What do the speed rating letters on car tires mean?
1 Answers
The speed rating letters on car tires indicate the speed grade of the tire, which represents the maximum speed the tire can sustain under specified conditions while carrying a designated load. Letters from A to Z denote certified speed ratings ranging from 4.8 km/h to 300 km/h. Common speed ratings include: Q for 160 km/h, R for 170 km/h, S for 180 km/h, T for 190 km/h, H for 210 km/h, V for 240 km/h, W for 270 km/h, and Y for 300 km/h. Tires with different speed ratings have varying applications. For instance, P to T-rated tires can sustain maximum speeds between 150 to 190 km/h and are suitable for small and compact cars; U to V-rated tires can handle speeds from 200 to 240 km/h, making them ideal for mid-to-high-end sedans; while W to Z-rated tires support speeds between 240 to 300 km/h and are designed for large luxury cars and supercars.