What is the difference between 98H and 98V tires?
2 Answers
98V and 98H have different speed ratings. More relevant information is as follows: 1. Introduction to tires: Tires are circular elastic rubber products mounted on various vehicles or machinery for ground rolling. They are usually installed on metal rims to support the vehicle body, cushion external impacts, ensure contact with the road surface, and guarantee the vehicle's driving performance. Tires are often used under complex and harsh conditions, enduring various deformations, loads, forces, and high and low temperatures during operation. Therefore, they must possess high load-bearing performance, traction performance, and cushioning performance. Additionally, they are required to have high wear resistance and flex resistance, as well as low rolling resistance and heat generation. Half of the world's rubber consumption is used for tire production, highlighting the significant rubber consumption by tires. 2. Basic functions: Tires are one of the most important components of a vehicle. Their main functions include: supporting the entire weight of the vehicle and bearing the vehicle's load; transmitting traction and braking torque to ensure the adhesion between the wheels and the road surface; reducing and absorbing vibrations and impact forces during driving to prevent severe vibrations and early damage to vehicle components; adapting to the vehicle's high-speed performance and reducing driving noise; ensuring driving safety, handling stability, comfort, and energy efficiency.
I've always paid attention to tire specifications. The number 98 in 98H and 98V indicates the same load index of 750 kg, but H and V represent different speed ratings—H is up to 210 km/h, while V is 240 km/h. This means V-rated tires are more suitable for high-performance vehicles or models frequently driven at high speeds on highways, as they are designed to be more robust with better grip and reduced overheating risks. On the other hand, H-rated tires are more cost-effective for regular family cars. During my repair work, I've seen car owners overlook this distinction, leading to faster tire wear or safety hazards at high speeds—for instance, fitting H-rated tires on a vehicle that exceeds their speed limit may shorten tire lifespan. In short, choose tires that match your car's recommended speed rating, not just the load index.