SPEED SYMBOLS -are shown on the sidewall of
some tires. The following table shows the maximum
speed corresponding to the symbol.SPEED RATINGS †Speed Speed
Maximum Rating mph km/Hr
M 81 130
N 87 140
P 93 150
R 99 160
R 106 170
S 112 180
T 118 190
H 130 210
W 168 270
Y 186 300
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).
Consult your tire manufacturer for maximum speed rat-
ings 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 manufac-
turer 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, altered, improperly repaired, or re-
treaded. 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 un-
usual 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 re-
treaded 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 rat-
ings equal to or higher than those fitted as original
equipment (as indicated on the vehicle placard or Own-
er’s Manual) . If tires with lower speed ratings are fitted,
the speed capability 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, particu-
larly 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 dam-
age 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.
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IMPORTANT TIRE SAFETY INFORMATION159
