TIRE CENTER · Understanding & choosing tires
Speed ratings
Find the capability letter
Speed Rating is the letter after the Load Index (weight-capacity number). Together they form the service description. It describes tested capability under specified conditions, not a recommended or permitted driving speed.
One tire marking, three connected lessons
Look up the letter
Speed Rating reference: E–Y
Reference test speeds—not driving advice.
All rows remain available below; highlighting does not hide other values.
View the complete Speed Rating table
| Speed Rating | km/h | Approx. mph |
|---|---|---|
| E | 70 | 43 |
| F | 80 | 50 |
| G | 90 | 56 |
| J | 100 | 62 |
| K | 110 | 68 |
| L | 120 | 75 |
| M | 130 | 81 |
| N | 140 | 87 |
| P | 150 | 93 |
| Q | 160 | 99 |
| R | 170 | 106 |
| S | 180 | 112 |
| T | 190 | 118 |
| U | 200 | 124 |
| H | 210 | 130 |
| V | 240 | 149 |
| W | 270 | 168 |
| Y | 300 | 186 |
Source: Bridgestone published reference, reviewed 2026-10-01. The Speed Rating chart lists 18 finite reference symbols from E to Y in increasing speed order. Z/ZR and (Y) are discussed separately below.
Use the lookup
V in the shared example
- Find V in the table: 240 km/h, approximately 149 mph.
- H and W lead to different rows. Your normal driving speed alone does not decide which replacement rating is appropriate.
- Match the vehicle/tire manufacturer’s requirements. Repaired or damaged tires cannot automatically be assumed to retain their original speed capability.
When the marking needs more detail
| Marking / question | Meaning | Action |
|---|---|---|
| ZR within the size | Above-240-km/h designation | Consult the service description and manufacturer; no one exact ZR speed |
| (Y) / beyond Y | Capability beyond the ordinary Y reference under manufacturer conditions | Obtain the exact manufacturer limits |
Follow the actual fitment requirements
Any lower-rated winter-tire exception requires applicable manufacturer guidance. Respect law, conditions and vehicle/tire limits when driving. Tire condition, inflation and load remain controlling.
Sources and Technical Notes
Technical concepts reviewed 2026-10-10. Actual application instructions remain controlling.
- Michelin: complete 205/55R17 91V marking and ratings (opens in a new tab)
- USTMA Care and Service of Passenger and Light Truck Tires (2017 edition, currently hosted) (opens in a new tab)
- Bridgestone: published load/speed reference tables (opens in a new tab)
Application-specific details and scope
The chart contains 18 finite test-speed reference symbols, E through Y, in increasing speed order. Z/ZR is an above-240-km/h designation rather than an additional finite row; (Y) requires exact manufacturer information. Higher-speed operation can impose additional load limitations. mph values are rounded conversions of the published km/h values.