Tyres, like other parts of a vehicle, have their limits from load or weight index to speed limit. The speed rating of a tyre indicates the maximum speed it can handle in ideal conditions.
What Is Tyre Speed Rating?
A tyre speed rating is the design speed of a tyre, meaning, it’s the fastest speed it can go before this capacity starts to decline. By using tyres specified to your car, you can rest easy that those tyres can support your car's maximum speed.
For example, the H-rated tyres in an Audi A3 means that the tyres can handle speeds of up to 210 kph under optimal conditions.
When replacing your car’s tyres for the first time, make sure to check the manual to see what the maker recommends. Always use tyres with the specified speed rating or higher. For example, instead of using an H-rated tyre on the Audi A3, you can use a V-rated tyre (speed rating of 350 kph).
Let us see what other speed ratings are there.
Tyre Speed Rating Chart Australia
Speed Rating | Speed | Description |
L | 120 | Tyres used for light truck or offroad cars |
M | 130 | You’ll find the M speed rating on tyres meant for temporary use only, such as spare tyres or space savers. |
N | 140 | Same as M-rated tyres |
Q | 160 | Q speed rating is toward the low end of the speed rating scale. Like the R-rated tyres, they often prioritise a specific function over maximum speed. |
R | 170 | R rated tyres generally perform a specific function or unique performance over maximum speed. These tyres are not standard but can be found on some heavy-duty light truck (LT) tyres and many studless winter tyres. |
S | 180 | Tyre speed rating S represents most passenger vehicle tyres, often prioritising specific performance or function over speed. |
T | 190 | A T speed rating is usually associated with standard touring tyres in everyday passenger vehicles like family sedans and minivans. |
H | 210 | Tyre speed rating ‘H’ originally stood for high performance. Tyres with an H-speed rating are mostly used in sports coupes and sedans. |
V | 240 | Tyre speed rating V refers to high-speed cars for racers. This rating gives room for higher maximum speeds, with a taste of performance similar to W, Y and Z speed rated tyres. |
Z | 240+ | Mostly used for sports cars. |
W | 270 | Tyre speed rating W is for performance coupes and sedans, and for many street-driven exotic sports vehicles. Tyres with this rating are commonly listed in the ultra-high performance all-season tyre group. |
Y | 300 | Tyre speed rating Y means that the tyre is rated up to 300 km/h but not limited to that speed. Tyres with Y speed rating denotes maximum performance, such as the top-level ultra-high-performance Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S and some sizes of the Continental ExtremeContact Sport. |
During inspections for roadworthiness, your car will be checked whether it conforms to the speed rating specified by the car manufacturer.
Handy Reminder – If you’re shopping for tyres online, some websites will display the speed rating, but some will not, so make it a point to ask. Only shop from reliable online tyre sellers.