Tyre Speed Ratings
Tyre Speed Symbols & Categories
Most car and van tyres used in the UK have both a load and speed rating after the tyre size, e.g. 195/65R15 is usually followed by 91V. This means the tyres can carry their rated load upto a maximum non-stop speed of 240 kph. When replacing tyres it is important to ensure the new tyres, even if a different size, have the same or a higher speed rating. However, in the UK, with a national speed limit of 70 mph, it is quite safe and not illegal to fit a tyre with a lower speed rating. The table below shows the maximum speeds applicable to each speed letter.
300
290
280
270
260
250
240
230
220
210
200
190
180
170
160
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_
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_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
_
190
_
_
170
_
_
150
_
_
130
125
119
113
106
100
Marking Characteristics
Speed Symbol “N” For vehicles with a speed capability not exceeding 140 Km/h (88 Mph)
Speed Symbol “P” For vehicles with a speed capability not exceeding 150 Km/h (94 Mph)
Speed Symbol “Q” For vehicles with a speed capability not exceeding 160 Km/h (100 Mph)
Speed Symbol “R” For vehicles with a speed capability not exceeding 170 Km/h (106 Mph)
Speed Symbol “S” For vehicles with a speed capability not exceeding 180 Km/h (113 Mph)
Speed Symbol “T” For vehicles with a speed capability not exceeding 190 Km/h (119 Mph)
Speed Symbol “U” For vehicles with a speed capability not exceeding 200 Km/h (125 Mph)
Speed Symbol “H” For vehicles with a speed capability not exceeding 210 Km/h (130 Mph)
Speed Symbol “V” For vehicles with a speed capability not exceeding 240 Km/h (e.g. 225/55 R 15 91V)
Speed Symbol “W” For vehicles having speed capability not exceeding 270 Km/h (e.g. 225/60 R 15 96W)
Speed Symbol “Y” For vehicles having speed capability not exceeding 300 Km/h (e.g. 275/40 R 18 94Y)
Speed Category “VR” For vehicles having speed capability over 210 Km/h (e.g. 195/50 VR 15)
Speed Category “ZR” For vehicles with a speed capability over 240 Km/h (e.g. 205/40 ZR 17)
ZR+ Speed Symbol “W” Tyres marked with both designations for vehicles with speed capability over 240 Km/h but not exceeding 270 Km/h
ZR+ Speed Symbol “Y” Tyres marked with both designations for vehicles with speed capability over 240 Km/h but not exceeding 300 Km/h