Speed Ratings

Tyres are required to be marked for their speed rating, as different vehicles require different performance capabilities.

You will find the marking on the side of a tyre in the following notation:

195/50VR15 - Old Standard

195/50VR15 91V - Traditional Standard

195/50R15 91V - New ISO Standard

(91 = Load Index, V=Speed Rating Symbol)

The W & Y ratings are mostly found in conjunction with the Z speed
rating, e.g. 195/50ZR15 91W. This restricts the Z rating to a maximum
speed of 168mph.

However the term 'speed rating' is a little misleading as most will never
attain the maximum speed listedfor the tyre. It should be concidered a
performance rating, as it represents the standard to which the tyre is
built and able to withstand the forces generated by the
vehicle and the road.