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A tire receives its speed rating by the U.S. Government through meeting minimum standards for reaching and sustaining a specified speed. Because of this, a higher speed rating will result in better car handling. Germany’s famous Autobahn is responsible for tire speed ratings. Tire speed ratings range from A (the lowest) to Y (the highest), but the chart is not completely in alphabetical order. For example, H falls between U and V, with the common perception that H stood for "high performance" at one time. Because manufacturers add speed to their vehicles, tire speed ratings continue to evolve to match the speeds. For example, Z was the highest rated speed at 149-plus until W and Y were used to match the higher speeds of exotic sports cars.

Things to Consider about Speed Ratings

Downgrading the speed rating of your tires is not recommend. This may result in poor handling and unpredictable steering. However, if a better cornering response is what you want, installing a higher speed rated tire on your vehicle will work. Just remember, never mix and match tires with different speed ratings on your vehicle. This will cause major problems with the handling of your vehicle. If tires of different speed ratings are mounted on a vehicle, the lower speed-rated tires should be placed on the front axle, regardless of which axle is driven. This is to prevent a potential over steer condition. Vehicle handling may be affected, and the vehicle’s speed capacity is now limited to the lowest speed-rated tire. For best performance, it is recommended that the same size and type of tire be used on all four-wheel positions.

Speed Ratings Refer to More Than Just Speed

Speed ratings affect more than just speed, they also contribute to ride comfort, wear, and cornering capabilities. In general, the higher the speed rating, the better the grip and stopping power, but the lower the tread life. The speed rating of tires can be increased for improved performance, but can never be decreased without reducing the vehicle top speed to that of the lower speed rating selected.

Below is a list of speed ratings along with the corresponding speeds they represent.  Remember, the speeds are test speeds, not recommended speeds.

Take a look at these, then take a look at the tires brands we offer.

B - Up to 31 mph

C - Up to 37 mph

D - Up to 40 mph

E - Up to 43 mph

F - Up to 50 mph

G - Up to 56 mph

J - Up to 62 mph

K - Up to 68 mph

L - Up to 75 mph

M - Up to 81 mph

N- Up to 87 mph

P - Up to 94 mph

Q - Up to 100 mph

R - Up to 106 mph

S - Up to 112 mph

T - Up to 118 mph

U - Up to 124 mph