Tyre Speed Rating

All tyres have a Speed Rating. This measurement is important to the vehicle's performance and your safety when driving at high speeds.

Before buying your tyres it is important that you find out what Speed Rating you require. The Speed Rating is decided by the manufacturer based on the power and weight of the vehicle.

It is important to find a tyre with the speed rating you require when replacing your tyres, as choosing a tyre with a lower speed rating than required could invalidate your insurance and increase the chance of product failure.

Where to find the correct Speed Rating for your vehicle:

• Check the vehicle handbook
• If you have had the vehicle from new look at the current tyres
• Contact a garage, dealership or vehicle manufacturer

While it is acceptable to have a Speed Rating higher than is required, it is not acceptable to have a lower Speed Rating - this can be very dangerous.

For example, if you have a tyre with a Speed Rating of  "V" as specified by your handbook, this indicates a maximum speed of up to 149 mph. When selecting a replacement tyre, a rating of "H" or below should not be selected as a replacement. However, a tyre with a Speed Rating of "V, Z, Y, W" would be suitable.

Speed Ratings are based on scientific tests where the tyre is run at speeds in 6.2 mph steps, in 10 minute increments, until the required speed has been met.

Your Speed Rating can be found on the side of your tyre at the end of a series of numbers - as follows:

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