What is the letter on the tire that indicates maximum speed?
2 Answers
The last letter on the tire represents the maximum speed, which is the tire speed rating. Here is additional information: 1. The tire speed rating refers to the maximum speed at which the tire can carry a specified load under defined conditions. 2. Different letters represent different speed ratings. For example, a speed rating of W on the tire stands for 270 km/h, V for 240 km/h, H for 210 km/h, and Y for 300 km/h. 3. Most family car tires have the letter V as the last letter, indicating that the tire can withstand a maximum speed of 240 kilometers per hour. The number preceding the speed rating indicates the tire's load index.
The letter on the tire represents the maximum speed rating, with each letter directly corresponding to a speed value. For example, H stands for 210 km/h, and V stands for 240 km/h. This marking is a globally unified standard derived from safety tests conducted by tire manufacturers. I always pay attention to this when checking tire markings because it ensures stability during high-speed driving. If the letter doesn't match the vehicle's top speed—for instance, if the car can go 250 km/h but the tire only supports an H rating—driving too fast can cause the tire to overheat, potentially leading to deformation or a blowout, increasing the risk of an accident. When selecting new tires, I refer to the recommended letter in the owner's manual and never compromise safety just to save money. By the way, tires also have other markings like the manufacturing date, so regular overall inspections are crucial.
