Product Warranty

8
rapid air loss. Failure to control a vehicle when one or more tires experience
a rapid air loss can lead to an accident.
In any case, you should not exceed reasonable speeds as indicated
by the legal limits and driving conditions.
SPEED RATING SYSTEM
The speed rating of a
tire indicates the speed
category (or range of
speeds) at which the
tire can carry a load
under specified service
conditions. The speed
rating system used
today was developed in
Europe in response to
the need to categorize
tires into standardized
speeds. A letter from A
to Z symbolizes a tire’s
certified speed rating,
ranging from 5 km/hr (3
mph) to above 300 km/
hr (186 mph). This rating
system (see chart on this
page) describes the top
speed for which a tire is
certified.
When this speed rating
system was originally
developed, the Unlimited
V category of over
210 km/hr (130 mph) was the top speed rating a tire could achieve. As
manufacturers made more tires that fit into this category, it was necessary
to better regulate performance at standardized speeds to help ensure
safety. The Limited V category of 240 km/hr (149 mph) was then created,
and the Z or (Y) speed rating was added as the top speed rating that a tire
could achieve. W and Y limited speed symbols have been added as higher
speed categories.
Always consult the tire manufacturer for the maximum speed of Unlimited
Z or (Y) tires. Speed rating is identified as a part of the tire’s sizing or service
description. Exceeding the lawful speed limit is neither recommended nor
endorsed.
In the latest attempt to standardize tire designations, all ratings except
Unlimited Z incorporate the speed symbol and load index as the tire’s
service description. For Example:
205/60R15 91V
205 = Section Width in Millimeters
60 = Aspect Ratio
R = Radial Construction
15 = Rim Diameter in Inches
91V = Service Description (Load Index and Speed Rating)
Speed
Symbol
Speed
(km/hr)
Speed
(mph)
L
120 75
M
130 81
N
140 87
P
150 94
Q
160 100
R
170 106
S
180 112
T
190 118
U
200 124
H
210 130
V
240 149
W
ZR
270 168
Y
300 186
(Y)
Above 300
Above 186
(consult tire
manufacturer)
80905.indd 8 7/13/16 3:59 PM