Index
What is a tyre speed rating?
The speed rating is an alphabetical code that indicates the maximum speed at which a tyre can safely operate while carrying its maximum load. It is, in essence, a safety standard that certifies the tyre will perform reliably when used within its speed and load limits.
How to identify it
You'll find the speed rating on the tyre's sidewall, at the end of the sequence of numbers that describes its dimensions — it's the last letter in the series. For example, on a tyre marked 205/55 R16 91V, the letter "V" is the speed rating.
What it means and how it affects performance
Each letter corresponds to a specific maximum speed. In our example, "V" means the tyre can handle a maximum speed of 240 km/h. It's important to understand that this is not a recommendation to drive at that speed — it's a certification of the tyre's capability.
A higher speed rating is generally associated with better-performing tyres in terms of grip, steering response and braking ability, as they are built with more robust compounds and structures. That said, they may also deliver a slightly firmer ride.
What is a tyre load index?
The load index is a numerical code representing the maximum weight (in kilograms) that a single tyre can support at the speed indicated by its speed rating. It's a critical safety factor that should never be overlooked.
How to identify it
The load index is the number that appears just before the speed rating letter. Going back to our example, in a 205/55 R16 91V tyre, the number "91" is the load index.
What it means and how it affects safety
This number doesn't represent kilograms directly — it corresponds to a specific value in a standardised table. In our example, a load index of 91 equals a carrying capacity of 615 kg per tyre. Multiply that by four tyres and you get the total maximum load the vehicle can support (in this case, 2,460 kg), including the weight of the car itself, its passengers and luggage.
Fitting tyres with a lower load index than the manufacturer recommends is extremely dangerous. An overloaded tyre can overheat, deform and, in the worst case, blow out while driving.
Speed and load index reference tables
To help you read your tyre information correctly, here are reference tables for the most common ratings:
Load Index Table
| Index | kg per tyre | Index | kg per tyre |
|---|---|---|---|
| 80 | 450 kg | 93 | 650 kg |
| 81 | 462 kg | 94 | 670 kg |
| 82 | 475 kg | 95 | 690 kg |
| 83 | 487 kg | 96 | 710 kg |
| 84 | 500 kg | 97 | 730 kg |
| 85 | 515 kg | 98 | 750 kg |
| 86 | 530 kg | 99 | 775 kg |
| 87 | 545 kg | 100 | 800 kg |
| 88 | 560 kg | 101 | 825 kg |
| 89 | 580 kg | 102 | 850 kg |
| 90 | 600 kg | 103 | 875 kg |
| 91 | 615 kg | 104 | 900 kg |
| 92 | 630 kg | 105 | 925 kg |
Speed Rating Table
| Code | Maximum speed | Code | Maximum speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q | 160 km/h | V | 240 km/h |
| R | 170 km/h | W | 270 km/h |
| S | 180 km/h | Y | 300 km/h |
| T | 190 km/h | (Y) | >300 km/h |
| H | 210 km/h | - | - |
Tips for choosing the right speed and load ratings
Making the right choice is simpler than it sounds if you follow these guidelines:
- Check your owner's manual: It's the most reliable source of information. Your car manufacturer specifies the minimum load and speed ratings required for your vehicle. You can also find this information on the sticker located on the driver's door frame.
- Never fit a lower rating: Both legally and for safety reasons, it is prohibited to install tyres with a load or speed rating below the manufacturer's approved specification.
- Fitting a higher rating is fine: You can absolutely fit tyres with higher ratings — and in fact, doing so can improve your car's handling, although it often comes at a higher cost.
- Think of the bigger picture: Choosing the right ratings should go hand in hand with selecting the right tyre type for your vehicle and driving style. A sports car and a family SUV have very different needs.
- Maintenance matters: Having the correct ratings means nothing without proper upkeep. Check your tyre pressure and tread depth regularly, as both directly affect safety and tyre lifespan. If you use winter tyres, bear in mind that their properties are specifically designed for low-temperature conditions.
Understanding your tyre markings gives you the power to make safer, more informed decisions. Next time you look at a tyre's sidewall, you won't see a jumble of codes — you'll see a valuable source of information for looking after your car and everyone in it.
