What is the meaning of tire speed rating letters?
2 Answers
The tire speed rating letters indicate the maximum speed at which a tire can carry a specified load under defined conditions: J, K, L, M, N, P, Q, R, S, T, U, H, V, W, Y represent 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, 200, 210, 240, 270, 300 kilometers per hour, respectively, while Z represents speeds above 240 kilometers per hour. Generally speaking, the further the letter is in the alphabet, the better the performance of the tire. Tires with different speed ratings are suitable for different applications: P to T-rated tires (speeds of 150 to 190 km/h) are suitable for small and compact cars; U to V-rated tires (speeds of 200 to 240 km/h) are suitable for mid-to-high-end cars; high-performance W to Z-rated tires, which can withstand maximum speeds between 240 and 300 km/h, are typically used in large luxury cars and supercars.
Regarding the meaning of tire speed rating letters, I always pay attention to this when driving. Those letters indicate the maximum speed at which the tire can safely operate. For example, an S rating means a maximum of 180 km/h, T is 190, U is 200, the common H is 210, V is 240, W can reach 270, and Y even goes up to 300. These letters are usually engraved on the sidewall of the tire, right next to the size numbers. Why is this important? Because if the tire rating is lower than your car's top speed capability, the tire may overheat, deform, or even blow out during high-speed driving, especially when overtaking on highways. I recommend checking the manual to match the rating when buying tires—don’t opt for cheaper ones with lower ratings, as it compromises safety. Additionally, regularly inspect tire wear; even if an old tire has the correct rating, its performance may degrade, affecting overall handling. Safety comes first—understanding these details can help prevent accidents.
