People often do not pay much heed to the tires of their cars. This is the reason why they do not know that tires vary in size, season, handling, and terrain as well. Moreover, different tires have different speed handling capacities. If you want your vehicle to perform at its best, go through our simple guide on speed rating V vs H to help you out!
What To Know About Speed Rating V Vs H
The manufacturer of your car’s tires determines the speed at which you can drive safely. Almost all speed symbols are designed in an alphabetical manner.
But H comes with an exception, it is found in between of U and V ratings because it depicts “highway” speed tire.
Tire speed rating ranges from 3 mph having a symbol of A1 to 186 mph and above having a speed symbol of ZR(Y). You should always remember to never push the tire limits unnecessarily because these speed ratings are designed by keeping some favourable conditions and parameters in mind.
V Speed Rating
V-rated tires provide a great speed of 149 mph. But we would not recommend driving beyond the mentioned speed limit irrespective of the possibility that the tires may function well at higher speeds.
Keep in mind that if your tires are overloaded, underinflated, changed, or damaged in any way, then these speed ratings do not apply.
H Speed Rating
H-rated tires offer you an approved limit of 130 mph to drive. You would see a letter H on the sidewalls of SUVs, crossovers of SUVs, and sedans. These top-notch cars can go way faster as they have a lot of horse powers which is a feature found in other high-end automobiles also.
But if you have a know-how of the sports vehicle spectrum then you would also understand that experts rank H-rated tires at the lowest end. This low ranking is because of low-speed support value which makes it suitable for rookie stages or some amateur racing only.
How To Differentiate Between Speed Rating V And H
Speed is the key differentiator between these ratings. V tires come with a maximum speed of 149 mph, while H tires are designed to work at a speed of 130 mph maximum. It is an important difference to notice that V-tires offer twenty miles an hour more than H-tires.
There are other factors as well which differentiate one from another. V-rated tires need to be designed in a different way so that they can operate at a higher speed. The rubber compound is made softer for high-rated speed tires as compared to their lower competitors.
You require a satisfactory stopping power and better handling experience in corners at a higher speed, which necessitates the use of a softer compound. In addition to that, a V-rated tire needs to be stiffer to maintain the tire integrity at high speeds and aid you better in handling.
To give you a more clear picture, we have laid down a comparison of V and H speed rating on the basis of following parameters.
1. Durability
Whenever there is a talk about tread life endurance, H-rated tires are going to lead the race irrespective of the nature of your driving style. Keep in mind that if you do switch from H to V tires, you may encounter a loss of about 10, 000 miles.
This happens because of the stiffness of the rubber compound. A harder compound will lose the tread slower when compared to a softer compound.
2. Level Of Comfort
The “H” speed rating will work better for you if you are cruising down the highway or travelling at an allowed speed. This happens as a result of the increased rigidity of “V” rated tires. You will notice more bumps on an uneven road surface if the stiffness gets increased.
Let us just say that the “V” rated tire will be more pleasant for you to use if you find comfort in being confident about your tire while cornering quickly.
3. Safety Concern
They are both equally safe under regular driving conditions. The safety should not change based on the speed rating as long as you keep your tires inflated properly and make sure they are maintained well in shape.
But exceptions occur when high speed comes into the plot! V-rated tires are safer than H-rated ones when higher speeds are concerned.
What Is The Best Choice for Speed Rating- H or V?
Well, the choice of choosing the best one from these performance touring tires totally depends upon your requirement for the tire.
V-rated speed tires may be the best choice for you if you are a speed freak and need higher-speed performance tires. They can drive around 240 km/h (149 mph) and provide you with their well-known handling experience.
On the other hand, people who are looking for budget-friendly, comfortable, and durable tires should opt for H-rated tires. They offer a speed of about 209 km/h (130 mph) giving you their renowned pleasant rides.
How Does Mixing H and V Tires Work?
Even though manufacturers normally do not advocate tire mixing, there are several certified mixed tire fitting exceptions. But in general, you should refrain from mixing tire brands and tread designs.
For best possible performance and safety, the advice from our side would be to use tires with the same brand, size, load index, tread pattern, and speed rating on the front and back wheels.
You should also know that the manufacturer of your car is the one who set the minimum requirements for tire size, load index, and speed rating. It is a requirement under the law in most countries.
Always abide by the instructions of the vehicle’s manufacturer or seek guidance from some experienced tire experts. This is necessary because you and other drivers on the road may be in danger if you operate a vehicle with tires that are not in the proper size, shape, load index, or speed rating.
Should You Use H-Rated Tires Instead Of V Tires?
Automobile manufacturers usually do not recommend lowering the speed rating below what was standard when your automobile rolled off the manufacturing line.
Due to their more frequent availability in reduced speed ratings than summer tires, winter tires come as an exception to the above-stated rule.
The maximum speed at which cars can go is also significantly lower in the winter. You must avoid making a big jump. But if you really need to do so, the speed rating of a tire should move to one that is above or below it.
We care for your safety, so to avoid any issues, talk to the manufacturer of your car and ask what size and speed rating they suggest. Usually, the owner’s manual or the pressure sticker on the automobile will provide this information.
What More Should You Know?
What To Know About 91V and 91H Tires
A tire with a speed rating of 91v may travel at a top speed of 150 mph. It can carry 1,356 pounds according to its load index of 91, which is high (about 615 kg). However, the tire’s H speed rating of 91h indicates that it may reach top speeds of around 130 mph. It can also handle 1,356 lbs because of the 91h load index.
If you want to accommodate running at quicker speeds, V-rated tires feature a stiffer sidewall and a slightly harder feel than H-rated tires.
In typical driving conditions, the H-rated tire will offer a more comfortable ride, while the V-rated tire will offer a somewhat better handling experience.
Wrap Up
To conclude, the choice between these two speed ratings depends upon your requirements.
You definitely won’t need a tire with a “V” speed rating unless you’re driving on a racetrack or the autobahn. So, the H-rated tire will most probably benefit you more in the end.
