What speed does the 'H' on a tire represent?
2 Answers
Tire 'H' represents a maximum driving speed of 210 km/h. The speed rating letters for household tires include Q, R, S, T, U, H, V, W, and Y, with Y representing the highest speed rating, capable of reaching up to 300 km/h. The higher the speed rating of a tire, the greater the maximum speed it can withstand, and the stronger the tire's grip during driving. However, tires with higher speed ratings generally have lower wear resistance. The higher the speed rating, the softer the materials used in the tire, resulting in poorer friction resistance during driving and a shorter service life.
I drive quite a lot, and once a friend asked me what the 'H' on tires means. I told him that 'H' indicates the tire can withstand a maximum speed of 210 kilometers per hour. In actual driving, I usually drive around 120, but knowing this limit gives me more peace of mind when on the highway. I remember once when I was getting new tires, the shop assistant mentioned that the H rating is common for family cars because it balances performance and durability, unlike the higher V rating for sportier models. I recommend checking the sidewall label when buying tires to ensure the 'H' marking, as it matches the speed rating for safer driving. Also, regularly checking tire pressure and wear can help them last longer.
