The main difference between the two is that H-rated tires can be used at 130 mph, while V-rated tires are good for 149 mph. So if you’re looking for speed, go with the V-rated tire. A secondary difference is price: The higher the speed rating, the more expensive the tire.
H Is for High Speed
These speed ratings are H-rated, V-rated or W-rated and are rarely spoken about to the general consumer because it seems like people don’t care. But if you want your tire to be able to do what it was designed for, you need the proper speed rating.
- The H-speed rating is for a top speed of 130 miles per hour.
- The V-speed rating is for a top speed of 149 miles per hour.
- The W-speed rating is for a top speed of 168 miles per hour.
- The Y-speed rating is for a top speed of 186 miles per hour.
V Is for Very High Speed
Your H-rated tires should go up to 130 mph, but your V-rated tires can be driven at up to 149 mph. If you like the thrill of driving very fast and have an appropriate high-performance vehicle that can handle it, V is for you.
It’s important to remember that these ratings are based on an ideal performance environment. A tire rated for a top speed of 149 mph may not mean that you’ll go over 130 mph when driving on the highway. That’s because this rating is also based on a test done during optimal conditions, such as when temperatures are moderate, the roads are dry, and there isn’t any debris or other hazards in your way. When factoring in real-world driving conditions—including those that might make it unsafe to drive at such high speeds—it’s best to operate your vehicle within legal limits or ask a trained professional about what speed rating is right for your specific automobile model and how fast you typically drive.
The Tire Speed Rating System
The tire speed rating system was developed by the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) to ensure that your tires can handle the speeds of modern highways and interstates.
You may have noticed the letters H, V and even Y on some of your tires. These are your tires’ speed ratings, or their ability to handle certain maximum speeds without sustaining damage. The letter corresponds to a number on a chart from 0-300, with 0 being slowest and 300 being fastest. This number is always going to be higher than what you’re driving anyway—even if you’re going 240 miles per hour on the Autobahn in Germany, you’re not going to need a tire that’s rated over 240 mph!
The difference between H and V rated tires is 212 miles per hour.
If you’re planning on driving a vehicle that can go well over 200 miles per hour, you should know that the V-rating isn’t enough. You need to upgrade to a Z-rated tire. These tires are rated up to speeds of 149 miles per hour and beyond!
In fact, the difference between H and V rated tires is 212 miles per hour.
