Tire Speed Rating

 The speed rating of a tire is based on U.S. Government standards for reaching and sustaining a specified speed. Typically, a tire with a higher speed rating results in better handling. Speed ratings are determined via laboratory tests that simulate road performance at various speeds.
Below is a list of speed ratings along with the corresponding speeds they represent. Remember that the speeds listed are test speeds and not recommended speeds. Speed ratings apply only to the tire itself, and not to a particular vehicle. Putting a tire rated for a certain speed on a vehicle does not mean that the vehicle can be safely operated at the tire's rated speed.

• Q Up to 100mph
• R Up to 106mph
• S Up to 112mph
• T Up to 118mph
• U Up to 124mph
• H Up to 130mph
• V Up to 149mph
• W Up to 168mph
• Y Up to 186mph
• Z 149mph and over

If a listed speed rating contains two letters (such as VR), the first letter represents the speed rating and the second letter (R) indicates that it is a radial tire.
 

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