What do the letters on passenger car tires correspond to in terms of speed?
2 Answers
Passenger car tire speed ratings correspond to the letters J-Y, representing speeds of 100-300 kilometers per hour, while Z indicates speeds above 240 kilometers per hour. Below is an introduction to passenger car tires: 1. Overview: Tires are circular elastic rubber products mounted on various vehicles or machinery to roll on the ground. 2. Functions: They support the entire weight of the vehicle and bear the load; transmit traction and braking torque to ensure adhesion between the wheels and the road; and reduce and absorb vibrations and impacts during driving. 3. Role: Tires are often used under complex and demanding conditions, enduring various deformations, loads, forces, and high and low temperatures while driving. Therefore, they must have high load-bearing capacity, traction performance, and cushioning performance. Additionally, they require high wear resistance, flexibility, and low rolling resistance and heat generation.
When I first started driving, I often noticed the small letters on the tire sidewalls—those are the speed rating symbols indicating the maximum safe speed a tire can handle. Common letters like H correspond to 210 km/h, V to 240, and W to 270. This isn't a suggestion to speed but rather the tested limit. When choosing tires, always match your vehicle's recommended rating. For example, if your car originally came with V-rated tires, don't downgrade to H-rated ones, or the tires could overheat at high speeds and cause trouble. I once saw a friend opt for cheaper, mismatched tires, and the car shook badly during acceleration. Also, pair this with regular tire pressure checks—glance at it monthly and replace them if wear is excessive. Tires are your first line of safety, so never overlook these details, especially before hitting the highway. It saves hassle and ensures peace of mind.
