Tire Speed Rating Chart Maximum speed reference for every tire rating symbol

Symbol Max Speed (mph) Max Speed (kph) Typical Use
L 75 mph 120 kph Off-Road & Light Truck Tires
M 81 mph 130 kph Temporary Spare Tires
N 87 mph 140 kph Winter Tires
P 93 mph 150 kph Studded Winter Tires
Q 99 mph 160 kph Winter Tires / Light Truck
R 106 mph 170 kph Heavy Duty Light Truck Tires
S 112 mph 180 kph Family Sedans & Vans
T 118 mph 190 kph Family Sedans & Vans
U 124 mph 200 kph Sedans & Coupes
H 130 mph 210 kph Sport Sedans & Coupes
V 149 mph 240 kph Sports Cars & Sedans
W 168 mph 270 kph Exotic Sports Cars
Y 186 mph 300 kph Exotic Sports Cars
Z 149 mph 240 kph Sports Cars (149+ mph)

Speed Rating Finder

Enter your typical maximum driving speed to find the minimum speed rating you need.

Minimum Rating Needed
L
Up to 75 mph / 120 kph
Typical Use
Off-road and light truck tires
Options Available
14 ratings
L, M, N, P, Q, R, S, T, U, H, V, W, Y, Z

What Do Tire Speed Ratings Mean?

Tire speed ratings indicate the maximum speed a tire can safely maintain over an extended period. The rating is assigned after laboratory testing where the tire is pressed against a large metal drum at progressively higher speeds until it reaches the rated speed.

Key points about speed ratings:

How to Choose the Right Speed Rating

Always match or exceed the speed rating specified by your vehicle manufacturer. You can find the recommended rating on the tire information placard on the driver's door jamb or in the owner's manual.

Upgrading: You can always use a higher speed rating than recommended. Moving from H to V or W will generally improve high-speed handling at the cost of slightly shorter tread life.

Downgrading: Using a lower speed rating is not recommended except for winter/snow tires, where a Q or T rating is acceptable due to reduced winter driving speeds.

Mixing ratings: Never mix speed ratings on the same axle. If you must mix ratings across axles, place the lower-rated tires on the front axle (for front-wheel-drive vehicles) to maintain predictable handling.

Frequently Asked Questions

A tire speed rating is a letter code on the tire sidewall that indicates the maximum speed the tire is designed to sustain safely over time. For example, an "H" rated tire is designed for speeds up to 130 mph (210 kph). The rating is determined through laboratory testing under controlled conditions. It does not mean the tire should be driven at that speed — it indicates the tire's capability under ideal conditions.
The speed rating is the last letter in the tire size code on the sidewall. For example, in "225/65R17 102H", the "H" is the speed rating (130 mph). Some older tires show the speed rating as "ZR" in the size designation, meaning it is rated for 149+ mph. On the tire information placard inside your driver's door jamb, you can find the OEM-recommended speed rating.
It is generally not recommended to use a tire with a lower speed rating than the vehicle manufacturer specifies. A lower-rated tire may not handle the heat generated at highway speeds, potentially leading to tire failure. The only exception is winter tires, which may use a lower speed rating (typically Q or T) — this is acceptable because winter driving naturally involves lower speeds. Always match or exceed the OEM speed rating for all-season and summer tires.
An H-rated tire is designed for up to 130 mph (210 kph) and is commonly found on family sedans and coupes. A V-rated tire handles up to 149 mph (240 kph) and is typically used on sport sedans and performance vehicles. V-rated tires generally offer better high-speed stability and cornering grip, but may wear faster and provide a slightly firmer ride than H-rated tires.

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