What does the 'V' on car tires indicate?
2 Answers
Car tires marked with 'V' indicate that the maximum speed under load is 240 kilometers per hour. This letter represents the speed rating of the tire. Tires with higher ratings are more expensive but offer better performance and safety. Typically, compact family car tires have lower speed ratings, while high-performance sports car tires have higher ratings. Spare tires are categorized into full-size spares and temporary spares. Full-size spares are identical to the original tires, whereas temporary spares are only meant for short-term use. Car tires are one of the most important components of a vehicle, as they directly contact the ground and, together with the suspension system, help absorb shocks during driving, ensuring comfort and stability. High-quality tires provide excellent grip between the wheels and the road, enhancing traction and drivability.
The 'V' on the tire represents the speed rating, which I remember indicates a maximum speed of around 240 kilometers per hour, roughly 149 miles per hour. Having driven for over 30 years, I always pay attention to this symbol when changing tires because exceeding this speed can accelerate tire wear or even cause a blowout, which is extremely dangerous. New drivers often overlook tire markings—besides 'V,' there are symbols like 'H' or 'T,' each representing different speed limits. I recommend everyone regularly check tire pressure and tread wear, especially being more cautious at high speeds. Tire markings consist entirely of letters and numbers, such as P215/65R15 95V, where '95' is the load index and 'V' is the speed rating. Overall, understanding these details helps us drive safely and reduce accidents.
