Speed Ratings:

Speed ratings signify the safe top speed of a tire under perfect conditions.

Speed ratings can be specified in two ways:

1.  Listed inside the tire size itself before the "R"
     Example: 195/65HR15, the preceding size is an "H" speed rated tire.

2.  Listed after the tire size after the "load rating"
     Example: 225/45R17 92V, the preceding size is a "V" speed rated tire.

NOTE:  The speed rating of a tire has nothing to do with the actual size of the tire. So a 195/65R15 89H tire can be substituted for a 195/6515 89S tire. However, to maintain the performance characteristics of the vehicle it is recommended that a higher speed rating be substituted.

NOTE 2:  Light truck tires are not required to have speed ratings.

Common speed ratings are:

Q=99 MPH, 160km/h

S=112 MPH, 180km/h
T=118 MPH, 190km/h
U=124 MPH, 200km/h
H=130 MPH, 210km/h
V=149 MPH, 240km/h
W=168 MPH, 270km/h
Y=186 MPH, 300km/h
Z-149 MPH, 240km/h and over