What is the difference between V and H on car tires?
2 Answers
The difference between V and H on car tires is that they represent different maximum speeds. Below are the specific details about the speed comparison table: 1. The specific speed meanings of V and H: V represents a speed of 240 kilometers per hour, while H represents a speed of 210 kilometers per hour. 2. Similarities between the two: Both H and V indicate the speed rating of the tire, which is the maximum speed at which the tire can carry a specified load under defined conditions. Note: The numbers and letters on the tire indicate the tire type, tread pattern, specifications, presence of an inner tube, speed rating, load index, aspect ratio, and important safety markings, among other things.
I've been driving for over a decade, and the difference between V and H speed-rated tires is quite noticeable. V-rated tires can handle speeds up to 240 km/h, while H-rated ones max out at 210 km/h. Though it's just a 30 km/h difference, it makes a big impact in actual driving. For example, when driving on highways with H-rated tires at 130 km/h, I can clearly feel the tires heating up significantly with louder noise; after switching to V-rated tires, highway driving becomes more stable and quieter, especially with stronger grip when cornering and higher safety. V-rated tires have a more robust and durable structure, making them suitable for high-performance cars or drivers who enjoy speed, though they are more expensive; H-rated tires are better suited for daily commuting vehicles, being more economical and fuel-efficient. When choosing tires, always refer to your vehicle's manual recommendations—don't compromise safety to save money, as a high-speed blowout could be disastrous. Regularly checking tire wear and pressure is also crucial.
