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Speed Ratings
Many of today’s tires are marked, as part of the service description, with letters to indicate their speed rating, based on laboratory tests which relate to performance on the road. Tires may be marked with one of these speed symbols, M, N, P, Q, R, S, T, U, H, V, W, and Y to identify the particular tire’s speed rating. Additionally, the letter Z may appear in the size designation

When replacement of tires is required, consult the vehicle manual or tire placard for proper size and speed rating (if required).

If the vehicle manual placard specifies speed-rated tires, the replacement tires must have the same or higher speed rating to maintain vehicle speed capability.

If tires with different speed ratings are mounted on the same vehicle, the tire or tires with the lowest rating will limit the tire-related vehicle speed.


Tire speed ratings do not imply that vehicles can be safely driven at the maximum speed for which the tire is rated, particularly under adverse road and weather conditions, or if the vehicle has unusual characteristics. Never operate a vehicle in an unsafe or unlawful manner.

* For tires having a maximum speed capability above 149 mph (240 km/h) a “ZR” may appear in the size designation. For tires having a maximum speed capability above 186 mph (300 km/h), a “ZR” must appear in the size designation. Consult tire manufacturer for maximum speed when there is no Service Description. Example: P275/40R17 93W at 168 mph (270 km/h) or P275/40ZR17 at above 149 mph (240 km/h). Consult tire manufacturer.

** A “ZR” may appear in the tire size designation.

NOTE: For “V”, “W”, or “Y”, and ties with a “ZR” rating, a vehicle load adjustment (for speed) is required; consult tire manufacturer.
 
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