Tyre Categories

Improved Tyre Performance

The better the tyre:

• The better it cushions the vehicle and its passengers from road shocks
• The better it carries and distributes the load of the vehicle - the better it provides the grip
• Necessary for acceleration, braking and steering
• The better the stability it provides.

• The tougher, more durable construction of quality tyres makes tyre damage less likely
• Air is less likely to be lost due to a thick butyl layer inside the tyre and thus the less is the risk of reduced pressure compromising the safe handling of the vehicle.

Whole life value

• Quality tyres are built to last, so over the long term they can provide better value than cheaper products
• Independent tests show wear performance is significantly higher than that of cheaper tyres
• Advanced manufacturing methods and materials mean less rolling resistance when the tyre meets the road and thus less fuel consumption.

• Reduced wear means fewer tyres bought, less energy used in producing them and fewer tyres needing to be disposed of at the end of their lives
• Less fuel is used to drive on them
• They make less noise on the road and provide a quieter ride inside the car, leading to less driver fatigue and higher levels of safety.

Backed by strong research and development capability and partnership with vehicle makers

• Quality tyre manufacturers invest heavily in research and development into improving roadholding, durability, noise characteristics and energy efficiency
• They act in close partnership with the world's major vehicle manufacturers, most of whom insist on quality brand tyres on their new vehicles
• This partnership helps to provide a safer, smoother, more economical ride
• New tyre constructions are put through many rigorous tests in conjunction with the vehicle on which they are fitted. Replacing original equipment tyres with tyres approved by the vehicle maker means continuing to get the best performance from the vehicle.

Strong after sales service

• Top tyre manufacturers can offer add-on services for the motorist
• Tyre inspection
• Technical helplines
• Customer advice

Speed Rating of Replacement Car Tyres

In addition to ensuring that the load index is equal to or greater than that of the original tyres, British tyre manufacturers strongly recommend that replacement tyres should be of at least the same speed rating as those fitted when the vehicle was manufactures (see footnotes).

The main reasons for this recommendation are:

The original equipment tyre specification was selected to cater for the car's overall performance, not only in terms of its maximum speed but also, for example, its acceleration and handling.

Furthermore, they form an integral part of the design of its suspension, braking and steering systems. · Vehicle handling, safety and refinement may be adversely affected if unsuitable tyres are fitted.

Tyres of an appropriate speed rating are essential if the car is driven to its full potential and, even for everyday UK motoring, they maintain the car's design characteristics in terms of safety and performance. · In some countries it is illegal to drive on tyres which are of a lower speed rating than the maximum speed capability of the vehicle.

The most common tyre speed ratings, referring to the maximum speed capability of the vehicle, are: -

km/h mph

• Speed Symbol 'Q' 160 100
• Speed Symbol 'R' 170 106
• Speed Symbol 'S' 180 113
• Speed Symbol 'T' 190 118
• Speed Symbol 'H' 210 130
• Speed Symbol 'V' 240 150 - see footnote (1)
• Speed Symbol 'W' 270 168 - see footnote (2)
• Speed Symbol 'Y' 300 186 - see footnote (3)
• Tyres marked 'ZR' only over 240 over 150 - see footnote (2)
• Tyres marked with both 'ZR' and speed symbol 'W' 270 168 - see footnote (2)
• Tyres marked with both 'ZR' and speed symbol 'Y' 300 186 - see footnote (3)
• Tyres marked with both 'ZR' and speed symbol 'Y' as part over 300 over 186 - see footnote (3) of the service description in brackets, e.g. '(95y)'
• The British Rubber Manufacturers Association, representing all the UK tyre manufacturers, urges motorists to place safety above all else when choosing replacement tyres.

  Footnotes: -

• Some Winter tyres have a lower speed capability than the car and, in these cases, the tyre maximum speed must be observed.
• Where Winter tyres are appropriate, it is recommended that they be fitted to all four wheels.
  
  (1). For speeds over 210 km/h (130 mph) }
  (2). For speeds over 240 km/h (150 mph) } consult tyre manufacturer for relevant loads and pressures
  (3). For speeds over 270 km/h (168 mph) }