What Does Tyre Speed Index Mean?

What Does the Tire Speed Rating Mean?

The performance and safety of tires are of great importance to vehicle owners and drivers. Therefore, knowing the technical specifications and meanings of tires plays a critical role in making the right tire choice. The tire speed rating is one of these important technical specifications. So, what does the tire speed rating mean? Here are the details...

What is the Tire Speed Rating?

The tire speed rating indicates the maximum speed a tire can safely reach. This rating also shows the tire's speed limit, performance, and durability. The speed rating is indicated by letters on the sidewall of the tire, with each letter representing a specific speed limit.

How to Read the Speed Rating?

The letters on the sidewall of the tire, often found alongside the tire size information, indicate the tire's speed rating. For example, in a tire marked "195/65R15 91H," the "H" represents the speed rating of that tire. The speeds corresponding to these letters are as follows:

• L: 120 km/h
• M: 130 km/h
• N: 140 km/h
• P: 150 km/h
• Q: 160 km/h
• R: 170 km/h
• S: 180 km/h
• T: 190 km/h
• U: 200 km/h
• H: 210 km/h
• V: 240 km/h
• Z: 240 km/h and above

Why is the Speed Rating Important?

1. Safety: The speed rating guarantees that the tire can perform safely at a certain speed. Driving above this speed limit can cause the tire to overheat and suffer structural damage.
2. Performance: The speed rating affects the vehicle's handling, braking distance, and overall driving performance. Tires with higher speed ratings generally offer better performance and handling.
3. Legal Requirements: In some countries and regions, the tire speed rating may be legally mandated. Vehicle manufacturers recommend using tires with specific speed ratings for their vehicles.

How to Choose the Right Tire?

Choosing the right tire depends not only on the speed rating but also on the vehicle's intended use, road conditions, and weather conditions. Here are some tips for choosing the right tire:

• Vehicle Manufacturer Recommendations: Follow the tire sizes and speed ratings recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
• Intended Use: Choose tires suitable for your usage, such as city driving, long-distance travel, or off-road.
• Weather Conditions: Opt for seasonal tires (summer, winter, all-season) based on the weather conditions of the area where you drive.
• Load Index: Pay attention to the load index along with the speed rating. This indicates the maximum load the tire can carry.