Speed Rating

The speed rating of the replacement tires must always equal or exceed that of the Original Equipment tires.
When replacing your tires, consult the vehicle information placard or the owner’s manual for the correct tire size. If the tires shown on the vehicle information placard do not have speed ratings, a tire of the appropriate size with any speed rating may be applied.

The speed symbol is a single-letter code, such as “H” or “S.” See if your tire information placard or the tire sidewall has a speed rating, for example P205/60R15 90H or P195/60R15 87S. The 90H and the 87S identify the tire’s load index and speed rating. The replacement tire must have the same or higher speed rating symbol to maintain the speed capability of the vehicle. If the replacement tire is not speed rated, the speed capability of the vehicle is limited by the speed capability of the replacement tire. A non-speed rated passenger tire’s maximum speed is about 85 mph (137 km/h) and varies with manufacturers.

Speed Categories

S – - 112 mph (180 km/h)
T – - 118 mph (190 km/h)
U – - 124 mph (200 km/h)
H – - 130 mph (210 km/h)
V – - 149 mph (240 km/h)
*W – - 168 mph (270 km/h)
*Y – - 186 mph (300 km/h)

Speed symbol designations in this table are based upon indoor wheel test conducted in accordance with the Procedure for Load/Speed Performance Tests of the Economic Commission for Europe (ECE-30)
* For tires having a maximum speed capability above 240 km/h (149 mph), a “ZR: may appear in the size designation.

Example:

Tire Designation Maximum Speed

P275/40R17 93W – - 168 mph (270 km/h)
P275/40R17 93Y – - 186 mph (300 km/h)
P275/40ZR17 93W – - 168 mph ( 270 km/h)
P275/40ZR17 93Y – - 186 mph (300 km/h)

While a speed symbol is an indication of the speed capability of the tire, we do not endorse the operation of any vehicle in an unsafe or unlawful manner.