What is the difference between 91V and 91W?
3 Answers
Here are the specific differences between car tires 91V and 91W: 1. Speed rating: V indicates that the maximum speed this tire can withstand is 240 km/h, while W indicates that the maximum speed this tire can withstand is 270 km/h. 2. Load index: 91W tires refer to tires that can bear a load of 615 kg and a maximum speed of 270 km/h. Below is extended information about car tire specifications: 1. Specification model representation: Tires are important components of a car, and there are many specification models for tires. Different specification models are suitable for different types of vehicles. The specification model identification is usually on the sidewall of the tire, represented by a series of alphanumeric characters, corresponding to the tire's tread width, aspect ratio, type, rim size, load index, and speed rating. 2. Speed rating: According to the different maximum speeds they can withstand, tire speed ratings can be divided into different grades from A to Z, with grade A further subdivided into eight different grades from A1 to A8. The further back the letter representing the tire speed rating is, the better the tire performance.
I remember researching this when changing tires. Both 91V and 91W have a load index of 91, meaning each tire can bear 615 kg. The main difference lies in the speed rating: V stands for a maximum speed of 240 km/h, while W can handle up to 270 km/h. Normally, we drive at 120 km/h on highways, far below these limits. However, W-rated tires have a rubber compound and internal structure that better withstand high temperatures, reducing deformation at high speeds. That said, W-rated tires cost about 10% more. For regular family cars, V-rated tires are perfectly adequate unless you drive a performance car or frequently travel on German autobahns with no speed limits. Additionally, W-rated tires have stiffer sidewalls, making bumps like speed bumps more noticeable, so it's a matter of personal preference.
I often encounter car owners struggling with this issue during repairs. The number 91 indicates identical load-bearing capacity, with the key difference lying in the speed ratings of V and W. The V rating corresponds to 240 km/h, while the W rating supports a maximum design speed of 270 km/h. Although domestic roads don't require such speeds, tires with higher speed ratings typically use better ply materials and thicker shoulder designs, offering superior high-speed stability. When replacing tires, it's crucial to adhere to the original factory specifications. Upgrading to W-rated tires is acceptable, but avoid downgrading to lower ratings. During summer long-distance driving, W-rated tires demonstrate noticeable advantages in heat dissipation performance, significantly reducing the risk of blowouts, making them ideal for drivers who frequently travel on highways.
