Speed Ratings
A tire receives its speed rating by the U.S. Government through meeting minimum standards for reaching and sustaining a specified speed. What does that mean to you? Well, in general, a higher speed rating will result in better car handling.
Two important notes when considering speed rating:
- We do not recommend downgrading the speed rating of your tires. This may result in poor handling and unpredictable steering. However, if you want better cornering response, there is no problem installing a higher speed rated tire on your vehicle.
- Never mix and match tires with different speed ratings on your vehicle. This will cause serious problems with the handling of your vehicle.
Below is a list of speed ratings along with the corresponding speeds they represent. Remember, the speeds are test speeds, not recommended speeds.
- Q- Up to 100mph
- R- Up to 106mph
- S- Up to 112mph
- T- Up to 118mph
- U- Up to 124mph
- H- Up to 130mph
- V- Up to 149mph
- W- Up to 168mph
- Y- Up to 186mph
- Z- 149mph and over