If you’ve ever looked at the side of your tyre, there’s a good chance you’ve noticed some logos, letters and symbols on it. They may look a bit odd. But they have been placed there for a very specific reason. Namely, to indicate your tyre speed rating.
This rating tells you the maximum speed a tyre can safely maintain while carrying its specified maximum load. It is important to recognise this because fitting tyres with the wrong rating isn’t just risky. It can also affect whether your vehicle meets Australian roadworthiness requirements.
If you do understand this simple letter code, it will help you choose the right replacement tyres. This, in turn, will enable you to stay within the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations and keep your vehicle safe and roadworthy.
What is a tyre speed rating?
A tyre speed rating is a letter code that indicates the maximum speed a tyre can safely sustain under its rated load capacity. It is shown on the tyre sidewall and is determined by tyre manufacturers through standardised testing. It also forms part of the tyre’s service description.
The speed rating works alongside the tyre load rating (or load index). Together, these two figures tell you the tyre’s maximum load carrying capacity and its speed capability. Both should suit your vehicle and the manufacturer’s specification.
You’ll find the speed symbol on the tyre sidewall as part of the tyre code. Here is how you can determine what it means:
If the tyre marking reads 225/45R17 94W, then the:
- Tyre size is 225/45R17
- Load index number is 94
- Tyre speed rating is W
You’ll find the recommended speed rating for your vehicle in your owner’s manual. It will also be on your tyre placard, which is usually located inside the driver’s door opening.
Tyre speed rating chart
The chart below shows all common tyre speed ratings and their corresponding maximum speeds in km/h. This should make it easier for you to check whether your tyres meet your vehicle’s requirements.
| Speed symbol | Maximum speed (km/h) |
| N | 140 |
| Q | 160 |
| R | 170 |
| S | 180 |
| T | 190 |
| H | 210 |
| V | 240 |
| W | 270 |
| Y | 300 |
| (Y) | Above 300 |
You should be aware that these different speed ratings refer to the tyre’s maximum safe speed and not how fast you should drive on Australian roads.
Whatever your driving style, you should always obey posted speed limits, which are set by state and territory law, and adjust to the different road conditions you encounter.
What do the most common speed ratings mean (H, V, W, Y)?
Depending on the type of vehicle they drive, Australian drivers might find H, V, W or Y ratings on their tyres.
Here’s what these common ratings mean. Along with the maximum speed each one is designed for, and the kinds of cars they’re typically fitted to.
- H (210 km/h): Common on family passenger vehicles, sedans and many SUVs.
- V (240 km/h): Often fitted to sporty sedans and higher-performance SUVs.
- W (270 km/h): Designed for performance cars with greater speed capability.
- Y (300 km/h): Typically found on high-performance and prestige vehicles.
What is a tyre load rating?
Tyre load rating is a numerical value that indicates the maximum weight a tyre can carry when inflated correctly.
Also known as the load index, it works in conjunction with the tyre speed rating. One tells you how much weight the tyre can support, and the other how fast it can safely travel with that load.
For safety reasons, it is essential to choose the correct load and speed ratings. This is especially true when carrying heavy loads.
Tyre load rating chart
The chart below shows the most common tyre load rating values, along with the corresponding weight each tyre can comfortably support.
| Load index | Maximum load (kg) |
| 84 | 500 |
| 88 | 560 |
| 91 | 615 |
| 94 | 670 |
| 95 | 690 |
| 98 | 750 |
| 100 | 800 |
| 102 | 850 |
You must not fit tyres with a lower load index than your vehicle’s tyre placard specifies. Fitting a higher load index is fine, provided the tyre size and speed rating are also suitable.
Is it illegal to use the wrong speed rating in Australia?
It can be. Australian Vehicle Standards rules set a legal minimum speed rating for every vehicle. For most passenger cars, replacement tyres must be rated to at least 180 km/h (S). For 4WDs built with off-road features, the minimum is 140 km/h (N). Fitting tyres below these minimums means your vehicle may not meet roadworthiness requirements, making it illegal to drive on the road.
Beyond those legal minimums, most insurance policies require replacement tyres to meet or exceed the speed and load ratings your vehicle’s manufacturer specifies. The safest approach is to treat your tyre placard as the minimum for both. Fitting tyres with insufficient ratings can compromise handling and braking. It can also lead to a defect notice, registration issues or complications with an insurance claim.
The rules are firmer when it comes to load. Replacement tyres must have a load index at least equal to the minimum shown on your tyre placard.
These requirements also differ from state to state. Before buying new tyres, check the current regulations with your state or territory government, and confirm what your vehicle needs against the owner’s manual or tyre placard.
Can you fit a higher speed rating than recommended?
It is generally considered acceptable to choose a higher-speed-rated tyre, and it is quite common when upgrading performance vehicles.
In fact, moving to a higher speed index may result in a firmer ride and could also improve your cornering response. However, it might result in a higher purchase price.
If you’re planning a bigger change, such as upsizing your wheels and tyres, check your state or territory government’s regulations first. It’s also worth having a qualified technician confirm the new fitment still meets your vehicle’s speed and load requirements.
Should all four tyres have the same speed rating?
Ideally, the best practice is to match tyres across all four wheels.
That said, if tyres with different speed ratings are fitted, the vehicle should be driven according to the lowest-rated tyre’s speed rating. By matching tyres, you will improve the vehicle’s handling, braking and overall safety. Particularly in wet conditions and emergency manoeuvres.
How to choose the right tyre for your speed rating
When buying new tyres, don’t focus on the speed rating alone. Instead, check the speed rating, load index, tyre size and recommended inflation pressure against the vehicle’s tyre placard or owner’s manual.
It doesn’t matter if you drive a family SUV, a performance car, or a light truck. Choosing tyres that meet the manufacturer’s recommendations will help to ensure your vehicle can be safely operated in Australian conditions.
If you’re not sure which tyres are right for your vehicle your local Dunlop tyre dealer can help recommend the right combination of speed and load rating.
