Tire Basics
Some General Info Before You Start Shopping:
Performance Ratings or 'Speed' Ratings: determined by the tire's maximum sustainable speed
| Performance Ratings |
- M -- up to 81 mph, (130km/h)
- N -- up to 87 mph, (140km/h)
- P -- up to 93 mph, (150km/h)
- Q -- up to 99 mph, (160km/h)
- R -- up to 106 mph, (170km/h)
- S -- up to 112 mph, (180km/h)
- T -- up to 118 mph, (190km/h)
| - U -- up to 124 mph, (200km/h)
- H -- up to 130 mph, (210km/h)
- V (VR) -- up to 149 mph, (240km/h)
- W (ZR) -- up to 168 mph, (270km/h)
- Y (ZR) -- up to 186 mph, (300km/h)
- Z -- for cars speed rated 149 mph and over, (240km/h)
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- S and T are the long-time standard tire for mini-vans and passenger cars.
- H, V, and Z are high performance and ultra high performance tires.
- H rated tires are starting to be standard on many cars.
- BMW, Volkswagon, GM, and Chrysler use high-performance Goodyear Eagle as their standard tire.
How Much Performance Do You Want?
Standard Tires  (S and T rated)
High and Ultra High Performance Tires
You don't need to own a high-performance tire, if it doesn't suit your needs. T and S rated tires are significantly cheaper, have a longer tread life and warranty, and a better quality ride.
Now that you understand speed rating, there are still a few more things to consider...
When Will The Tires Be Used? |
All-Season Tires- The best for most people.
- Overall good traction.
- Long treadwear (Between 40,000 to 100,000 miles).
- Comfortable ride.
- Not the most precise handling.
- Sizes range from 13-16 inches.
- S and T performance ratings available.
| Summer Tires - Some of the best performing tires around.
- Cannot be used in winter conditions.
| Snow Tires- Also known as Winter Tires.
- Not recommended for "non-winter" conditions.
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But, I Want It All
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All Season Performance Tires - Best for those who want better handling and grip.
- While still getting good treadwear and comfort.
- Treadwear is 40,000-70,000 miles.
- Wheel sizes from 15-17 inches.
- H and V performance ratings.
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Max Performance Summer Tires - For those who want the best wet and dry braking and handling and short treadlife.
- Summer versions are the fastest but cannot be used in winter conditions.
- Willing to forgo a warranty entirely.
- Wheel sizes range from 16-20 inches.
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Performance Winter Tires - Performance snow tires are available for more responsive snow tire.
- Almost all performance winter tires are H-rated but a few V-rated are available.
- Winter performance tires come in sizes up to 18-inch wheel diameters, cross section widths up to 285 mm, and profiles as low as 40 series.
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Something Entirely Different
Self Sealing Tires
Self Supporting Tires
Tire Size- Make sure to match new tire specifications to those of your existing tire.
- You'll need a tire that fits your existing wheels and has the same or greater load rating for your vehicle.
- Be cautious when considering the latest trend, "plus-size" tires and wheels, which means larger sized wheels and shorter, wider tires than car really requires.
- You can find out what size tires are right for your vehicle by consulting your owner's manual.
- You can also look at your current tires for a sizing reference:
- The ratio is the width in mm over the percentage of that width that makes up the profile (distance between rim and outer edge), so a tire with a size of 215/60 16 is 215mm wide, 129mm (60% of 215) from the ground to the rim, and is intended for a 16-inch wheel.
Major Manufacturers
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