Tyre Speed Rating Chart – Understanding Your Tyre’s Performance Capability
What Is a Tyre Speed Rating?
The tyre speed rating is a letter-based designation that indicates the maximum speed a tyre can safely sustain under specific conditions. Matching the correct speed rating to your vehicle ensures optimal performance, safety, and durability.
Important: Speed ratings are only valid for tyres that are properly inflated, undamaged, and not overloaded. This rating does not apply to truck tyres.
How Is a Tyre’s Speed Rating Determined?
The speed rating is established through controlled laboratory tests, where a tyre is:
- Mounted on a testing machine that simulates road conditions
- Pressed against a large metal drum with its appropriate load applied
- Run at increasing speeds until the tyre meets its speed capability or fails
Tyre manufacturers recommend replacing a speed-rated tyre with one of an equal or higher speed rating.
Tyre Speed Rating Chart for Southern Africa:
| Speed Rating |
Max Speed (km/h) |
Recommended Vehicle Type |
| L |
120 km/h |
4×4 & Bakkie Tyres |
| M |
130 km/h |
Spare Tyres |
| N |
140 km/h |
Spare Tyres |
| P |
150 km/h |
Winter 4×4 Tyres |
| Q |
160 km/h |
Winter Tyres |
| R |
170 km/h |
4×4 & Bakkie Tyres |
| S |
180 km/h |
Family Sedans & Vans |
| T |
190 km/h |
Family Sedans & Vans |
| U |
200 km/h |
Sedans & Coupes |
| H |
210 km/h |
Sport Sedans & Coupes |
| V |
240 km/h |
Sport Sedans, Coupes & Sports Cars |
| W |
270 km/h |
Exotic Sports Cars |
| Y |
300 km/h |
Exotic Sports Cars |
| ZR |
240 km/h+ |
High-Performance Sports Cars |
The higher the speed rating, the greater the tyre’s grip and handling at high speeds, but tread life may decrease.
Speed Ratings – History & Key Facts
- Introduced in Germany to regulate high-speed driving on Autobahn roads
- Ratings range from A (lowest) to Y (highest) but do not always follow alphabetical order
- “Z” was originally the highest rating before W and Y were introduced for extreme performance cars
Do Speed Ratings Only Indicate Maximum Speed?
While speed rating primarily refers to the maximum speed capacity, it also affects:
- Ride Comfort – Higher speed ratings offer smoother handling
- Tread Wear – Performance tyres with higher ratings may wear faster
- Braking & Cornering Ability – Higher-rated tyres generally provide better grip and control
For balanced performance, tyre manufacturers recommend using tyres with the same speed rating on all four wheels.
How to Find Your Vehicle’s Speed Rating
Your vehicle’s recommended speed rating can be found in:
- Owner’s manual
- Driver’s side door sticker
- Glove box or fuel tank hatch
You can also check the sidewall of your tyre. The speed rating is the last character in the tyre’s size code.
Example:
205/55R16 91V
V = Speed Rating (max 240 km/h)
Need Expert Assistance?
Visit your nearest Tiger Wheel & Tyre Botswana store for:
- Expert advice on selecting the right tyres
- A wide range of high-quality speed-rated tyres
- Professional tyre fitment services
