What Is Tyre Speed Ratings for Cars in India?

What are Tyre speed ratings?

Tyre speed rating is a code that will be present in all car tyres, indicating the maximum speed at which the tyre can travel. These codes are printed on the tyre sidewalls. The tyre speed ratings for various vehicles and the top speed are listed below, along with the vehicle type.
 

Tyre Speed Rating	Authorised Top Speed	Vehicle Type
L	120 kmph	Light truck and off-road
M	130 kmph	Spare tyre
N	140 kmph	Spare Tyre
Q	160 kmph	4x4
R	170 kmph	Heavy Duty Light Trucks
S	180 kmph	Sedans and vans
T	190 kmph	Sedans and vans
H	210 kmph	Sedans and vans
V	240 kmph	Sports cars
W	270 kmph	Exotic sports cars
Y	300 kmph	Exotic sports cars
Z	240 kmph	Sports cars

 

The tyre speed rating mentioned above is only authorised for the specific safe speed limit and vehicle type. It also indicates that driving at such specified speed limits helps maintain the vehicle's performance, and it is also safe to drive at that speed. It is important to select a tyre speed rating depending on an individual’s driving habits and the type of road they drive.

 

Importance of Tyre Speed Ratings

The tyre speed rating is important as it is a guideline that helps you understand the maximum speed at which you can travel safely in your car. The importance of tyre speed rating and why an individual should stick to the speed limit are listed below.

 

Safety and Performance

Driving the car at the specified tyre speed rating ensures safety, control and stability even while driving at maximum speed. This will prevent skidding and major consequences like accidents.

 

Maintains tyre health

Driving at the specified speed limit and with the proper tyre and the tyre speed rating helps improve performance and the tyre's health. Each tyre is designed with a certain speed rating and load capacity. Using the wrong tyre can lead to problems like easy wear and tear, overheating issues and unexpected blowouts.

 

Increases stability and braking controls

Tyres are the vehicle's driving force, and tyres with the specified tyre speed rating increase the vehicle's stability and braking ability. Driving the vehicle with the specified tyre speed rating provides better grip, heat dissipation and traction while steering or braking the vehicle.

 

Improves longevity

Using tyres with the specified tyre speed rating helps improve overall efficiency and longevity. Driving with the specified tyre speed rating ensures safety on the road even at maximum speed as it provides better grip and owing to the tyre health.

 

Factors Affecting Tyre Speed Ratings

Tyres play a significant role in the safety and driving aspects of the car. It can enhance the car's performance, and the car tyre speed rating will determine the maximum speed. Additionally, the tyre speed rating will be determined based on the following aspects: design and testing to ensure the tyre speed rating. The factors that affect the tyre speed rating are listed below.

 

Tyre composition

The tyre composition includes the material used to make the tyre and the composition. These factors will impact the ability of the tyre to handle high speeds. If a tyre is used for high performance, the tyre will be engineered with heat resistance and structural integrity. Likewise, depending on the composition of the tyre, it can be used for high or low performance.

 

Heat dissipation

High-performance tyres usually generate more heat due to increased friction, and the tyres will be designed to dissipate the heat equally. This reduces the risk of overheating and tread degradation.

 

Load Capacity

The vehicle's load capacity is the maximum load a vehicle can carry. The load capacity directly correlates with the tyre load index and tyre speed rating. Vehicles with higher loads will require a tyre with thick tread death and more reinforcement layers that reduce resilience even at higher speeds.

 

Vehicle compatibility

The tyre speed rating should be compatible with the vehicle. Using a lower tyre speed rating than the vehicle can impose safety issues. So, it is recommended that the tyre speed rating be chosen according to the vehicle.

 

How Do You Find the Car Tyre Speed Ratings?

Car tyre speed rating is usually printed on the sidewall of the tyre. The tyre's sidewall will also contain other important information like load index, type of tyre, and size.

 

The rating speed of the tyre will also signify the maximum speed at which the vehicle can safely operate.

 

In some cases, certain vehicles will have additional symbols that will indicate the specific conditions for vehicles. For instance, a tyre used during winter will have a snowflake symbol.

 

Choosing the Right Tyre Speed Rating

It is important to choose the correct tyre speed rating for your tyres. In some cases, you can choose the higher tyre speed rating that will increase the vehicle's overall performance. However, choosing the right tyre rating ensures the vehicle's driving safety.

 

If you are unsure about the tyre speed rating, it is recommended that you consult a tyre professional. These people will have the proper tools to examine the type of tyre that will suit your vehicle.

 

How Do Manufacturers Calculate Tyre Speed Ratings?

The tyres will be designed with proper tread patterns and grooves in such a way that they provide proper traction for the vehicle. The tread in the tyres also plays a crucial role in determining how fast the tyres can be operated without getting destroyed.

 

The sidewall of the tyres also plays a crucial role in determining the tyre speed rating. The tyre’s vertical part is constructed in such a way that it withstands the pressure.

 

The material used for the tyre will be selected carefully, which determines the tyre speed rating. Usually, high quality components are used to withstand high pressure and high temperature. This will prevent over heating of the tyres and provides safety.

 

Finally, the tyre will be inflated, and the machine will test it for the tyre speed rating. After testing at the correct speed rating, the damages will be checked. If the tyre is not damaged, it will be considered as the tyres have passed the test.

 

Conclusion

Choosing the correct tyre speed rating ensures the safety of the vehicle. Likewise, choosing the proper insurance helps you deal with financial burdens. Shriram General Insurance provides car insurance that safeguards you against unforeseen situations. It also provides Comprehensive Insurance with ad-ons at affordable premiums.

 

FAQs

1. How do you check the car's tyre speed rating?

The tyre speed rating of the car will be mentioned in the owner’s manual. So, it is recommended that you check the manual before purchasing the tyres.

 

2. Where can you find the tyre speed rating of the car on the tyre?

The tyre speed rating of the car will be marked on the sidewalls of the tyre along with the size details.

 

3. Does car tyres lose their tyre speed rating over time?

Yes, car tyres tend to lose their tyre speed rating over time due to wear and tear.