What do the letters V and H behind the tire represent?
2 Answers
Tire speed ratings H and V indicate the maximum speed capability of the tire, with H-rated tires having a maximum speed of 210 km/h and V-rated tires capable of 240 km/h. Here's additional information: 1. Tires are one of the most important components of a vehicle. They make direct contact with the road surface, ensuring good ride comfort and smooth driving performance while maintaining excellent traction between the wheels and the road, thereby improving the vehicle's traction, braking, and off-road capability. 2. Tires generally consist of three parts: the outer tire, inner tube, and flap. The inner layer of the tire features an airtight rubber layer that contributes to the tire's lightweight development trend. The outer tire is mainly composed of the carcass, tread/sidewall, and bead, where the carcass and bead form the load-bearing structure of the vehicle's pneumatic tire.
I've been driving for over 30 years and know tires inside out! The letter V on a tire indicates a maximum safe speed of 240 km/h, while H stands for 210 km/h. These ratings are set by international standards and directly relate to safety—especially at high speeds where mismatched tire speed capability can cause overheating and blowouts, which is extremely dangerous. I remember back in the day driving an old car on the highway with factory H-rated tires; it felt unstable above 180 km/h. After switching to V-rated tires, the improvement was noticeable. When choosing tires, don’t just look at size—consider your typical driving speed and conditions too. For city commuting, H-rated tires are sufficient, offering better fuel efficiency and durability. But if you frequently drive on highways or own a performance car, always opt for V-rated or higher. By the way, there are other letters like W (270 km/h) meant for supercars—no need to waste money if you don’t need that level, safety comes first!
