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SPEED SYMBOLS - are shown on the sidewall of some
tires. The following table shows the maximum speed cor-
responding to the symbol.
SPEED RATINGS
†Speed Speed Maximum
Rating mph km/Hr
M 81 130 N 87 140 P 93 150
Q 99 160 R 106 170
S 112 180 T 118 190
H 130 210
V* 149 240
Z** 149 240
*Some V (or VR) rated tires may have a speed
capacity of greater than 149 mph (240 km/h). Con-
sult your tire manufacturer for maximum speed ratings if
your vehicle capability exceeds this speed.
**Z (or ZR) rated tires are designed for use on cars
with maximum speed capabilities in excess of 149
mph (240 km/h). Consult your tire manufacturer for
maximum speed capabilities.
†Although a tire may be speed rated, we do not endorse the
operation of any vehicle in an unsafe or unlawful manner. Speed ratings are based on laboratory tests which relate
to performance on the road, but are not applicable if tires
are underinflated, overloaded, worn out, damaged, al-
tered, improperly repaired, or retreaded. Furthermore, tire
speed ratings do not imply that vehicles can be safely
driven at the maximum speed for which the tire is rated,
particularly under adverse road and weather conditions or
if the vehicle has unusual characteristics. Most highway
passenger tires that do not have a speed symbol in the
sidewall have a maximum speed rating of 105 mph. Light
truck highway tires that do not have a speed symbol on the
sidewall of the tire have a maximum speed of 87 mph.
Some light truck tires may have higher maximum speeds;
consult your tire dealer. The speed and other ratings of
retreaded tires are assigned by the retreader and voids the
original manufacturer’s ratings.
IMPORTANT:
In order to maintain the speed capability of
the vehicle, replacement tires must have speed ratings
equal to or higher than those fitted as original equipment
(as indicated on the vehicle placard or owners manual). If
tires with lower speed ratings are fitted, the speed capabil-
ity of the vehicle will be lowered to the maximum speed
capability of the replacement tire as indicated on the above
table.
Remember...High speed driving can be dangerous and
may be damaging to your tires.
And...When driving at highway speeds, correct inflation
pressure is especially important.
Contact the manufacturer of your tires for their position
and assistance on the repair of speed-rated tires. When
you are replacing tires that have a speed rating, you must
replace with tires of the same or higher speed rating if the
speed capability of the vehicle is to be maintained.
VISUAL INSPECTION
INSPECT YOUR TIRES. DO NOT DRIVE ON A
DAMAGED TIRE OR WHEEL. Check your tires fre-
quently for scrapes, bulges, separations, cuts, snags,
cracks, penetrations or excessive localized wear from
hard braking. Also check for abnormal tire wear, par-
ticularly on the edges of the tire tread which may be
caused by misalignment or underinflation. Impacts can
damage the inner portion of the tire without being
visible on the outside. If damage can be seen on the
tires or wheels, or if you suspect that possible impact
damage may have occurred, replace with spare at once
and have your tire store or dealer inspect your tires
immediately. Use of a damaged tire could result in tire
destruction. When inspecting your tires, including the
spare, check your air pressures. If your pressure check
indicates that one of your tires has lost pressure of two
pounds or more, look for signs of penetrations, valve
leakage, or wheel damage that may account for the air
loss.
All tires will wear out faster when subjected to high
speeds as well as hard cornering, rapid starts, sudden
stops, frequent driving on roads which are in poor
condition, and off-road use. Roads with holes and rocks
or other objects can damage tires and cause misalign-
ment of your vehicle. When you drive on such roads,
drive on them carefully and slowly, and before driving
again at normal or highway speeds, examine your tires
for any damage, such as cuts, bulges, penetrations,
unusual wear patterns, etc.
* Provided by and published at the request of the tire
manufacturers/warrantors.
IMPORTANT TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION*
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