What Is Speed Rating on Tires?

The tire speed rating illustrates the optimal speed a tire can maintain safely over time. It may also be described as the fastest speed a tire can handle before it can no longer perform as the manufacturer intended. If the speed rating is higher, the tire can achieve good stability and control at fast speeds. 

Ratings were initially created to assist in standardization for safety purposes and certification so customers can be sure of their uses. The rating ranges from A to Z, from 5 to 300 kilometers per hour. These systems do not indicate tires' total performance ability, though.

What Is Tire Speed Rating?

Tire speed ratings are letter codes displayed on the sidewall showing the maximum speed at which the specific tire can operate safely under particular conditions. Ratings are set according to laboratory experimentation and analysis simulating real-world situations. A tire speed rating aims to ensure tires are not used beyond the safe limit. Driving beyond the speed rating may cause negative effects, including overheating and general structural stresses. Eventually, it will cause the tire to burst.

Where Is The Speed Rating On a Tire?

The tire speed rating is typically found on the tire's sidewall, following the load index and other letters or numbers. It should be the last one listed on the sidewall. If the size is R15 for 15 inches, the speed rating may be 94 V, with the designation ‘V.’ In this case, 94 would be the load capacity for 1477 pounds. V indicates a speed rating of 149 miles per hour. Similarly, if the speed rating is hard to read or worn off, one can find the vehicle’s tire specifications on the car manual or the driver-side door. 

Common Speed Ratings

Generally, speed ratings are used to differentiate driving types according to tires. These speed ratings indicate tires that can handle different velocities. Speed ratings are also represented according to letters. A tire with a rating of Q may have a smaller rating than S or V. Tires made for winter, for example, may have a smaller speed rating compared to summer tires.

H Speed Rating

An ‘H’ speed-rated tire may operate up to 130 miles per hour in optimal situations. This rating is not before ‘G.' Rather, it is between ‘U’ and ‘V,’ hence, one of the faster ratings available. 

This rating is common for sports sedans and coupe-styled models. It is also used in grand touring cars, which use all-season tires. In the earlier tire speed rating system versions, this designation meant ‘High Performance.’ This is also why it retains an unusual position in the current speed rating system. 

Tires that have this designation are designed to provide solid traction and braking. This makes them great for highway operation but also allows for spirited driving.

T Speed Rating

The T speed rating is a classification for tires indicating they can reach a speed of 118 miles per hour. It is usually found in typical passenger cars like minivans, sedans, and light trucks. The speed rating indicates tires for reliable performance and durability or everyday suburban driving. They can balance a comfortable ride with good handling, so highway driving is optimal without going beyond the limit. 

It can also be used for vehicles that do not require high-performance tires as they are tailored for general use rather than sports driving.

S Speed Rating

A speed rating of S means the tire can handle speeds up to 112 miles per hour, provided ideal conditions exist. This may be found on the tires of typical sedans and compact vehicles used for city driving. They can also be used for suburban or highway driving. Typically, the S-rated tires are made for durability and comfort rather than high-speed driving. They are also durable, considering their longevity.

Tire Speed Rating Chart

Speed Rating H vs V

Both H and V speed ratings are for sports sedans and coupes. These vehicles are adapted to spirited driving, so their tires can handle higher-than-average speeds. The difference, though, is in the speed each rating can handle. Tires with an H-speed rating may handle up to 130 miles an hour, while V-speed-rated tires may handle speeds of up to 149 miles an hour. 

That means V-rated tires can handle a higher speed than H-rated options. That said, H-rated tires may offer a balance of comfort and performance. V-rated tires, though, are suitable for handling and stability at a higher speed. Similarly, the former have a longer tread life because they are built for more moderate driving conditions. V-rated tires may wear out faster since they are designed for high performance.