Tyre speed rating
A tyre’s speed rating, also call its speed index, tells you the maximum speed a tyre can safely maintain over time while carrying its maximum load (referred to in the tyre load index table) at its manufacture specified pressure. It is marked using a letter from A to Z, which you can then use to look up the maximum speed in miles per hour or kilometers per hour.
The rating system was developed as a standardized way to communicate how different tyres' ability to perform at high speeds in a test environment.
The rating system was developed as a standardized way to communicate how different tyres' ability to perform at high speeds in a test environment.
How to find your tyre’s speed rating
To find the speed rating your vehicle’s manufacturer recommends for your tyres, look in your owner’s manual or on a placard located often in your car door pillar or fuel filler cap.
The actual speed rating of the tyres currently fitted on your vehicle are moulded onto the sidewall of your tyre at the very end of your tyre’s size code, following the load index.
For example, in a tyre size code of P225/60R16 97V, the speed rating is V. You can use the chart below to convert these ratings into the actual maximum speed that your tyre is rated for.
Tyre speed rating chart
Using the chart, we can see that the tyre is rated to withstand sustained speeds of up to 149 miles per hour.
It is important to be aware that this rating is based on a test environment with tyres that have not been subject to any damage.
It is important to be aware that this rating is based on a test environment with tyres that have not been subject to any damage.
| Speed Symbol | Maximum Speed | Vehicle Type |
|---|---|---|
| L | 75 mph | Off-Road & Light Truck Tyres |
| M | 81 mph | Temporary Spare Tyres |
| N | 87 mph | |
| P | 93 mph | |
| O | 99 mph | Studless & Studdable Winter Tyres |
| R | 106 mph | H. D. Light Truck Tyres |
| S | 112 mph | Family Sedans & Vans |
| T | 118 mph | Family Sedans & Vans |
| U | 124 mph | |
| H | 130 mph | Sport Sedans & Coupes |
| V | 149 mph | Sport Sedans, Coupes & Sports Cars |
| W | 168 mph | Sport Sedans, Coupes & Sports Cars |
| Y | 186 mph | Sport Sedans, Coupes & Sports Cars |
| Z | 149 mph+ | Sports Cars, Exotic Cars |
Winter tyres
Why is speed rating so important?
The speed rating essentially reflects the ability of a tyre to withstand or dissipate heat at high speeds. Running a tyre at speeds higher than its rating can shorten the tyre’s life and potentially lead to tyre damage that could result in an accident, so it is important to follow the manufacturer’s speed rating recommendations when you are choosing tyres.
The speed rating should never be taken as the safe maximum speed of your vehicle or as a recommendation that you should travel faster than the legal speed limit. The actual safe driving speed depends on many other factors, such as laws, weather and road conditions, and your car’s mechanical capabilities and condition. If a tyre is old, worn down, underinflated or overloaded, the speed rating is no longer relevant.
The speed rating should never be taken as the safe maximum speed of your vehicle or as a recommendation that you should travel faster than the legal speed limit. The actual safe driving speed depends on many other factors, such as laws, weather and road conditions, and your car’s mechanical capabilities and condition. If a tyre is old, worn down, underinflated or overloaded, the speed rating is no longer relevant.
Difference between speed rating and load index
The load index and speed index show up together as the last part of the tyre size code.
The load index is a two- or three-digit number, while the speed index is a single letter at the very end of the entire size code. In the example above, the load index is 97, while the speed index is V.
The load index is a two- or three-digit number, while the speed index is a single letter at the very end of the entire size code. In the example above, the load index is 97, while the speed index is V.
Light truck tyre speed rating
Light truck tyres use the same single-letter speed rating system as other tyres.
However, light trucks are not designed to travel as fast as passenger cars, so they often have lower speed ratings (often ranging between N and H).
However, light trucks are not designed to travel as fast as passenger cars, so they often have lower speed ratings (often ranging between N and H).
How to read your tyre
In addition to the speed index, your tyre’s sidewall contains a lot of other key information.
You can find a more in-depth description about the tyre code and other markings with details on size, safety and performance by clicking on the hyperlink.
You can find a more in-depth description about the tyre code and other markings with details on size, safety and performance by clicking on the hyperlink.
FAQs
Tyres with a higher speed rating usually, but not always, handle, corner and stop better, even at lower speeds (although many other factors, like tread, come into play). However, they also tend to wear out more quickly than tyres with a lower rating, and they can also make for a stiffer ride.
If you drive faster than the rated speed for your tyres you are risking damage to the tyres which can potentially lead tyre failure.
It is always best to avoid mixing tyres with different characteristics, including speed rating. Tyres with different speed ratings may grip and handle differently, impacting your vehicle’s performance. If mixing is unavoidable, the higher-speed rated tyres should be fitted on the rear axle.
Find your tyres
Using the information on tyre speed ratings in this article, you can search Pirelli’s catalogue to find tyres for your size and speed rating.
