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Author
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Topic: Speed Rating - what to expect if you buy tires with different rating?
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Steve
unregistered
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posted August 07, 2000 01:16 AM
 
Can anyone tell me the impact of changing tires to lower or higher speed ratings? i.e. If you have an H rated tire but buy a T rated tire what kind of differences should you expect if any (handling changes?, gas mileage?, etc)? Is there any advantage to upgrading to a higher speed rated tire (other than being able to drive faster..not that I can even hit the highest speeds in the lowest rating specs). Thanks
Steve IP: Logged |
DreamMan
Associate Member
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posted August 07, 2000 06:26 AM
 
Steve,
It actually depends on the car.. If you have an H rated tire now and go down to a "T" or an "S" than you will definetly feel the difference in the way the car handles. The speed rating is mostly for the general publics purpose, how well the car can be controlled. I have a 94 Honda Accord, and a while back I put a set of Potenza 910's. Great tire for comfort , ride, and noise, but I hated the way it cornered-very sloppy (to me). So I ended up going with an H rated tire and have been very pleased. Before I purchased the 910's I had Mich. MXV4 (Hrated) so therefore I could tell a big difference.
Hope this Info was some use to ya!!  IP: Logged |
donfromnaples
unregistered
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posted August 07, 2000 06:11 PM
besides high speed handling, cornering, and off the line grip while accelerating are definitely related to speed ratings on your tires. the high speed rated tires are much stickier and a general rule is one speed rating increase equals about a 5 feet decrease in braking. you have h speed rated tires now, go to a T rated tire will likely make you stop in an emergency 5 to 10 feet longer. the drawbacks of high speed tires are longevity and noise. a good touring tire will last twice as long and be much quieter and smoother on the road(which could negligibly increase your gas mileage due to lower friction). if you don't drive aggressively, then you could go with a good touring tire. check them out at tirerack.comIP: Logged |
Jay
unregistered
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posted August 07, 2000 10:04 PM
Check out this thread:
http://209.15.66.87/APBB/Forum1/HTML/000299.html You will gain in performance by going to a higher speed rated tire, but sacrifice some ride comfort, tire life, and possibly fuel economy. IP: Logged |
Steve
unregistered
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posted August 09, 2000 02:42 AM
Thanks for everyones' replies. My 1992 Honda Accord had H rated MXV Michelins and for purposes of "tread" longevity I opted to get T rated Michelin X ones. Handling is poor but the ride is one of the quietest and smoothest I have ever had. I did not realize the braking distance impacts related to speed rating. That is very interesting information. Also appreciated the link to the other speed-rating tire discussion. Thanks again, Steve IP: Logged | |
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