What does the V on the tire mean?
3 Answers
The V on the tire represents the maximum speed rating of that tire, with the V rating being 240 km/h. Although the tire can withstand speeds up to 240 km/h, there are many external factors that can affect the safety of the tire, such as wear and tear or damage. It is recommended that drivers still adhere to traffic regulations and prioritize safety. The letters V, W, and H on tires represent the speed rating (which indicates the maximum speed the tire can carry a specified load under specified conditions). The H rating has a maximum speed of 210 km/h, and the W rating has a maximum speed of 270 km/h. Car tires are one of the important components of a vehicle, directly contacting the road surface and working together with the car's suspension to absorb shocks during driving, ensuring good ride comfort and smooth driving performance.
The 'V' on the tire? It's a speed rating, indicating the maximum safe speed the tire can handle. For example, 'V' stands for 240 km/h. If you exceed this speed on the highway, the tire might burst or deform, which is quite dangerous. I always pay special attention to this when driving because I once had an accident due to choosing the wrong speed-rated tires. That time, I was driving my dad's car with 'H'-rated tires, which have a maximum speed of only 210 km/h, and I slightly exceeded it, nearly losing control. So, when getting new tires, always check the vehicle manual for the recommended speed rating—mismatching it means the responsibility falls on you. Regular maintenance should also include checking the markings on the tire sidewalls to ensure the rubber hasn’t aged and affected performance.
The 'V' on tires typically refers to the speed symbol, indicating a maximum speed capability of 240km/h. In tire specifications like 205/55R16 V, the 'V' denotes this speed rating. I recommend car owners always check their vehicle's top speed when replacing tires—for most family cars, 200km/h is sufficient, making V-rated tires both safe and economical. Regular maintenance should also include monitoring tire pressure, as both overinflation and underinflation can affect driving stability—don't wait for an accident to regret neglecting this. Remember that speed ratings decrease with tire wear or aging, so replacing them early is advisable.
