What is the difference between 91V and 91H car tires?
2 Answers
h and v represent the maximum speed ratings. h indicates a maximum speed of 210 km/h, while v indicates a maximum speed of 240 km/h, ensuring safety within this range. The number 91 refers to the load index of a single tire, which is 615 kg. Here is some relevant information about car tires: 1. According to international standards, the speed rating of tires for passenger cars must exceed the designed maximum speed of the car. For example, A0-class cars typically have a design top speed of 200 km/h and should be equipped with H-rated tires with a maximum speed of 210 km/h. A-class cars should use V-rated tires with a maximum speed of 240 km/h, while B-class cars should use W-rated tires with a maximum speed of 270 km/h. 2. Tires with higher speed ratings generally have higher manufacturing costs, reflecting the principle of "you get what you pay for." For the same brand and size, tires with a higher load index and speed rating offer better performance and are more expensive. For instance, Michelin tires of the same size and specification with a 91V rating may cost 30-40 yuan more than those with a 91H rating. 3. When tires roll at high speeds, they generate heat due to compression and deformation. Using tires with a lower speed rating can lead to more severe deformation, generating additional heat, damaging the tire structure, shortening tire lifespan, and even increasing the risk of a blowout. To better mitigate deformation and heat generation, high-speed-rated tires feature reinforced shoulders and tread patterns. This not only reduces deformation during rolling but also enhances the tire's grip.
I've studied tire parameters, and the 91 in both 91V and 91H actually means the same thing—each tire can bear a maximum load of 615 kg. The real difference lies in the letter that follows! V means the tire can handle speeds up to 240 km/h, while H is only rated for 210 km/h. Though it's just a 30 km/h difference, it's very noticeable on the highway. Last time my friend drove long-distance with H-rated tires, he felt the tread getting floaty above 200 km/h. After switching to V-rated tires, the grip was much more stable, even when cornering without hesitation. However, V-rated tires are almost a third more expensive and have stiffer sidewalls, making the ride bumpier in the city. In my opinion, if you don't frequently drive at high speeds, there's no need to go for V-rated tires—saving the money for a set of quiet tires is more practical.
