Tyre Speed Rating

    Tyre Speed Rating

    The speed rating for the tyre is the maximum speed a tyre can sustain under its recommended load capacity.

    Speed ratings are based on scientific tests where the tyre is run at speeds in 6.2 mph steps in 10 minute increments until the required speed has been met. The speed rating can be found on the tyre sidewall as a single letter after the load index. Do not exceed the speed rating and wherever possible do not fit tyres of different speed ratings. Choosing a tyre with a lower speed rating than recommended by the vehicle manufacturer can invalidate an insurance policy.

    What is a tyre's speed rating?

    The speed rating for the tyre is the maximum speed a tyre can be safely driven under its recommended load capacity.

    Ratings can start from as low as B, indicating 31MPH up to Z which can reach speeds of 150MPH for specialist performance tyres used in racing.

    Speed ratings are based on scientific tests where the tyre is run at speeds in 6.2 mph steps in 10-minute increments until the required speed has been met.

    Being aware of the speed rating of your tyres will allow you to determine the maximum speed your tyres are able to safely maintain.

    The higher the speed a tyre is driven, the more heat that is generated, therefore it is vital you do not exceed the speed rating and wherever possible do not fit tyres of different speed ratings. Choosing a tyre with a lower speed rating than recommended by the vehicle manufacturer can invalidate an insurance policy and risk tyre failure.

    Where to find the speed rating on a tyre

    The speed rating can be found on the tyre sidewall as a single letter after the load index. The speed rating will always be indexed as a letter and usually always follows the load rating as the last piece of information on the sidewall.

    speed-rating

    Tyre speed rating table

    The below table displays the tyre’s maximum speed and its rating:

    Rating Symbol Speed (km/h) Speed (mph)
    B 50 31
    C 60 37
    D 65 40
    E 70 43
    F 80 50
    G 90 56
    J 100 62
    K 110 68
    L 120 75
    M 130 81
    N 140 87
    P 150 93
    Q 160 99
    R 170 106
    S 180 112
    T 190 118
    U 200 124
    H 210 130
    V 240 149
    W 270 168
    Y 300 186
    ZR Over 240 Over 150

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