Tyre Speed Ratings

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Fri 6 May 2005 16:12
Tyre Speed Ratings - Roly93
I'm about to change the front tyres on my car, and have been looking around at what to get. Currently I have Conti Sport Contact II's fitted, and I noticed on the web that these come in a V and W speed rating ie 205/55/16 91W fitted to the car now.

However, there is a huge difference in price between the V & W spec tyres.

Given that both speed ratings are well in excess of the cars capabilities, why shouldn't I just go for the lower V rating ?

Comments please.
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Fri 6 May 2005 16:37
Tyre Speed Ratings - John S
You should use the speed rating the manufacturers provide as original equipment. The issue isn't just that you don't ever reach that speed. The tyres are an integral part of the suspension. The higher rated tyres are designed to cope with the power, braking, cornering, suspension etc of a car with that speed capability.

JS
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Fri 6 May 2005 16:59
Tyre Speed Ratings - Bill Payer
You should use the speed rating the manufacturers provide as original
equipment. The issue isn't just that you don't ever reach
that speed. The tyres are an integral part of the
suspension. The higher rated tyres are designed to cope with
the power, braking, cornering, suspension etc of a car with that
speed capability.


I've seen this said a few times, but is it really true? A car (esp a biggish diesel) could be hugely powerful but still have a lowish top speed.

A few years ago I had a Mondeo company car that came with higher than needed speed rated tyres from new. When the leasing company replaced with lower speed rated tyres I checked with our insurance company and they said it was fine.

There was also a scare story about an insurance company refusing to pay out on a car with the wrong speed rated tyres on it, but the insurance company involved said the story wasn't true.
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Fri 6 May 2005 17:12
Tyre Speed Ratings - Rishab C
I'd get the lower ones, they are supposed to give better ride comfort. Make sure they meet the manufacturer's spec.s though, as you would any other safety component.
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Fri 6 May 2005 17:21
Tyre Speed Ratings - John S
Bill

I recognise that tyre choice is a makers compromise, but as you say yourself, a diesel may not have the top speed, but it is heavy and powerful, especially at low revs. It also makes the brakes work harder, which loads the tyres. The higher rated tyres are designed to cope with these loads, not just the speed. I'm suggesting the w rated tyres are used only if that's the factory spec.

JS
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Fri 6 May 2005 17:37
Tyre Speed Ratings - cheddar
V rating is 149 mph, assuming your car cannot get within 10 mph of this then check with a main dealer then inform your insurer, you will have covered you bases.

It is true to say that engine torque and braking loads are a factor in specing tyres however I went through the same dilema, checked with the relevant parties and no problem.
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