What does H mean in tires?
James Olson
Updated on May 14, 2026
“H” represents the speed rating, which is how fast the tires can go based on their load capacity. This rating ranges from A – Z. “H” indicates a speed rating of up to 130 mph.
What does H or T mean on tires?
So, what does the T or H mean on tires? The “T” or “H” on tires pertain to their speed ratings. A T-rated tire can withstand top speeds of up to 118 mph (190 km/h), while an H-rated tire can support up to 130 mph (210 km/h). It is important to note these markings and stay within those speed limits.Should I get H or V rated tires?
If you feel the need to drive at or above 130 mph then you should get a “V” speed rated set of tires. If you don't plan on driving that fast, then an “H” speed rated set is the better option.Are H-rated tires good?
H-Rated Tires: This is a perfect, average tire for most sedans and commuter vehicles. It might not seem to fit in our chart, but the tire speed rating “H” is rated for up to 130 mph. T-Rated Tires: This tire is often recommended for family sedans and vans. It's rated for up to 118 mph.What speed rating is H?
SPEED RATING HIf you recall from earlier, the “H” speed rating doesn't appear after “G” but between “U” and “V.” It represents a maximum speed of 130 mph (210 kph) and is commonly found on sports sedans and coupes.
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Can I mix H and V rated tyres?
We'd never recommended mixing tyres with different speed ratings on your vehicle. It's safest to fit the same size and type of tyre, with the same speed rating, on all your wheels.Is a higher load rating better?
The load rating can be located on the sidewall of all tyres and is represented by a numerical value. The higher the load rating number, the stronger the tyre. Tyres with a higher load rating can take a greater amount of air pressure, which means they can also carry heavier loads.What is load range H?
From a G to an HTruck tires typically come in two load ratings: G and H. Load range G is a 14-ply configuration, while load range H tires have 16 plies. The heavier-rated tire will usually add between 700 pounds and 1,000 pounds more load-bearing capacity per tire (see "How Much is Too Much," next page).
What are Z rated tires?
While a Z-speed rating still often appears in the tire size of some tires, such as 225/50ZR16 91W, the Z in the size signifies a maximum speed capability in excess of 149 mph; the W in the service description indicates the tire's specific 168 mph maximum speed.What is a good load index for tires?
Most passenger-car tire load indexes range from 75 to 100, but some are higher. The chart shows how load indexes translate to weight.Can I put lower speed rated tires on my car?
SPEED RATINGS REFER TO MORE THAN JUST SPEEDYou can always increase the speed rating of the tires on your vehicle for improved performance, but can never decrease it without reducing the vehicle top speed to that of the lower speed rating selected.