Speed rating of tires is an important aspect to consider when purchasing new tires for a vehicle.
The speed rating of a tire designates the supreme speed at which the tire can out of harm’s way function.
It is denoted by a letter, typically ranging from A to Z, with each letter corresponding to a specific speed rating.
The higher the speed rating, the higher the maximum speed at which the tire can safely travel.
As we are comparing several Speed rating tire to each other from A to Z.
Today we are going to discuss H vs T speed rating. Every Speed rated tire is specifically designed to meet the driver’s need and every speed rating tire has some benefits and drawbacks.
So don’t worry, we are here for you to select the best speed rated tire for your vehicle between H vs T speed ratings.
Which one is the best and why it’s best for you?
H vs T Speed Rating
The best thing I like about an H speed rating over T speed rating is that it can endure speed up to 130mph and its performance is not hampered.
This indicates that the tire will operate safely and under control up to 130 mph.
But by chance, if you go over 130mph regularly, you won’t capitalize on the tire and the tire probably won’t be able to work longtime.
On the other hand, a T-speed rating tire can only go up to 118mph indicating if you continue driving over 118 you may be under dangerous road circumstances and also the tire will lose its longevity. Therefore, choosing the tire that matches your driving capabilities and driving with its speed rating limitations is very important for both the safety and lifespan of the tire.
Difference between H vs T speed rating tires
The speed rating of both of H and T speed rated is not only one but a major difference among them.
Although, a tire with an H rating can travel 12 mph faster than a tire with a T rating.
Despite the fact that these distinctions don’t seem like a lot.
This means that an H-rated tire performs better than a T-speed-rated tire at basically all speeds.
As we have mentioned above if any speed rating has some drawbacks and has its benefits too.
A T speed rated tire is designed for drivers who don’t like fast driving and keep their vehicle’s speed up to 118 mph only.
They are usually installed on trucks and can be seen everywhere commonly.
However, H speed rating tire is comparatively much better at handling which ultimately makes it better while cornering, braking and accelerating.
They are high-performance tires thus usually installed on sedans, crossovers and SUVs.
Here, between H vs T speed rated tire, the only major difference among them is friction rather than its speed limits.
Heat resistance is another consideration, with an H-rated tire outperforming a T-rated tire by a significant margin. Basically, with an H-speed rated tire, all performance measurements are better, yet these differences mean very little in reality on the grounds that on public roads anybody hardly could at any point go above 118mph while driving.
Tire’s codes Guides
- Tire Size Code: Tire’s code indicates the tire’s size and is usually represented in a format like P215/65R15. In this example:
- P: Indicates the tire is for a passenger vehicle. Other letters like LT (Light Truck) or T (Temporary) may be used for different applications.
- 215: Represents the tire’s width in millimeters from sidewall to sidewall.
- 65: Indicates the aspect ratio, which is the ratio of the tire’s height to its width as a percentage.
- R: Stands for radial construction. Almost all modern tires are radial.
- 15: Characterizes the wheel thickness in inches that the tire is aimed to fit.
- Load Index: A numerical code indicating the maximum weight capacity of the tire. The higher the number, the greater the load-carrying capacity.
- Speed Rating: A letter code representing the maximum speed at which the tire can safely operate. For example, “H” means the tire is rated for speeds up to 130 mph (210 km/h).
- DOT Code: The Department of Transportation (DOT) code is a series of characters that identify the tire’s manufacturer, plant, tire size, and date of production. The last four digits indicate the week and year of production. For example, “2319” means the tire was manufactured in the 23rd week of 2019.
- Treadwear Rating: A number indicating the tire’s expected lifespan compared to a reference tire. Higher numbers mean longer-lasting tires.
- Traction and Temperature Ratings: These codes indicate the tire’s performance in terms of traction (A, B, C) and temperature resistance (A, B, C) respectively.
- UTQG: The Uniform Tire Quality Grading system provides information on the tire’s tread wear, traction, and temperature resistance.
Keep in mind that tire markings can vary slightly depending on the manufacturer and the type of tire.
If you need more specific information, it’s best to refer to the tire’s user manual or contact the manufacturer directly.
Guide to choosing the best tires?
Choosing the best tire for your vehicle depends on various factors, including your driving needs, climate, vehicle type, and budget.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you make an informed decision:
1. Know your vehicle specification:
Check your vehicle’s owner’s manual or the tire placard located on the driver’s side door jamb to find the recommended tire size, load capacity, and speed rating.
2. Determined your driving needs:
Consider your driving habits and needs.
Are you primarily driving on highways, city roads, or off-road?
Do you encounter extreme weather conditions such as heavy rain or snow?
3. Understand their types:
There are three main types of tires:
- All-season tires: Suitable for most driving conditions, including light snow. They offer a good balance between performance and longevity.
- Summer tires: Provide excellent grip in dry and wet conditions but may perform poorly in snow or icy conditions.
- Winter tires: Designed for cold weather, snow, and ice. They offer better traction in harsh winter conditions.
4. Check tire rating and review:
Look for reviews and ratings from reputable sources or other drivers to gain insights into the performance, durability, and handling characteristics of different tire models
5. Assess your driving style:
If you prefer a smooth and quiet ride, look for tires with a focus on comfort. On the other hand, if you enjoy spirited driving, opt for tires with better handling and performance characteristics.
6. Compare Prices:
Set a budget and compare the prices of different tire brands and models.
Remember that cheaper tires might save you money upfront but could wear out faster or offer poorer performance
7. Check for warranties:
Look for tires with manufacturer warranties that cover defects or premature wear.
This can add value and peace of mind to your purchase.
8. Consider fuel efficiency:
Some tires are designed to provide better fuel efficiency, which can save you money on gas over time.
9. Consult a tire professional:
If you’re unsure about which tire to choose, consult a tire specialist or a trusted mechanic.
They can provide personalized recommendations based on your needs and vehicle.
Remember that the “best” tire varies depending on individual preferences and driving requirements.
It’s essential to find the right balance between performance, durability, and cost to make the most suitable choice for your specific situation.
Why letter P and LT is written on tires?
You may have seen Letter P and LT on tires. Letter P and LT on tires represent different types of classification:
P – Passenger Tire:
The letter “P” stands for “Passenger” in the tire classification system.
Passenger tires are designed for use on passenger vehicles, such as cars, minivans, and SUVs.
They are optimized for comfort, low noise, and a smooth ride in regular road conditions.
These tires are commonly found on everyday passenger vehicles
LT – Light Truck Tire:
The letters “LT” stand for “Light Truck” in the tire classification system.
LT tires are designed for use on light trucks, SUVs, and other vehicles that may carry heavy loads or be used for towing.
They are built to handle the extra weight and stress associated with these vehicles’ applications.
Light truck tires often have stronger sidewalls and construction to enhance durability and load-carrying capacity.
What happens if I break the speed rating limits?
It’s essential to adhere to the tire speed rating recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.
Exceeding the tire’s speed rating can be dangerous, as the tire may not be able to dissipate heat properly, leading to potential failure or loss of control at high speeds.
In summary, you should not drive faster than the speed rating of your tires.
Always follow the recommended speed limits and tire specifications to ensure your safety and the longevity of your tires.
Conclusion
By the end of the article, we can confidently say that an H-speed-rated tire is slightly going better than T speed rated tire because its 12mph faster speed than T speed-rated tires.
But in reality, this truly has no mentionable effect since you shouldn’t surpass the speed limit.
H speed rated tire perform than T and to know on what basis a few tires perform better compared to other tires, its important to first know all the codes comprehensively.
