Car Tires - speed markings

 

Service Description

In addition to the Tire Size Designation a tire may be identified by a Service Description consisting of a Load Index (or two in the case of single/dual fitment) and a Speed Symbol.

Speed Symbol

Indicates the maximum speed at which the tire can carry a load corresponding to its Load Index (except for loads at speed above 210km/h) under service conditions specified by the tire manufacturer.

Speed Category

Indicate tire speed capabilities:
- above 210 km/h for VR tires (Obsolete)
- above 240 km/h for ZR tires
and are included within the tires size designation
e.g. 215/50 ZR 15

Generally Service Description is not shown on such tires.
For actual speed capabilities and load capacities, consult the tyre manufacturer concerned.

Car Tires - speed limits

Marking	Characteristics
Speed symbol "V"	Designed for fitment to vehicles with a speed capability not exceeding 240 km/h (e.g. 225/55 R 14 91 V)
Speed category "ZR"	Designed for fitment to vehicles with a speed capability over 240 km/h (e.g. 195/50 ZR 15)
Speed category "VR"	Obsolete. For Vehicles having speed capability over 210 km/h (e.g. 185/60 VR 13)
Speed symbol "W"	Designed for fitment to vehicles having speed capability not exceeding 270 km/h (e.g. 225/55 R 14 91 W)
ZR + Speed symbol "Y"	Designed for fitment to vehicles having speed capability not exceeding 300 km/h Only for a transitional period. Tires will be marked with both designation for fitment vehicles with speed capability over 240 km/h but not exceeding 270 km/h (e.g. 195/50 ZR 15 82 W)
ZR + Speed symbol "Y"	Only for a transitional period. Tires will be marked with both designation for fitment vehicles with speed capability over 240 km/h but not exceeding 300 km/h (e.g. 195/50 ZR 15 82 Y)
ZR + Load index/Speed Symbol "Y"	Tires will be marked with both designation for fitment vehicles with speed capability over 240 km/h and exceeding 300 km/h (e.g. 195/50 ZR 15 82 Y)