Tyre Speed Rating Explained (What "96H" Means)
On the tyre sidewall you will see a code like R17 96H. It tells you the rim size, how much weight the tyre can carry and how fast it is designed to go.
Reading "R17 96H"
- R17: radial tyre for a 17-inch rim.
- 96: load index, the maximum weight per tyre (96 is about 710 kg).
- H: speed rating, up to 210 km/h.
Common speed ratings
L 120 · M 130 · N 140 · P 150 · Q 160 · R 170 · S 180 · T 190 · H 210 · V 240 · W 270 · Y 300 km/h.
⚠️ Safety: The rating is a design limit, not a target speed. Obey road speed limits, and never fit tyres with a lower speed or load rating than your car manual requires. Worn, old or under-inflated tyres cannot reach their rating safely.
Check pressure every two weeks and replace tyres that are cracked, bulging or worn smooth.
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