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Modern car tires all have a speed rating, which indicators a tires speed capability. Tires don’t make a car faster, they handle the speed of the car better. This is why we call this rating a seed capability rating. It’s not like you should be testing a W speed rating (168mph) out on your daily commute to work anyways. Weather conditions change the tires ability to handle according to its rating, besides, if your car is like mine, it would blow a part if I was driving 168mph, even if the tire is designed to handle that speed.
Each vehicle has a tire speed rating recommended by the vehicle manufacturer and it can be found in the owner’s manual. Additional placed you might find this tire speed rating
· door jamb
· the gas tank hatch
· the glove box door.
When aiming to locate the tire speed rating, look at the tire size code, P265/5R16 82S, S is the speed rating. To view the tire size code for your current tires, just look at the sidewall. The speed rating on each tire should match the manufacturer recommendation.
The speed rating on a tire is not a recommendation for traveling speed. In fact, a speed rating will exceed local speed limits, unless you live near the autobahn.
A speed rating is developed in a vacuum, in other words, a laboratory via simulations. When a tire receives a specific rating, it has demonstrated its ability to sustain a particular speed.
Since a laboratory is not the same as everyday driving conditions, it’s not the best indicator of a tires true ability to handle at those speeds. More than anything, it is a rating for the product’s ability to handle a speed under controlled conditions. Remember controlled conditions are not a reality in urban or even rural driving. More likely is that your tires ‘actual speed capability is less than its rated speed, since it is affected by factors such as inflation, wear, vehicle condition, alignment, driving conditions, and the duration at which speed is maintained. It should be understood that a speed ratings does not apply to an augmented tire (additional siping added, studs, etc.). Tire Shop Near Me>>
The modern speed rating system uses letters A through Z. Each letter corresponds to a specific speed. A tires ability to handle faster speeds goes up as the rating advances alphabetically. For example, a tire rated “A” is good for a lower maximum sustained speed than one rated “B.”
It should be noted since this is a European rating system there are some things that are out of order, like the letter H, which falls between U and V, I, O, X don’t exist.
Initially the speed rating system only went up to a V rating, which equated to a tire having a speed rating of 149+ mph. Once manufacturers started producing products that could far exceed the V distinction, additional ratings were needed, thus the addition of W & Y.
Some speed rating charts list the Z-rating as anything over 149 mph. Other manufacturers insert a Z in the middle of the tire size description, following the aspect ratio, when the tire is rated W or Y. Additionally, if a tire is rated in excess of 186 mph, manufacturer’s usually will list the tire as a Z-rated tie, within the size description, per industry standards.
We’ve listed the most common speed ratings. Indicated by a letter, each rating corresponds to a specific speed.
This tire is listed as having a maximum speed of 118 mph, typical rating for family sedans and minivans.
The H speed rating is out of order, falling between U and V. These tires are said to have a maximum speed of 130 mph and are commonly found on sports sedans and coupes.
V was once the highest speed rating a tire could have. Where it once represented 149+ mph, it now only represents 149 mph.
A newer speed rating addition, tires with speed rating W can achieve a maximum sustained speed of 168 mph.
Remember, Z-rating can mean different things. While it nearly always means a high performance tire for high-performing sports cars, Z may appear in the middle of a tire’s size information. When it does, it represents either a maximum speed of more than 149 mph or 186 mph.
Remember, you must choose the speed rating that is specified by you vehicle manufacturer’s specifications. Additionally, make sure all 4 tires have the same rating. Speed ratings are not under true driving conditions, but a representation of how the product handles in laboratory settings (i.e. controlled conditions). Call Shamrock Tire & Auto Repair for assistance with your tires Contact (316) 522-2293 or visit us online.
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