What is the difference between 91v and 91h tires?
3 Answers
The difference between 91v and 91h tires lies in their maximum speed ratings: 91v has a maximum speed of 240 kilometers per hour, while 91h has a maximum speed of 210 kilometers per hour. The number 91 is the load index, indicating the weight standard the tire can bear under different air pressures. A 91v tire can support 615kg at 2.5Bar. Tires marked 91v and 91h cannot be mixed. When purchasing tires, owners should ensure that the new tires are of the same specification, structure, manufacturer, and tread pattern as the original ones. Both the load index and the maximum speed under load must be consistent, especially for tires on the same axle. Otherwise, it may affect the vehicle's handling stability at high speeds, posing potential safety risks.
The difference between 91V and 91H tires mainly lies in their speed ratings. Both have the same load index of 91, meaning each tire can bear 615 kilograms of weight, which is identical. However, the letters V and H after the number are crucial: H corresponds to a maximum speed of 210 km/h, while V can support up to 240 km/h. In practical driving, we rarely reach such high speeds. With regular highway speed limits at 120 km/h, H-rated tires are more than sufficient and also more affordable. Last time I changed tires, I opted for 91H, saving over 300 yuan compared to V-rated ones, and they've been performing well for nearly two years. It's also important to note that if the vehicle originally requires V-rated tires, switching to H-rated ones isn't advisable as it might affect vehicle inspection or safety performance.
Simply put, there's no difference in load capacity between 91V and 91H tires - both can carry 615kg. The key distinction lies in their speed ratings. H-rated tires support a maximum speed of 210 km/h, while V-rated tires can handle 240 km/h. When I drove performance cars, I specifically researched this - V-rated tires use higher-grade materials and have better heat dissipation designs, making them less prone to overheating and deformation during prolonged high-speed driving. However, unless you're a racing enthusiast, you'll rarely need this capability in daily driving. I recommend choosing H-rated tires as they're more affordable and durable, perfectly adequate for 90% of normal driving scenarios. Just remember to use the same speed rating for all four tires when replacing them.
