What does the 'H' on car tires represent?

[StLorenzo]

The 'H' on car tires represents the speed rating of the tire. The speed rating indicates the maximum speed at which the tire can carry a specified load under defined conditions. Tires are circular elastic rubber products installed on metal rims, designed to support the vehicle body, absorb external shocks, maintain contact with the road surface, and ensure driving performance. The steps to replace a car tire are: 1. Park the car, turn off the engine, and apply the handbrake; 2. Place heavy objects in front of and behind the wheels to prevent rolling, and set up a triangular warning sign behind the vehicle; 3. Use a wrench to loosen the lug nuts of the tire to be replaced in a diagonal pattern; 4. Position the jack on the side of the tire to be replaced and lift the vehicle to a certain height; 5. Remove the lug nuts and take off the tire; 6. Install the spare or new tire and tighten the lug nuts in a diagonal pattern; 7. Lower the vehicle by releasing the jack and ensure all lug nuts are properly tightened.

[CatherineLee]

I've been driving for decades and have seen many beginners asking about the meaning of the 'H' on tires. Simply put, the 'H' code in a tire marking like 205/55 R16 91H represents the speed rating, indicating that the tire can safely sustain a maximum continuous speed of 210 kilometers per hour. This number is not a suggested speed but the tire's ultimate capability; driving beyond this speed can cause the tire to overheat, deform, or even blow out, leading to accidents. In daily driving, I must remind everyone to choose tires with an appropriate 'H' rating based on your vehicle's actual performance—don't casually switch to a higher or lower grade. Additionally, regularly check tire wear and pressure, such as glancing at the sidewall markings every time you wash your car, to spot potential issues early. Safety always comes first, and these small details can prevent accidents, protecting both yourself and others.

[StIsla]

As a car enthusiast, I'm fascinated by tire markings. The letter H is one of the speed symbols, indicating that this tire can support speeds up to 210 km/h. It usually follows the load index, for example, the 91 in 91H means the tire can bear a load of 615 kg. Similar to H, there are V (240 km/h), W (270 km/h), etc., all of which are international standard codes. When actually using a car, I pay special attention to buying tires of the original specifications to maintain consistent performance; if upgrading, I don't just look at aesthetics but also ensure the speed rating matches. The numbers and letters on tires are all important, and I regularly check the tread depth to avoid skidding or losing control at high speeds. Playing with cars is fun, but knowledge is essential.

[Clayton]

When I first bought my car, I didn't know what the tire markings meant. Now I understand that 'H' indicates a speed limit of 210 kilometers per hour. Every time you change tires or perform maintenance, remember to check the code on the sidewall like 205/55R16 91H—the 'H' is the crucial part. If your car frequently drives on highways, H-rated tires are designed to provide stable support. A mismatch, such as exceeding 200 km/h, can lead to faster wear or even dangerous situations. For beginners, it's recommended to check tire pressure weekly before starting the engine and keep it near the suggested value to extend tire life. Learning these small details makes driving more reassuring—just gradually build up your experience.