What is the difference between 97H and 97V tires?
2 Answers
The differences between 97H and 97V tires are as follows: 1. Different properties: The 97H tire indicates the load index and speed rating of the tire. 97V respectively represents the load index and speed rating of the vehicle tire. 2. Different characteristics: H indicates that the tire can withstand a maximum vehicle speed of 210 km/h. V represents that the maximum speed this tire can withstand is 270 km/h. Extended information is as follows: Tire model such as: 215/70R15, the meanings of these numbers are respectively: 1. 215 indicates the tire section width: the unit is mm, generally the width of the tire is between 145—285mm, with intervals of 10mm; 2. 70 is the aspect ratio: that is, the ratio of the tire sidewall height to the tire section width, 70 represents 70%, generally the aspect ratio of the tire is between 30%—80%, under normal circumstances, ordinary cars should not use tires with an aspect ratio >75%, luxury cars and high-performance sports cars are recommended to use tires with an aspect ratio <60%; 3. R is the abbreviation of Radial: indicating that the tire is a radial structure, 15 is the outer diameter of the rim, the unit is inches.
I've been driving a small car for over a decade. The core difference between 97H and 97V tires lies in their speed ratings. The number 97 represents the same load index, meaning they have identical load-bearing capacity of approximately 730 kg. The H-rated tires have a maximum speed limit of 210 km/h, making them suitable for daily urban or suburban driving—they're economical and durable. V-rated tires can handle speeds up to 240 km/h and are specifically designed for high-speed long-distance travel. Their tread is more robust to dissipate heat and prevent overheating deformation, offering better stability and safety during long trips or mountain driving. Performance-wise, V-rated tires provide superior grip during sharp turns or on wet surfaces, with more precise handling, though they cost about 100-200 yuan more. During maintenance, ensure they match your vehicle type—don't compromise safety by using H-rated tires for high-speed driving, as this accelerates wear. If you mostly drive at 60-80 km/h, H-rated tires are perfectly adequate, offering great value and peace of mind.
