire, the speed rating can be categorized into different levels from A to Z, with level A further divided into eight sub-levels from A1 to A8. Tire load index: The maximum load capacity is similarly categorized into different indices ranging from 62 to 178 based on the load index.

[LeviLee]

As someone who frequently goes on road trips, I find the markings like 94V and 98W on tires extremely important. The numbers 94 and 98 represent the load capacity—the higher the number, the more weight the tire can bear. For instance, 94 can support approximately 670 kg, while 98 can handle up to 750 kg. The letters V and W indicate speed ratings, with V meaning the tire can safely reach up to 240 km/h and W up to 270 km/h. Since I often drive on highways, I definitely prefer W-rated tires for added peace of mind. These markings are directly related to driving safety, so when replacing tires, it's crucial not to choose ones with lower specifications than the original factory parameters. Especially for those who frequently travel long distances with a full load, paying attention to the load index is essential—overloading can easily lead to tire blowouts, which is extremely dangerous.

[MacTheo]

Last time I had my car repaired, I specifically asked the mechanic about this. The series of numbers and letters on the side of the tire are actually safety indicators. The numbers 94 and 98 represent the difference in load capacity. For example, 94 means the tire can carry a maximum of 670 kg, while 98 increases it to 750 kg. The letters V and W indicate the maximum allowable speed, with V limited to 240 km/h and W extended to 270 km/h. When changing tires, you need to pay attention that these values should not be lower than the original vehicle standards. For instance, if your car frequently exceeds 120 km/h, a V-rated tire might not hold up under extreme conditions. Similarly, if you often carry heavy loads, a load index of 98 is more reliable than 94. Before changing tires, it's best to check the manual or take a photo of the original tire to avoid buying the wrong specifications.

[Diane]

Understanding tire markings is simple: The numbers in 94V or 98W represent the load index—the higher the number, the greater the load capacity. The letters V/W indicate the speed rating, with later letters in the alphabet corresponding to higher maximum speeds. Specifically, 94 corresponds to 670 kg, while 98 reaches 750 kg. A V rating allows up to 240 mph, and W increases to 270 mph. For everyday driving, focus on two key points: If you frequently drive on highways or enjoy speeding, choose a speed rating of at least V or higher. If you often load the trunk heavily or travel with a full car, opt for a higher load index like 98. These parameters are visible on the tire sidewall—remember to compare them with the original specs when replacing tires.