Speed Rating for Tires

There are lots of different kinds of tires. One of the ways tires are split into different categories is by their speed rating. So, what is a speed rating for tires?

To help drivers in Bloomington, Ellettsville, and Bedford learn more about this important part of your vehicle, Andy Mohr Honda explores speed ratings and what they mean.

What Is a Tire Speed Rating?

Speed ratings are a way to determine how fast a tire is capable of driving safely. It’s a way of helping drivers and technicians identify which tires are the best match for your vehicle and its level of performance.

Where Can I Find My Tires’ Speed Rating?

The speed rating is located on the sidewall of your tires. Every tire, regardless of whether it’s on the front or rear wheels, has a series of letters and numbers printed along the side. The speed rating is the letter all the way to right. If you’re reading your sidewall like a book, it’s the very last character.

What Do Tire Speed Ratings Mean?

So, you’ve found the letter that represents your speed rating, but what does it mean. Each letter has a different speed assigned to it. While some tire manufacturers use their own scale, the U.S. Department of Transportation has created its own to try to set an industry standard.

As you go through the alphabet, the speeds get higher. For example, if your tires have a speed rating of Q, they can perform effectively up to 99 MPH, while a V speed rating means a tire is good up until 149 MPH.

While these tires may be able to achieve speeds that are faster than their ratings, it’s not safe for them to travel at higher speeds for long. They’re not designed to maintain traction or their integrity at higher speeds.

Most sports cars and performance inspired sedans will have a rating of V or above. Some will even have a Z for the speed rating. Several manufacturers use a Z for any speed over 149 MPH rather than assigning ratings for the rest of the alphabet.

How to Find the Right Tires for My Vehicle?

There are two ways to find the tires with the right speed rating for your vehicle. The first is to check your owner’s manual. The second is to talk to a technician in a tire or service center.

Honda Tire Service

To learn more about the speed rating for tires, visit the service center at Andy Mohr Honda. We have a team of certified Honda technicians who can answer all your questions about your tires. They’ll also be able to recommend the right set of wheels, rotate your tires, check your tire pressure, and patch or repair any damage to your tires.

We only use genuine Honda parts and accessories, including the highest quality tires. That way, drivers and families in Bloomington, Ellettsville, and Bedford can get a safe and reliable drive.

If you have any questions on your tires, or need maintenance or repairs, you can schedule service with our technicians online.