What is the tire speed rating and what are the different ratings?
2 Answers
Different tires have English letters on their sidewalls indicating the speed rating, which represents the certified speed rating from 4.8 km/h to 300 km/h. The following are the respective speed ratings and their corresponding speeds (km/h): 1. A15K110; 2. A210L120; 3. A315M130; 4. A420N140; 5. A525P150; 6. A630Q160; 7. A735R170; 8. A840S180; 9. B50T190; 10. C60U200; 11. D65H210; 12. E70V240; 13. F80W270; 14. G90Y300; 15. J100ZR speed rating above 240.
The speed rating, simply put, is the maximum speed mark that a tire can safely withstand, indicated by a letter to represent the tire's heat resistance at high speeds. Why does this exist? At high speeds, tire friction generates heat and causes significant deformation, increasing the risk of a blowout. Therefore, manufacturers test and label tires accordingly. Common ratings include L for 120 km/h, M for 130, N for 140, P for 150, Q for 160, R for 170, S for 180, T for 190, U for 200, H for 210, V for 240, W for 270, and Y for a maximum of 300 km/h. When choosing tires, always check your vehicle's recommended rating. My old car used T-rated tires and could comfortably handle 190 km/h on the highway without worrying about overheating. Don’t overlook this detail—using the correct rating extends tire life and saves money, especially reducing risks during long trips or in hot weather.
