When buying tyres it’s important that you always select tyres with the correct speed rating for your vehicle.
Regardless of brand, all tyres have a speed rating indicated by letters which are outlined on the sidewall of your tyres. If you are unfamiliar with how to read tyres, than you should take a minute to read our guide.
The speed rating is an indication of the maximum speed at which the tyres can be safely used. Theoretically, the speed rating of your tyres should be lower that the maximum speed of your vehicle - in the unlikely event that it is ever driven at that speed.
The easiest way to determine the speed rating you require is to look at your existing tyres and use that as a reference when purchasing replacements for your vehicle. Otherwise you can always check in your vehicle manual/handbook or get in touch with your local dealer where possible.
When looking at your tyre size, the speed rating should be the very last letter written on the side of the tyre. For example, if the tyre’s size is “P205/65 R1 5 94V” than V would be the speed rating you are looking for.
Changing your Speed Rating
Even though the speed rating outlined for your vehicle may be a much higher speed than you’d ever consider safely driving at, we strongly recommend that you do not choose to buy lower speed rated tyres than outlined by the vehicle’s manufacturer. Infact it is illegal and quite dangerous to do so and considering a higher speed rating often results in improved car handling there is no need to do so.
Feel free to select an alternate model or brand of tyre, but try and stick to the same size and speed rating as if you ever choose to sell you vehicle, the new owner may be unaware of the change you made and may not choose to drive the vehicle in the same safe manner as you do.
Modifying your vehicle
If at any time your vehicle has been modified or the wheels/rims have been changed than you may need to find new tyres to fit the wheels, but the speed rating should still remain higher than the top speed your vehicle is capable of driving at.
Replacing tyres
Tyre manufactures do not recommended that you mix and match tyres that have different speed ratings. It is strongly recommended that you always replace your speed-rating tyres in a complete set of 4.
If you are planning on replacing 2 tyres only, the replacement tyres should be the same speed rating or higher.
Multiple Speed Ratings
If you end up with different speed rated tyres of your vehicle than you are advised to have them installed in pairs on the same axel – regardless of the driving axle as this helps to prevent oversteering.
In this instance, the speed rating for your vehicle becomes that of the lowest rated tyre by default.
Speed Rating table
Below is a table of speeds and there corresponding letter:
| Speed Symbol | Maximum speed (km/h) |
|---|---|
| N | 140 |
| P | 150 |
| Q | 160 |
| R | 170 |
| S | 180 |
| T | 190 |
| U | 200 |
| H | 210 |
| V | 240 |
| Z | 240 |
| W | 270 |
| Y | 300 |
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