Tyre speed rating

When the treads on a car’s tyres are worn, it’s time for a new set of tyres. Follow the car manufacturer’s recommendations while selecting the new tyres. If your vehicle has a ‘V’ tyre speed rating, it is capable of handling speeds of 240km/h, while a ‘U’ speed rating specifies maximum speed of 200km/h. So you need tyres that match you car’s performance.

Tyres are constructed with different treads, amounts of rubber, reinforced fabric or steel cords according to the performance parameters. Naturally, exceeding the tyre’s speed limit will put you and your car in hazardous straits, owing to the possibility of bursting or the tread peeling off. Drive according to the speed rating of you car’s tyres. 

Ascertain the top speed of your vehicle from the manufacturer’s manual or test reports in auto journals before selecting the tyres. Tyres with a speed rating higher than that of your vehicle’s top speed are the safe bet.

Here is a tyre speed rating chart to help you choose the perfect set of tyres: