What does 102h on a tire mean?
2 Answers
A 102h tire indicates that the tire has a maximum load capacity of 850kg and a maximum speed of 210km/h. The number 102 represents the tire's load index, and the letter h denotes the tire's speed rating. Car tires are one of the essential components of a vehicle, as they directly contact the road surface and work together with the car's suspension to absorb shocks during driving, ensuring good ride comfort and smoothness. They also maintain strong traction between the wheels and the road, improving the vehicle's acceleration, braking, and off-road capability while bearing the car's weight. Tire model identification method: Tire width in mm, aspect ratio (percentage of tire height to width), R rim diameter (in inches), load index, and speed symbol. For example, a tire marked 195/65R1588H can be interpreted as: tire width 195mm; aspect ratio 65%; rim diameter 15 inches; load index 88; speed symbol H. Maximum load capacity is indicated by the load index. Common load index (LI) and corresponding actual load capacity (kg) relationships: 100 corresponds to a maximum single-tire load of 800kg; 101 corresponds to 825kg; 102 corresponds to 850kg; 103 corresponds to 875kg. In addition to the model, tires are also marked with the following common data: Tire cord material: represented by Chinese pinyin, such as M for cotton cord, R for rayon cord, N for nylon cord, G for steel cord, ZG for steel radial cord. Tires are marked with speed limit symbols, represented by letters Q, R, S, T, H, V, W, Y, etc., indicating the maximum speed at which the tire can carry its rated load under specified conditions: Letters A to Z represent certified speed ratings from 4.8km/h to 300km/h. Common speed ratings include: Q: 160km/h; R: 170km/h; S: 180km/h; T: 190km/h; H: 210km/h; V: 240km/h; W: 270km/h; Y: 300km/h. The higher the tire's speed rating, the greater the maximum speed it can withstand, and the better its grip during driving. For passenger cars, the higher the tire's speed rating, the lower its wear resistance, as higher-speed-rated tires use softer materials, resulting in a shorter service life. Besides indicating speed ratings, tire models also show the tire's width, aspect ratio, type, and size. Rim specification: indicates the rim size compatible with the tire for practical use, such as standard rim 5.00F.
I was quite curious about the 102H marking when I bought tires before. After checking, I found that 102 actually indicates the tire's maximum load capacity, corresponding to approximately 850 kilograms. If the vehicle is overloaded, it could damage the tire. The H represents the speed rating, meaning the maximum safe speed is 210 kilometers per hour. Driving faster than this can cause excessive wear and potential tire failure. As a relatively new driver, I suggest paying attention to these alphanumeric combinations during routine tire inspections. Choosing the wrong specifications can be dangerous on highways—if tires can't handle the load or speed, they may burst or lose control. Developing a habit of regularly checking these markings on the tire sidewall can prevent unnecessary repairs and accidents. When purchasing a car or replacing tires, it's best to consult professional staff to ensure they match the original manufacturer's standards, guaranteeing both safety and peace of mind.