Tire Speed Rating Chart & Guide
Decode the speed symbol on your tires and understand what it means for your vehicle's performance and safety.
Lead Automotive Technician
What is a Tire Speed Rating?
The tire speed rating is a letter code that indicates the maximum speed a tire can safely sustain for a 10-minute period without failing. It was originally developed in Europe to ensure tires could handle the high speeds of the Autobahn.
It's Not Just About Speed
Even if you never drive 130 mph, a higher speed rating (like H, V, or W) indicates a tire with better heat dissipation, stronger construction, and more responsive handling at legal highway speeds.
Complete Speed Rating Chart
| Rating | Max Speed (mph) | Max Speed (km/h) | Typical Vehicle |
|---|---|---|---|
| M | 81 mph | 130 km/h | Temporary Spares |
| N | 87 mph | 140 km/h | Temporary Spares |
| P | 93 mph | 150 km/h | Winter Tires |
| Q | 99 mph | 160 km/h | Winter / 4x4 Tires |
| R | 106 mph | 170 km/h | Heavy Duty Trucks |
| S | 112 mph | 180 km/h | Family Sedans / Vans |
| T | 118 mph | 190 km/h | Family Sedans / Minivans |
| U | 124 mph | 200 km/h | Sedans (Rare) |
| H | 130 mph | 210 km/h | Sport Sedans / Coupes |
| V | 149 mph | 240 km/h | Sports Cars / Performance |
| W | 168 mph | 270 km/h | Exotic Sports Cars |
| Y | 186 mph | 300 km/h | Hypercars |
| (Y) | 186+ mph | 300+ km/h | Specialty High Speed |
What About "Z" Rated Tires?
You might see a size like 245/40ZR19. The "Z" is an older designation that meant "anything over 149 mph."
Today, Z-rated tires are further classified with W or Y ratings to be more specific:
W Rating
Max speed 168 mph (270 km/h)
Y Rating
Max speed 186 mph (300 km/h)
Speed Rating Safety Rules
Never Downgrade
Never install tires with a lower speed rating than what the vehicle manufacturer recommends. Doing so can compromise handling and safety.
Upgrading is Okay
It is perfectly safe to install tires with a higher speed rating (e.g., putting V-rated tires on a car that calls for H-rated). You may notice slightly stiffer handling.
Winter Tire Exception
It is generally acceptable to drop one speed rating level for dedicated winter tires (e.g., from V to H), provided you do not exceed the new tire's maximum speed.
Find the Right Tires for Your Car
Our tire size calculator will show you the recommended speed ratings for your specific vehicle configuration.
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