Warranty

9
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 specified 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
certified speed rating,
ranging from 5 km/h (3
mph) to above 300 km/h
(186 mph). This rating
system (see chart on this
page) describes the top
speed for which a tire is
certified.
When this speed rating
system was originally
developed, the Unlimited
V category of over 210
km/h (130 mph) was
the top speed rating a
tire could achieve. As
manufacturers made
more tires that fit into
this category, it was
necessary to better
regulate performance at
standardized speeds to
help ensure safety. The Limited V category of 240 km/h (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 identified 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. For Example:
205/60R15 91V
205 = Section Width in Millimeters
60 = Aspect Ratio
R = Radial Construction
15 = Rim Diameter in Inches
91V = Service Description (Load Index and Speed Rating
Speed
Symbol
Speed
(km/h)
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 manufacter)
35297_Text.indd 9 5/17/12 11:40 AM