Tire Speed Ratings explained
Tire speed ratings are represented by letters that indicate a tire’s rated speed capability under specified conditions. Understanding these ratings can help you compare replacement tires and verify that the selected tire meets the requirements specified for your vehicle.
What Is a Tire Speed Rating?
A tire speed rating is a standardized letter code that represents the tire’s maximum rated speed capability under specified operating conditions. Common ratings include letters such as Q, S, T, H, V, W, and Y.
The speed rating should not be interpreted as a recommended driving speed. It is a tire specification that should be considered together with other requirements such as tire size and load index.
Where Is the Speed Rating on a Tire?
The speed rating is usually shown at the end of the tire’s service description.
For example: 205/55R17 91V
In this example, 91 is the load index and V is the speed rating.
Common Tire Speed Ratings
Speed Rating | Maximum Speed |
Q | 99 mph |
R | 106 mph |
S | 112 mph |
T | 118 mph |
H | 130 mph |
V | 149 mph |
W | 168 mph |
Y | 186 mph |
These ratings represent standardized maximum speed capabilities under specified conditions. They should not be treated as recommended driving speeds.
What Speed Rating Does Your Vehicle Need?
The correct speed rating should be based on the requirements specified for your vehicle. Check the tire information placard, usually located on the driver’s-side door jamb, and your vehicle owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommended specifications.
When replacing tires, make sure the selected tire meets the vehicle manufacturer’s speed-rating requirements.
Can You Use a Different Speed Rating?
A replacement tire should meet the specifications required for your vehicle. Using a tire with a lower speed rating than recommended may not meet the vehicle manufacturer’s requirements.
If you are considering a different rating, verify compatibility with the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications before purchasing.
Speed Rating vs Load Index
Speed rating and load index are different tire specifications –
Speed Rating describes the tire’s rated speed capability under specified conditions.
Load index indicates the tire’s load-carrying capacity based on a standardized rating system.
Both should be checked when selecting replacement tires. If you need help understanding where these values appear on the tire sidewall, see our How to Read Tire Size? guide.
Find Tires for Your Vehicle
Once you know the tire size and required speed rating for your vehicle, use Airless Tire Systems to explore compatible tire options.
Search by vehicle using your year, make, model, and trim, or search by tire size if you already know the specifications you need.