Join

How Tire Speed Ratings Affect the Safety of Your Car

This is where you find the speed rating on the tire.
This is where you find the speed rating on the tire.

 

When it comes to tires and the safety of those inside the vehicle, there’s a lot riding on the letters of the alphabet.

All tires have a speed rating, and those ratings determine how fast the vehicle can safely travel on those tires, from about 75 mph to 186 mph.

An “H” rated tire, originally known as a high performance tire, will allow a car to go up to 130 mph.

A customer recently came into our shop and told us his Nissan was pulling to the right when driven. A perfect candidate for an alignment, we pulled the tires from the car and noticed two different tires on the front and two matching tires on the rear. The right front tire, a T-rated tire capable of traveling up to 118 mph, and an S-rated tire that can go up to 112 mph.

The matching rear tires installed by the factory were faster, H-rated tires.

It was clear that the tires were causing the alignment issue, but we also know having three different speed rated tires on the same vehicle is an issue that impact the car’s overall ability to run safely. The higher “H” speed-rated tires originally installed on the rear of the car were the right tires for the vehicle.

So, how did the car come to have tires with three separate safety ratings? The customer told us a local shop that deals in used tires put them on the car. Afterward, the customer called the tire shop and was told “tire ratings don’t matter.”

We couldn’t disagree more.

Michelin tire with a Y speed rating
Michelin tire with a Y speed rating

“As professionals, we are counted on to provide expert opinions and advice based on facts and supported by experience,” said Rich Campbell, manager of Hometowne Auto Repair & Tire.

“The customer’s safety and security was compromised by a shop that first installed the incorrect tires with different speed ratings,” said Campbell.

Cooper tire with a V speed rating
Cooper tire with a V speed rating

Hometowne put on new tires to match the speed ratings of the rear tires, and that not only fixed the alignment problem, it allowed our customer to drive away with four evenly matched speed rated tires making for a safer drive on the road.

So the next time you’re due for new tires, or you’d like to make a tire upgrade, make sure you talk with our technicians about the speed rating of your current tires, and how a higher speed rating could improve your vehicle’s performance.

Recent Stories

As the debate heats up over who serves the best pizza in Potomac Local Land, your favorite spots are taking the lead. Current front-runners include Montclair Family Restaurant, Brixx, and a variety of beloved local joints. But the competition isn’t over yet!

Universities get about a trillion dollars a year from taxpayers. On average about 90%+ of contributions from university faculty and staff go to leftist causes and candidates.

Stafford County officials clarified that there will be no hearing during the Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, May 7, regarding the proposed Buc-ee’s gas station at the Board of Supervisors meeting on May 7.

The Stafford County Board of Supervisors faces a looming decision on the Clift Farm proposal by Jarrell Properties, Inc., which seeks to rezone 57 acres from Agricultural to Urban Residential – Medium Density. The development area, located on Clift Farm Road, just off Leland Road in the Falmouth District, plans for 141 age-restricted homes.

We are honored to have the Honorable Andrea O. Bailey of the Potomac District, along with the esteemed leadership of Prince William County, hosting our 4th Annual 5K Walk for Mental Health Awareness. This event is a testament to their commitment to educate, advocate for, and dispel myths and stigma surrounding mental illness.

Dust off your running or walking shoes, bring your pets, and move with us in this county-wide FREE event in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month on Saturday, May 18th, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. This year’s theme is Movement: Moving for Your Mental Health.

We will walk along a scenic multi-purpose trail in a wooded setting with sufficient signage to meet the needs of the walkers at Locust Shade Park, 4701 Locust Shade Drive, Triangle, Virginia 22192.

Read More

Submit your own Community Post here.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by life’s challenges? Struggling with anxiety, depression, or unresolved trauma? Take the first step towards healing and reclaiming your life with our professional psychotherapy services.

At Peaceful Mind Solutions, we understand that mental health is just as important as physical health. Our team of compassionate and experienced therapists is here to provide you with the support and guidance you need on your journey to mental wellness.

Through personalized therapy sessions, we create a safe and non-judgmental space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. Whether you’re dealing with past traumas, relationship issues, or simply seeking personal growth, we tailor our approach to meet your unique needs and goals.

Read More

Submit your own Community Post here.

Ă—

Subscribe to our mailing list