Tire Speed Ratings?
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From: Metropolitan Atlanta
2001 Mercedes-Benz E430
Tire Speed Ratings?
I know that this may be a dumb question, but which speed rating actually ranks the highest?
V - 149 mph, 240 km/h
Z - 149+ mph, 240+ km/h
Y - 168 mph, 270 km/h
What does the + in the Z rating mean?
V - 149 mph, 240 km/h
Z - 149+ mph, 240+ km/h
Y - 168 mph, 270 km/h
What does the + in the Z rating mean?
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From: THE Orange County, California
2024 C8 Z06- 2025 BMW CS- 2022 Porsche 992 GTS
Here is an excerpt from the Tirerack definition:
"When Z-speed rated tires were first introduced, they were thought to reflect the highest speed rating that would ever be required. Since that time the automotive industry has found it necessary to add W- and Y-speed ratings (indicated in the tire’s service description) to identify the tires that meet the needs of new vehicles that have extremely high, top speed capabilities. "
Tirerack link to speed rating definitions
"When Z-speed rated tires were first introduced, they were thought to reflect the highest speed rating that would ever be required. Since that time the automotive industry has found it necessary to add W- and Y-speed ratings (indicated in the tire’s service description) to identify the tires that meet the needs of new vehicles that have extremely high, top speed capabilities. "
Tirerack link to speed rating definitions
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From: Richmond, BC, Canada
2010 Prius & Miata MX5 PRHT, 2010 Toyota Venza AWD, 05 C55 AMG, Yamaha 1100 Custom, Honda 250 Reflex
Great info. So, I can order the SO3 in Y ratings afterall.
I didn't realize that Y rating is higher than a Z. Thanks!
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Re: Great info. So, I can order the SO3 in Y ratings afterall.
Originally posted by benggolf
I didn't realize that Y rating is higher than a Z. Thanks!
I didn't realize that Y rating is higher than a Z. Thanks!
So, technichally, both Y- and W- rated tires are Z-rated at the same time. You may even see both designations stamped on them - Z and Y or Z and W.
Last edited by vadim; Jan 25, 2002 at 02:52 AM.
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From: Richmond, BC, Canada
2010 Prius & Miata MX5 PRHT, 2010 Toyota Venza AWD, 05 C55 AMG, Yamaha 1100 Custom, Honda 250 Reflex
Vadim, thanks for the clarification. You are right!
Fortunately, both the Y and Z ratings are beyond the maximum speed on the SLK32 before which the speed limiter will engage.
Do you see any reason why Bridgestone would "down rate" the S03s from ZR to YR in the sizes I am looking at (225/45 ZR x 17 and 255/40 ZR x 17)? Reduce cost/selling price?
Do you see any reason why Bridgestone would "down rate" the S03s from ZR to YR in the sizes I am looking at (225/45 ZR x 17 and 255/40 ZR x 17)? Reduce cost/selling price?
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Re: Vadim, thanks for the clarification. You are right!
benggolf
Could it be the size of the tires? What about sizes 18"s or 19"s do they have the same ratings?
Could it be the size of the tires? What about sizes 18"s or 19"s do they have the same ratings?
Originally posted by benggolf
Fortunately, both the Y and Z ratings are beyond the maximum speed on the SLK32 before which the speed limiter will engage.
Do you see any reason why Bridgestone would "down rate" the S03s from ZR to YR in the sizes I am looking at (225/45 ZR x 17 and 255/40 ZR x 17)? Reduce cost/selling price?
Fortunately, both the Y and Z ratings are beyond the maximum speed on the SLK32 before which the speed limiter will engage.
Do you see any reason why Bridgestone would "down rate" the S03s from ZR to YR in the sizes I am looking at (225/45 ZR x 17 and 255/40 ZR x 17)? Reduce cost/selling price?
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Re: Vadim, thanks for the clarification. You are right!
Originally posted by benggolf
Fortunately, both the Y and Z ratings are beyond the maximum speed on the SLK32 before which the speed limiter will engage.
Do you see any reason why Bridgestone would "down rate" the S03s from ZR to YR in the sizes I am looking at (225/45 ZR x 17 and 255/40 ZR x 17)? Reduce cost/selling price?
Fortunately, both the Y and Z ratings are beyond the maximum speed on the SLK32 before which the speed limiter will engage.
Do you see any reason why Bridgestone would "down rate" the S03s from ZR to YR in the sizes I am looking at (225/45 ZR x 17 and 255/40 ZR x 17)? Reduce cost/selling price?
Am i reading this Tirerack explanation incorrectly:
"When Z-speed rated tires were first introduced, they were thought to reflect the highest speed rating that would ever be required. Since that time the automotive industry has found it necessary to add W- and Y-speed ratings (indicated in the tire’s service description) to identify the tires that meet the needs of new vehicles that have extremely high, top speed capabilities. "
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