24 July 2023
Your tyre speed rating is the maximum safe speed you can travel at without compromising the tyre performance capabilities. This can vary based on how heavy your car is and the load it's carrying. It's important to note, that this isn't the maximum speed you should be driving your car, you should always stick to the speed limit.
Your tyre speed ratings are designed to allow your car to handle the pressure of dealing with high speeds. If your tyre speed rating is too low for your car, it can affect your overall driving performance and could cause you to lose control of the vehicle.
The higher your tyre speed rating, the more traction properties your tyres will have. This is because the rubber of high-speed tyres tends to be softer, which enhances the grip in wet and dry conditions.
The tyre speed ratings are categorised by the letters of the alphabet and are found on the sidewall of your tyre. The chart below shows each letter that denotes a difference max speed.
| Speed Rating | Max Speed (Mph) | Max Speed (Kph) |
|---|---|---|
| L | 75 | 120 |
| M | 81 | 130 |
| N | 87 | 140 |
| Q | 99 | 160 |
| R | 106 | 170 |
| S | 112 | 180 |
| T | 118 | 190 |
| U | 124 | 200 |
| H | 130 | 210 |
| V | 149 | 240 |
| W | 168 | 270 |
| Y | 186 | 300 |
| ZR | 149 | 240 |
Making sure your vehicle has the right tyre speed rating is important not only for safety but also from a legal perspective. For example, if your tyres have a lower tyre speed than the manufacturer's recommendation it can invalidate your car insurance.
Your vehicle handbook should tell you the minimum tyre speed to ensure that any new tyres match your car's maximum speed. You should never choose a tyre with a lower speed rating than was originally fitted to your vehicle during production.
If you've noticed your tyres need replacing, contact our friendly team or visit your local Setyres Garage. Alternatively, buy your new tyres online now.