What is the Vehicle Tire Speed Rating?
2 Answers
Vehicle tire speed rating refers to the maximum speed allowed for use under specified road surface conditions, nominal rim diameter, and within a specified time period. Below is a detailed introduction: 1. Based on the different maximum speeds they can bear, tire speed ratings are divided into 24 different levels from A to Z: excluding I and O levels, with the A level further subdivided into 8 different levels from A1 to A8. 2. The letter H appears between the letters U and V, representing high-performance tires: H-rated tires can bear a maximum speed of 210 km/h and are used in mid-to-high-end sedans. The tread pattern of H-rated tires is zigzag, which can improve the smoothness and reliability of the vehicle. 3. Tires with different speed ratings have different applicable ranges: P-T rated tires (maximum speed 150-190 km/h) are suitable for small and compact cars, U-V rated tires (maximum speed 200-240 km/h) are suitable for mid-to-high-end sedans, while the best-performing W-Z tires, which can bear a maximum speed between 240-300 km/h, are used in large luxury cars and super sports cars.
I remember paying special attention to tire speed ratings during long highway trips before. The tire speed rating is the letter marked on the tire sidewall, like H representing a maximum speed of 210 km/h, V for 240 km/h, etc., indicating the safe speed limit the tire can withstand. Don’t underestimate it; if you often drive fast or navigate winding mountain roads, tires with too low a rating can easily overheat and blow out—I’ve had friends who got into accidents because of this. Generally, the original tires that come with a car from the factory have a recommended rating, and when replacing tires, it’s essential to match it—going higher is uneconomical, and lower is unsafe. Beginners can simply memorize a few common ratings, like S for 180 km/h and W for 270 km/h. Checking is straightforward—just crouch down and take a look. The key is to maintain tires regularly and keep the tire pressure normal to ensure the speed rating’s protective function works effectively.
