What Does Tire Speed Index Mean?
It is very important information for safe driving and for getting the desired performance from the vehicle. It refers to the maximum speed a tire can reach when used at the correct pressure and load values. This value is represented by some letters. Each letter corresponds to a maximum speed value. The table in question is common in international language
Where is the Tire Speed Index?
You can read many values about the tire from the reliefs on it. You can see the speed value of your tire encoded with a letter next to the load value.
What Do the Letters in the Tire Speed Index Mean?
The answers to questions such as what does H mean on a tire and what does V mean on a tire are hidden in the speed index table. On a tire, speed is represented by letters such as “V” / “Q” / “R” / “S” / “T”. Here it is necessary to know what each letter means in the international common language. Below we have listed the speed values corresponding to the letters according to the tire speed index:
Q: 99MPH, 160km/h
R: 106 MPH, 170km/h
S: 112 MPH, 180km/h
T: 118 MPH, 190km/h
L: 124 MPH, 200km/h
H: 130 MPH, 210km/h
V: 149 MPH, 240km/h
Z: 149 MPH, 240km/h and above
W: 168MPH, 270km/h
H: 186 MPH, 300km/h
In the above auto tires, the speed indicator system is the same for all tire manufacturers. According to the information given, tire manufacturers actually mean: When these tires are installed, this speed should not be exceeded.
Using the Wrong Speed Index!
When purchasing tires it is important to make sure that the speed class is compatible with your vehicle's speed capabilities. Otherwise, even if your vehicle's maximum acceleration data is high, your tires may prevent you from reaching the desired acceleration value. Therefore, when changing tires, check what the letter on the new tire corresponds to in the speed index.
Using tires with a speed index higher than the vehicle's maximum acceleration rating or vice versa may cause some kind of mismatch. For this reason, it is recommended that you follow the information given by your vehicle manufacturer regarding the tire speed index.
