What is Tyre Speed Rating and How We Can Read

The tire speed rating is one of the most important safety features that all drivers should be aware of. These are various codes that show the maximum speed at which a tire can safely carry a load. Tire speed ratings are determined through Smithers laboratory testing. They take into account factors such as tire construction, materials, and tread design.

Tire Speed Rating: Important for Safety

A tire speed rating is a code that indicates the maximum safe speed a tire can sustain under specific load conditions. Choosing tires with the correct speed rating is important for safety and performance. This is a very important factor as it helps to ensure that your tires can safely handle the speed at which you drive. If you drive your car at a speed that exceeds the tire's speed rating. The tires can overheat and fail, which can lead to a blowout.

Cars are a major cause of accidents, so it's important to choose tires with the correct speed rating for your vehicle. 

How to Read Tire Speed Rating

Your tire's speed rating is listed on the sidewall of your tire. This is a letter code and is usually located at the end of the tire size information. For example, a 205/55R16 91V size tire has a speed rating of V.

Tire speed rating can be found in:

• Owner's Manual
• The driver's side door jammed
• Glove box door
• Gas tank hatch
• On the tire sidewall

Why Were Tire Speed Ratings Started?

Tire speed ratings were developed in response to the need to control the safe performance of tires at standard speeds. In the early days of the automobile, there was no standard system for rating tire speed. Because many accidents occur due to tire failure at high speed.

The tire speed rating system was first developed in the late 1960s by the European Tyre and Rim Technical Organisation. The system was created in response to the increasing speeds of cars and the need for a way to ensure that tires were safe at high speeds.

The ETRTO tire speed rating system is the most widely used system in the world. It is a voluntary system, but most tire manufacturers adhere to it. The system is based on a series of letters, each of which corresponds to a maximum speed rating.

Table of the ETRTO Tire Speed Rating System:

Tire Speed Ratings: Importance and Testing

• Helpful for drivers to choose the right tires for their vehicles.
• Helpful for drivers to drive their cars at a safe speed zone.
• They help reduce the risk of tire bursts, which can lead to accidents.

How to Read Your Tire Sidewall

If you are reading your tire sidewall, the speed rating will be the last item in character order in the tire size code. For example, if your tire's sidewall says "2015/60R15 91V," your tire has a speed rating of V. The maximum safe speed for V-rated tires is 149 MPH.

Tire Speed Ratings Explained

Here is the chart of different speed ratings:

Choose the Right Tire Speed Rating for Your Car

The best way to choose the correct tire speed rating for your vehicle is to consult your owner's manual. Your owner's manual will list the recommended tire speed rating for your vehicle. If you are unsure of the recommended tire speed rating for your vehicle, you can contact your local tire dealer for assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the V or H rating on tires?

V or H rating on tires is the tire speed rating, which indicates the maximum safe speed a tire can sustain under specific load conditions.

H-rated tires have a maximum speed rating of 130 mph, while V-rated tires have a maximum speed rating of 149 mph.

What is the best speed rating for tires?

The best speed rating for tires is recommended by the manufacturer of your vehicle. Contact your vehicle manufacturer for more information. If you don't know which speed rating is right for your vehicle, The best advice is please consult with a qualified tyre professional.

What does the tire speed rating mean?

The tire speed rating is the maximum speed at which a tire can safely perform over time, indicated by a letter code.

How much tire speed rating is good for an SUV?

A speed rating of H or V is good for most SUVs. H-rated tires can handle 130 mph, while V-rated tires can handle 149 mph. If you drive your SUV car at high speeds or in difficult conditions, such as in hot weather or on a race track, you may need tires with a higher speed rating.

What is load speed rating and load index?

Load index: Indicates the maximum weight a tire can safely carry at its designated speed rating.

Speed rating: Indicates the maximum safe speed a tire can sustain under specific load conditions.

Final Words

Tire speed ratings are an essential aspect of tire safety and performance. By understanding the different speed ratings and choosing tires with the correct rating for your vehicle. You can ensure that your tires can handle the speeds you drive at.