What speed levels do the letters on tires represent?
2 Answers
The speed levels represented by the letters on tires are as follows: 1. Q stands for 160 kilometers per hour; 2. R stands for 170 kilometers per hour; 3. S stands for 180 kilometers per hour; 4. T stands for 190 kilometers per hour; 5. H stands for 210 kilometers per hour; 6. V stands for 240 kilometers per hour; 7. W stands for 270 kilometers per hour; 8. Y stands for 300 kilometers per hour; 9. Z stands for ZR speed above 240 kilometers per hour. Methods to protect tires: 1. Check if there are any attachments on the tires; 2. Check the tire pressure when the tires are cold; 3. Reduce driving speed promptly when road conditions are poor.
I used to wonder what those letters on tires meant, like H or V. Turns out, they're the speed ratings, indicating the maximum safe speed the tire can handle. The most common letters are S for 180 km/h, T for 190, H up to 210, V tops at 240, W reaches 270, and Y can go all the way to 300 km/h. These markings are usually on the tire sidewall, printed alongside a series of numbers, like the V in 225/45R17 94V, which denotes the speed rating. Why does it matter? Driving too fast can cause the tire to overheat, leading to leaks or blowouts—super dangerous. I think it's crucial to match the tire's speed rating to your car's top speed. If you often hit 200+ km/h on the highway, go for a W or Y rating for peace of mind. Otherwise, like my last experience with a lower-rated tire, it wore out super fast and nearly caused an accident. Always check tire pressure and tread regularly—safety first! Especially before long trips, give them a quick test. Don’t just focus on the speed rating and ignore other issues.
