Speed Ratings Tire Speed Ratings and why consumers need to understand what they really mean to them.

Speed ratings identify the maximum speed a tire can sustain for 10 minutes without being in danger. Higher speed rated tires are less likely to have catastrophic sidewall damage or tread failure.

Even though your speed rating indicates the maximum speed your tires are equipped to handle, it does not mean your vehicle can safely operate at that speed..

When purchasing new tires, be aware that speed ratings are determined during simulated road performance tests on unstressed and properly inflated tires.

New tires should also have the same or a higher speed rating than a vehicle’s original equipment tires to maintain or improve its performance.

A tire’s speed rating is located within the tire size on the sidewall. If the size features two letters, the first letter signifies the speed rating, and the second letter indicates it’s a radial.

Tire Speed Ratings should more properly be thought of as handling indexes. No one will probably run a tire @ 186 mph- but that tire will handle better at all speeds than lower rated tire. This information and more a list of all ratings is available under the Research menu at www.tireteam.com .

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