How to Change the Tire Speed Rating on Replacement Tires
A tire's speed rating is the maximum speed at which the tire can be safely driven. Tire manufacturers use a standardized system of rating and coding tires for speed ratings. When it is time to buy replacement tires, you can select tires with a different speed rating -- usually higher -- to enhance the performance potential of your car.
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Instructions
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Locate the load and speed rating indicator on your current tires. The ratings are given as a three-digit code following the tire size. Examples are 93S or 99H. The letter is the speed rating for the tire.
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Decode the current speed rating for your tires. Here are the speed ratings for commonly used speed codes: R: 106 miles per hour (mph), S: 112 mph, T: 118 mph, U: 124 mph, H: 130 mph and V: 149 mph.
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Select new tires with higher speed ratings than your current tires. For example, if you car currently has T -- 118 mph -- tires, you could install U or H tires for a higher speed rating.
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Tips & Warnings
Manufacturers often make a certain tire model and size in several speed ratings. If you have a tire you really like, ask your tire dealer if it is available in different speed ratings.
Speed ratings above V are for high-performance sports cars and are only available in very low-profile sizes. The ratings are W for 168 mph and Y for 186 mph.
Auto manufacturers recommend against installing tires with lower speed ratings than the original equipment tires. Tires with lower speed ratings can be less expensive, but are not worth compromising the safety of your car.
References
- Photo Credit Close-up of car tire to background image by Ragnarocks from Fotolia.com
