User Manual

10
Exceeding the maximum speeds shown on the following page for each
type of MICHELIN
®
tire will cause the tire to build up excessive heat, which
can cause tire damage that could result in sudden tire failure and rapid air
loss. Failure to control a vehicle when one or more tires experience a rapid
air loss can lead to an accident.
In any case, you should not exceed reasonable speeds as indicated by the
legal limits and driving conditions.
SPEED RATING SYSTEM
The speed rating of a
tire indicates the speed
category (or range of
speeds) at which the tire
can carry a load under
specied service conditions.
The speed rating system
used today was developed
in Europe in response to
the need to categorize
tires into standardized
speeds. A letter from A to Z
symbolizes a tire’s certied
speed rating, ranging from
5 km/hr (3 mph) to above
300 km/hr (186 mph). This
rating system (see chart on
this page) describes the top
speed for which a tire is
certied.
When this speed rating
system was originally
developed, the Unlimited
V category of over 210
km/hr (130 mph) was the
top speed rating a tire could achieve. As manufacturers made more tires
that t into this category, it was necessary to better regulate performance
at standardized speeds to help ensure safety. The Limited V category of
240 km/hr (149 mph) was then created, and the Z or (Y) speed rating was
added as the top speed rating that a tire could achieve. W and Y limited
speed symbols have been added as higher speed categories.
Always consult the tire manufacturer for the maximum speed of Unlimited
Z or (Y) tires. Speed rating is identied as a part of the tire’s sizing or service
description. Exceeding the lawful speed limit is neither recommended nor
endorsed.
In the latest attempt to standardize tire designations, all ratings except
Unlimited Z incorporate the speed symbol and load index as the tire’s
service description.
Speed
Symbol
Speed
(km/hr)
Speed
(mph)
L
120 75
M
130 81
N
140 87
P
150 94
Q
160 100
R
170 106
S
180 112
T
190 118
U
200 124
H
210 130
V
240 149
W
ZR
270 168
Y
300 186
(Y)
Above 300
Above 186
(consult tire manufacturer)
49159_Text.indd 10 7/13/16 8:17 PM