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 control the safe performance of tires at standardized speeds. A letter from A to Z symbolizes a tire's certified speed rating, ranging from 5 km/h (3mph) to above 300 km/h (186 mph). This rating system, listed below, describes the top speed for which a tire is certified. It does not indicate the total performance capability of a tire.
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When this speed rating system was originally developed, the Unlimited V category of over 210 km/h (130 mph) was the top speed rating a tire could achieve.
SPEED RATING Speed Symbol Speed (km/h) Speed (mph) A1 5 3 A2 10 6 A3 15 9 A4 20 12 A5 25 16 A6 30 19 A8 40 25 B 50 31 C 60 37 D 65 40 E 70 43 F 80 50 G 90 56 J 100 62 K 110 68 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 270 168 Y 300 186As manufacturers made more tires that did not fit this category, it was necessary to better regulate performance at standardized speeds to ensure safety. The Limited V category of 250 km/h (149 mph) was then created, and the Z 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 manufacturer for the maximum speed of Unlimited Z tires. Speed rating is identified as a part of the tire's sizing or service description.
In the latest attempt to standardize tire designations, all ratings except Unlimited ZR 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 91 = Load Index (ServiceWhen "ZR" appears in the size designation with the service description, the maximum speed is as indicated by the service description:
EXAMPLES Tire Designation Maximum Speed P275/40ZR17 93W 270 km/h (168 mph) P275/40ZR17 93Y 300 km/h (186 mph)For tires having a maximum speed capability above 240 km/h (149 mph), a "ZR" may appear in the size designation. For tires having a maximum speed capability above 300 km/h (186 mph), a "ZR" must appear in the size designation. Consult the tire manufacturer for maximum speed when there is no service description.
UTQG is intended to provide simple, comparative data for your use in making an informed buying decision. However, the ratings are based upon test results achieved under very specific conditions. As a result, misinterpreting the comparative data as it relates specifically to your particular driving habits, conditions, etc., is a possibility. UTQG designates the comparative performance levels of a tire based upon government-specified tests. Tire manufacturers and brand name owners are required to grade regular and all-season tires in three categories: Treadwear, Traction, and Temperature.
All passenger car tires must conform to Federal Safety Requirements in addition to these grades.
The treadwear grade is a comparative grade assigned by the manufacturer based on the wear rate of a tire when tested under controlled conditions on a course that meets government-specified requirements. For example, a tire graded 150 would wear one and a half (1 1/2) times as well as a tire graded 100 under the controlled test conditions. The relative performance of tires depends upon the actual conditions of their use and may depart significantly from the norm due to variations in driving habits, service practices and differences in road characteristics.
The traction grade is based on wet skid tests of a tire on government-specified concrete and asphalt surfaces. The traction grade is based on a straight-ahead wet braking traction test and does not include a cornering traction test. The comparative tire grade letters, AA, A, B, and C (AA being the highest and C being the lowest) represent the tire's ability to stop the vehicle on wet pavement under the controlled test conditions. Ice and snow traction capabilities are not tested.
Warning:
The temperature grade is established for a tire that is properly inflated and not overloaded. Excessive speed, under inflation, or excessive loading, either separately or in combination, can cause heat buildup and possible tire failure.
A tire with the ratings of TREADWEAR 80, TRACTION B, TEMPERATURE C, is interpreted by the manufacturer as having:
A tire with same brand name and same construction type with ratings of TREADWEAR 160, TRACTION A, TEMPERATURE B, compares to the tire in example #1 as follows:
Keep in mind that comparing the performance of various tires is too complex to be based exclusively on UTQG grades.
We only repair tires in accordance with the RMA (Rubber Manufacturers Association) recommended procedures. Some punctures cannot be seen with the naked eye and other measures are taken to find such punctures (soapy water and tire water tubs).
No tire, regardless of its design or quality, is indestructible. RFT tires can be ultimately rendered unusable due to a puncture or other road hazard as well as from improper run-flat or low pressure operation. Some punctures may be repaired under certain circumstances, with restrictions and subject to prescribed procedures.
When driven flat or with low pressure, factors affecting reparability include vehicle speed, load, handling and maneuvering; the amount of inflation pressure lost; and ambient temperature. In any situation, the extent and location of direct damage from a puncturing object or other road hazard are also critical factors.
RFT tires are not repairable in any of the following situations:
Run-Flat Certified Retailers will fully inspect your tire, inside and out, to determine if the tire can be repaired. Tire damage is not always visible from the outside and the tire must be removed from the wheel for a complete inspection.
Note: Some vehicle manufacturers recommend not using repaired tires. Such recommendations apply to RFT tires. Use of RFT tires deemed non-repairable may result in damage to the vehicle, injury, or death. Consult your vehicle owner's manual or contact the vehicle manufacturer before operating a repaired tire on your vehicle.
Tires are the first line of defense when you drive on the road, and if you don't choose them correctly, you have a good chance of turning your driving into a poor experience. Buying the right tires involves knowledge of tire technical specs (read, size, vehicle-specific compatibility), the balance of personal driving needs, and budget constraints.
This article focuses on how to make the tire buying process efficient. The following ten questions to ask your tire dealer will help you to find the right tires that suit your driving needs, your wallet, and your expectations. Here is the table of contents to be discussed:
The question "What is the best tire for my driving needs?" helps you transform a complex buying process into an informed and strategic decision. The tire dealer can provide a detailed recommendation focusing on your unique driving needs, safety expectations, cost-effectiveness, and technical complexities you look for. Talking about your driving needs helps match tire characteristics to your driving requirements and understand potential trade-offs.
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Asking about tire mileage warranties can help you estimate the value of your tire investment. A tire mileage warranty guarantees tire longevity and performance, reflecting the quality of the manufacturing engineering. More extended warranties generally mean advanced rubber compounds, superior tire construction, and rigorous quality control. The information provided by the tire dealer can help you compare different tire brands and provide insight into long-term value propositions.
Knowing about tire performance in wet and snowy conditions helps you recognize risk assessments related to vehicle control and braking distance in these particular conditions. The braking distance on wet roads can increase by up to 50%. Snowy roads require special tread designs to bite through efficiently to ensure traction and grip.
Talking about wet and snow performance with a professional tire dealer opens up specific details. These refer to unique tread patterns to control hydroplaning or silica-enhanced compounds for enhanced abrasion resistance and grip. Therefore, These details are essential as they determine the safety level and control over the vehicle in challenging conditions.
This question is even more valuable if you are comparing different products. For example, you target a set of all-season tires that perform well in mild weather conditions but are not suitable for harsh winter conditions. All-weather or winter tires are more reliable in such a scenario, especially if living in areas with packed snow and extreme temperatures.
Asking the dealer about comfort and noise helps optimize the driver's satisfaction on the road. Tire noise influences the driver's focus, especially on long trips. Also, noise levels often indicate tire quality in terms of better manufacturing precision, rubber compound technology (noise-cancellation technologies), and strategic tread design (negating noise rather than entering the cabin).
Talking about the most popular tires for your vehicle often helps estimate tire performance and customer satisfaction. Popularity can indicate whether the tire meets diverse driving conditions while providing durability and performance. Your tire dealer can provide insights into why certain models gain more popularity than others, referring to fuel efficiency, longevity, cost-effectiveness, or safety.
For you as a potential buyer, it's not necessary to follow a trend. You should instead leverage the data you receive to make an informed decision balancing economic considerations, performance, and safety. Knowing about popular tire models aids in better understanding why some products perform better than others and if these advantages align with your needs.
For example, suppose you are looking for a set of UHP all-season tires. The image below compares two of the best products on the market, according to Consumer Reports.
Both of these products have the same performance score. Still, the scoring for noise and handling is different.
Michelin is better at noise suppression, while the G-force Comp-2 A/S Plus provides better handling. These details help you choose the product that best meets your needs compared to the competition.
Talking about the pros and cons of a specific tire model with your tire dealer helps you discover product advantages and prepare for potential issues. Breaking down the strengths and weaknesses of each tire model brings you closer to understanding which product best matches your performance expectations. A professional tire dealer gives insights into tire behavior in diverse conditions, surfaces, driving styles, and vehicle strain.
Knowing tire pros and cons helps you estimate its fuel efficiency, handling properties, longevity, and potential maintenance considerations. Depending on the pros and cons, you can make a comprehensive decision about whether the product fits or not your needs and expectations.
Asking what tires to avoid brings you closer to the perfect match. A trustworthy dealer is usually familiar with tire issues like low durability, incompatibility with your vehicle, or poor performance in specific conditions. Asking this question provides expertise about safety concerns, premature wear, and low value for the money.
A professional dealer can share insights about products with a higher complaint rate or perform poorly under specific conditions. Remember: there is no good or bad tire product, but rather products unsuitable for your needs. Balance all dealers' insights well and make an informed decision about any product you consider buying.
Knowing more about the dealer's additional services ensures you can rely on it not just for tire purchase but also for after-sales support. In a highly competitive industry, dealers offer road hazard coverage, seasonal tire storage, free rotation, mounting, or alignment. Bundling services can help you increase savings and benefit from a pleasant shopping experience.
Asking your tire dealer about deals and rebates can considerably reduce expenses. Rebates and promotions provide double benefits: high-quality products AND affordable prices. Analyzing dealer's offers can help you purchase wisely for the best price without sacrificing quality and longevity.
Talking with your tire dealer about available payment methods (installments, credit cards, financial plans) helps you estimate and plan your budget. Consider opting for installment payment at no rate for high-quality tires instead of choosing cheaper products at the cost of quality and performance. Knowing about payment methods broadens your budget horizons and helps you prioritize quality over budget constraints.
General guidelines recommend using tires for no more than 6-8 years. Even in acceptable condition, the rubber becomes sensitive to road impacts due to natural wear. Tires should be replaced sooner than 6-8 years if they are in poor condition (uneven wear, shallow tread, signs of damage, poor performance).
Tire visual inspection helps determine for how long the tire is viable. Signs of tire wear, cracks, bulges, and uneven tread indicate tire replacement. Use the Penny Test to determine if the tire tread is in good condition. If the tread is close to 2/32'', the tire is unsafe, and you should replace it.
Buying all four tires at once is the safest practice. This recommendation is especially important for AWD vehicles. The more identical the tires, the more confident and safer a vehicle will perform in various conditions.
Asking the right questions helps you make an informed tire purchase. At NeoTires, you can talk to our trained assistants to get the perfect fit for your specific needs and driving conditions.
Explore our tire selection whether you are looking for all-season reliability, longevity, or efficiency. Shop confidently, and your perfect fit will be delivered to your doorstep in just a few clicks!
NeoTires is a team that offers tires at exceptional prices. We also want to help our customers improve their driving experience in various conditions. Our team is comprised of specialists with extensive knowledge of the tire and automotive industry.
Here at NeoTires, we make sure to offer reliable tire reviews and trustworthy driving tips validated by professionals in the field. We run our own tests and learn from the most reputable tire brands. This helps us to propose not only the best tires on the market but also to match them with unique drivers' needs.
Feel free to choose top-notch products for any vehicle and any road conditions. We will ensure that you receive the best purchasing conditions and the most customer-oriented assistance. Drive safe, and choose your tires wisely!
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