What does 98H on a tire mean?
2 Answers
98H represents the load index and speed symbol respectively. 98 is the load index, and H is the speed symbol. 98 indicates a maximum load capacity of 750kg, while H denotes a maximum speed limit of 210km/h. The load index uses a coded form to represent the maximum load a single tire can bear. For example: a tire with a load index of 98 has a maximum load capacity of 750kg. The speed symbol indicates the maximum speed the tire can withstand, represented by English letters. The later the letter appears in the alphabet, the higher the permissible speed limit. Here is additional information: 1. Common tire speed symbols include: S, T, H. If a tire has no speed symbol, unless otherwise specified, its maximum safe speed is typically 120KM/H. 2. A common tire model marking example: 225/50R17 98H, where the numbers represent: 225 indicates the tread width, 50 is the aspect ratio (the ratio of the tire sidewall height to the tread width).
I saw the tire marked with 98H, and this thing is simple yet crucial. 98 is the load index, indicating each tire can bear a weight of 750 kilograms, while H is the speed rating, representing a maximum speed of 210 kilometers per hour. For an average car owner like me, this directly impacts safe driving. I remember once when I changed tires without paying attention to matching the model, the car wobbled at high speed, and I later understood why. Tire selection also depends on daily usage—for example, an H rating suits mixed city and highway driving, but if you often carry heavy loads or climb hills, you must ensure the load index is sufficient, or accidents can easily happen. Winter or summer tires should also be chosen appropriately, not just focusing on the speed rating. In short, checking the sidewall markings of tires and making it a habit can prevent trouble and save money.
