What Is the Advantage of V-Rated Over H-Rated Speed Tire Ratings?
A driver's choice of tires for his car will affect many aspects of his driving experience, including handling, traction and fuel economy. A 2006 report by the Transportation Research Board shows that car owners throughout the United States buy about 200 million new passenger tires every year, and concluded that motorists can reduce tire wear and increase fuel economy by careful tire selection.
Other People Are Reading
-
Speed Ratings
-
Speed ratings, denoted by a letter of the alphabet, identify the maximum speed at which a tire can operate safely when loaded to its design limits. Most passenger car tires rate between 99 mph and 186 mph. H-rated tires are safe to 130 mph, V-rated to 149 mph.
Handling and Safety
-
According to the Transportation Research Board, tires with higher speed ratings will generally exhibit better steering response and improved handling. These contribute to effective car control at high speed, a significant factor in driver safety.
-
Tire Life
-
Tire wear leads to reduced performance as age and mileage increase, and excessive wear may result in catastrophic failure. A National Highway Traffic Safety Administration study conducted in 2003 concluded that tires with higher speed ratings retain their capability better at increased age and mileage.
-
References
- Transportation Research Board; Tires and Passenger Vehicle Fuel Economy; 2006
- National Traffic Highway Safety Administration; The Pneumatic Tire; February 2006
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; Tire Aging Test Development Project; 2003
- Consumersearch Inc.; High Performance Tires; February 2010
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
