Speed symbols & Load index
The majority of tyres have codes marked on them, which correspond to their load carrying and maximum speed capabilities. The speed symbol indicates the maximum speed at which the tyre can carry the load corresponding with its load index. (Except for speeds above 131 mph - see the notes below).
• Tyres marked ‘VR’ within the size designation are designed for speeds in excess of 131 mph.
• Tyres marked ‘ZR’ within the size designation are designed for speeds in excess of 149 mph.
• Tyres marked ‘V’ in conjunction with a load index, e.g. 93V are suitable for speeds in excess of 131 mph & up to 149 mph. (The load index given is for a speed of 131 mph and the load must be reduced by 3% for every increment of 6 mph up to 149 mph.)
• Tyres marked ‘W’ in conjunction with a load index e.g. 83W, are suitable for speeds in excess of 149 mph & up to 168 mph. (The load index given is for a speed of 149 mph and the load must be reduced by 5% for every increment of 6 mph up to 168 mph.)
NB: tyres with a ‘W’ speed symbol may incorporate ‘ZR’ in the size marking.
• Tyres marked ‘Y’ in conjunction with a load index, e.g. 83Y, are suitable for speeds in excess of 168 mph & up to 186 mph. (The load index given is for a speed of 168 mph and the load must be reduced by 5% for every increment of 6 mph up to 186 mph.)
• Where the service description is placed within brackets e.g. (95Y), the tyre is suitable for speeds over 186 mph, please contact Michelin for details.
SPEED SYMBOL
MAX SPEED KM/H
MAX SPEED MPH (Approx)
J 100 62
K 110 68
L 120 75
M 130 81
N 140 87
P 150 93
Q 160 99
R 170 106
S 180 112
T 190 118
U 200 124
H 210 131
V 240 149
VR >210 >131
W 270 168
Y 300 186
ZR >240 >149
Speed symbols & Load index
Load index is a numerical code associated with the maximum load a tyre can carry at the speed indicated by its speed symbol under service conditions specified by the tyre manufacturer.
Load index, speed symbol example: 91H
91 = Load index
(maximum load per tyre = 615kg)
H = Speed symbol
(maximum speed 210 km/h or approximately 131mph)
The load index (or two load indices in the case of single/dual
fitments) and speed symbol are also referred to as the Service
Description.
Extra Load or XL: This tyre has a higher load rating than would normally apply to this size.
Reinforced or Reinf: This tyre has a higher load rating than would normally apply to this size.